How can I use sample answers?
Sample answers are great because they provide a good model for you to compare your writing with. However, simply reading lots of them is not going to make you a better writer.
Think about it this way, how many millions of people watch world class footballers like Messi and Ronaldo every week? Does it improve their football skills? Maybe if they go and practice what they learned, but not a bit if they do nothing.
In order to really improve you have to actively use the answers below, not passively read them and then expect to magically improve. Follow the plan of action below.
Plan of Action
- Read the questions, but DO NOT read the answers. Even taking a brief look at the question will influence your answer.
- Attempt the answer under exam conditions.
- Compare what you have with the sample answer.
- Think about the ideas, the structure, the organisation, vocabulary and grammar. It is important that you really think deeply about how the author used each of the elements above.
- Don’t worry if your answer is very different. There are many different ways to answer a Task 2 question.
- Go back and improve your original answer with some of the elements of the sample answer.
100 Sample Questions
If you don’t want sample answers and just want to look at lots of practice questions, here is a list of over 100 of them.
You can find some more sample questions on the official IELTS website and British Council site.
Answers with Examiner’s Reports
To give you an insight into how the examiner marks your test, here are some answers with examiner’s comments at the end.
Childcare Discussion Essay and Examiner’s Report
Student’s Band 6 Answer and Examiner’s Report
Agree or Disagree Questions
In these questions you are given a statement and asked if you agree or disagree with it. They are also sometimes called ‘Opinion’ questions.
Student’s Essay on Voluntary Service
An Essay Most Students Got Wrong
Languages Agree or Disagree Essay
Agree or Disagree Sample Essays
Compulsory Voluntary Work in High School
To what extent do you agree or disagree?- Technology
Agree or Disagree- Arts at Primary School Level
Agree or Disagree- Online Lectures
Positive or Negative Development- Shopping
Environmental Essay with Short Introduction and Conclusion
Discussion Questions
In these questions you are given two opposing points of view and asked to discuss both of them and give your opinion.
Discussion and Opinion (University Education)
Discussion Essay- Student Rewards
Childcare Discussion Essay Good and Bad Example
Discuss Both Views- Mixed Schools
Advantage and Disadvantage Questions
In these questions you are normally give one issue and asked to discuss the positive and negative sides of that issue.
Advantages and Disadvantages Essay- Multinational Companies
Problem/Causes and Solutions
Sometimes you are asked about the problems that a certain issue causes and sometimes you are asked about the causes of a certain problem. An important distinction as you will see below.
Causes and Solutions- Health and Fitness
Good and Bad Example- Old and Young People in the Job Market
Double Questions
An increasingly common question gives one issue and then asks two separate questions about it.
Double Questions Sample Answer- Technology
More to come….
I try to publish at least one new sample essay a week, so please check back for more. You can keep up to date by joining our mailing list below or join our Facebook page.
You should now go to our Writing Task 2 page for lots of resources to help you get ready for your exam.
If you comment below, I will get right back to you.
sharewithjolie says
perfect !!!
Dr Sonna says
Hi Christopher,
We frequently encounter questions about the importance of creative artists and their work. It would be a great help if you give us some ideas.
Kay says
Hi Christopher,
I was wondering if there were any synonyms for “host country”??
Thank you for your time!
Kay