Hi, I’m Jonathan Mitchell, IELTS examiner and writing specialist.
If you want to achieve a Band 8 or 9 in the IELTS General Training Writing test, studying GT Essay Model Answers is one of the most effective ways to learn.
Model essays reveal what a well-organised, clearly argued response looks like — with appropriate tone, structure, and language.
In this guide, I’ll share five Band 9 sample essays, covering the most common IELTS question types: Opinion, Discussion, Problem–Solution, Advantages/Disadvantages, and Double Question — each with examiner commentary and key features.
Question:
Some people think governments should spend more money on public services rather than the arts. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
Model Answer:
It is often argued that governments should allocate funding to essential services such as healthcare and education instead of artistic projects. I completely agree with this view because public services directly improve citizens’ quality of life and promote long-term development.
Firstly, essential services like hospitals and schools are crucial for social stability. For example, when governments invest in healthcare, they save lives, reduce poverty, and build a healthier workforce. In contrast, art exhibitions or theatre performances benefit only a small portion of society.
Secondly, investment in education and infrastructure supports economic growth. For instance, countries that prioritise public services tend to have higher productivity and innovation levels, which ultimately enhance the national economy.
In conclusion, funding public services is far more beneficial than supporting artistic activities, as it ensures citizens’ welfare and sustainable development.
✅ Examiner’s Comment:
Band: 9.0
Question:
Some people prefer to live in big cities, while others think life is better in the countryside. Discuss both views and give your opinion.
Model Answer:
Many people believe city life offers better opportunities, while others argue rural living provides greater peace and community spirit. This essay will discuss both perspectives before explaining why I personally prefer living in urban areas.
On one hand, cities provide more job opportunities and access to modern facilities such as hospitals, schools, and entertainment. For example, professionals can easily find diverse career options in large companies, which is rarely possible in small towns.
On the other hand, rural areas offer a slower pace of life and closer social connections. People tend to know their neighbours, and stress levels are lower due to less pollution and traffic.
In my opinion, city life is more practical because it supports career growth and provides a wider range of services. However, governments should ensure cities remain liveable by controlling congestion and improving green spaces.
✅ Examiner’s Comment:
Band: 9.0
Question:
In many countries, people throw away large amounts of food every day. Why do people waste food, and what can be done to reduce this problem?
Model Answer:
Food wastage has become a major concern across the world. This essay will discuss the main reasons for this problem and propose practical solutions.
One major reason is that food has become more affordable and easily available. People often purchase more than they need, especially in supermarkets that offer discounts on bulk purchases. In addition, poor storage habits lead to food spoiling quickly.
To tackle this issue, public awareness campaigns should educate people about the environmental and economic effects of food waste. Moreover, governments could introduce stricter regulations for restaurants and retailers to donate surplus food to charities instead of discarding it.
In conclusion, food waste occurs mainly due to careless consumer behaviour and overproduction. Encouraging responsible consumption and redistribution can significantly reduce this global issue.
✅ Examiner’s Comment:
Band: 9.0
Question:
Some people believe working from home is more beneficial than working in an office. Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of working remotely.
Model Answer:
The rise of technology has made remote work increasingly popular. While there are clear benefits to working from home, it also presents several challenges.
One major advantage is flexibility. Employees can manage their schedules more effectively, leading to improved work-life balance. Additionally, companies save money on office rent and utilities. For instance, many firms reported higher productivity when remote work was introduced during the pandemic.
However, there are also disadvantages. Remote workers often feel isolated from colleagues and find it difficult to separate work from personal life. Moreover, not all professions are suitable for home-based work, especially those requiring physical presence or teamwork.
In conclusion, working from home provides greater flexibility and cost savings, but it also brings challenges related to communication and mental health. The key is to find a balance between remote and office work.
✅ Examiner’s Comment:
Band: 9.0
Question:
Why do people choose to live alone, and is this a positive or negative development?
Model Answer:
An increasing number of people today prefer living alone instead of with family or friends. This essay will discuss the reasons behind this trend and whether it has more positive or negative consequences.
The main reason people live alone is independence. With modern lifestyles and stable incomes, many individuals value privacy and personal freedom. Urbanisation has also led to smaller housing spaces, making single living more practical.
This development has both benefits and drawbacks. On the one hand, it promotes self-reliance and personal growth. On the other hand, it can cause loneliness and weaken social bonds, especially among the elderly.
In my view, living alone is not inherently negative, but society should ensure people remain socially connected through community activities and shared spaces.
✅ Examiner’s Comment:
Band: 9.0
Feature | Explanation |
Clear structure | Introduction, 2 body paragraphs, conclusion |
Focused main ideas | One idea per paragraph, each fully developed |
Precise vocabulary | Topic-specific and academic tone |
Balanced tone | Objective and formal throughout |
Error-free grammar | Wide range of sentence types, no basic mistakes |
✅ Band 9 Tip: Practice paraphrasing the question and linking ideas naturally — avoid memorised templates.
Try identifying the essay type and tone:
1️⃣ Some people think advertising encourages unnecessary spending. → Opinion Essay – Formal Tone
2️⃣ What are the causes of traffic congestion, and what can be done to reduce it? → Problem–Solution Essay – Formal Tone
3️⃣ Discuss both the benefits and challenges of living in large cities. → Discussion Essay – Neutral, Balanced Tone
Before submitting your essay:
If yes, you’re producing essays ready for Band 8–9 performance.
Reading and analysing GT Essay Model Answers helps you understand how high-level writing looks and flows.
The key to success is not memorisation, but adaptation — applying strong structure, precise vocabulary, and clear logic to new topics.
Next, continue to Grammar & Vocabulary Focus to refine the language that powers Band 9 essays.
You can also revisit the IELTS Writing Overview: Format, Scoring & Key Skills or view official sample essays on IELTS.org.
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