Hi, I’m Sarah Thompson, IELTS tutor and examiner with over 20 years of experience guiding learners to Band 8 and 9.
If you’ve studied essay structures and grammar, the next step is seeing how these principles work in real High-Band Model Essays.
In this guide, I’ll share full sample essays for each IELTS Task 2 type — Opinion, Discussion, Advantages/Disadvantages, and Problem–Solution — with examiner-style commentary explaining why they achieve top scores.
IELTS examiners score your essay using four equal criteria:
1️⃣ Task Response (25%) – Clear, complete, relevant answer
2️⃣ Coherence & Cohesion (25%) – Logical flow and paragraphing
3️⃣ Lexical Resource (25%) – Range and precision of vocabulary
4️⃣ Grammatical Range & Accuracy (25%) – Complex but controlled sentence use
A High-Band Model Essay achieves balance — accuracy, clarity, and academic tone throughout.
Question:
Some people believe that governments should make public transport free for all citizens. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
✅ Band 9 Model Essay:
It is often argued that public transport should be made free to encourage its use and reduce pollution. While this approach could increase accessibility, I strongly believe that full subsidisation is neither practical nor economically sustainable.
Offering free public transport would indeed motivate people to use buses and trains more frequently. As a result, cities could experience less congestion and lower carbon emissions. For example, when Luxembourg introduced free nationwide transport, private car usage dropped by nearly 15% within a year. This demonstrates that cost plays an important role in travel choices.
However, making public transport entirely free would place a heavy financial burden on governments. The costs of maintenance, fuel, and staff salaries would have to be funded through higher taxes. This could lead to resentment among citizens who rarely use such services. Instead, authorities should offer discounted fares for low-income groups while improving service quality to attract more users.
In conclusion, although free public transport has potential environmental benefits, a more balanced approach involving targeted subsidies is likely to be more effective and financially viable in the long term.
Criterion | Band | Why It Scores High |
Task Response | 9 | Clear position throughout; balanced and well-developed argument |
Coherence & Cohesion | 9 | Logical paragraphing and varied linking words (as a result, however, instead) |
Lexical Resource | 8.5 | Precise and formal vocabulary (subsidisation, viability, congestion) |
Grammar Range & Accuracy | 9 | Excellent control of complex sentences (Although…, While…, This demonstrates that…) |
✅ Band 9 Tip: The essay shows balanced analysis and avoids absolute statements
Question:
Some people think that art and music are as important as academic subjects. Others believe they should be optional. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
✅ Band 8.5 Model Essay:
Many believe that creative subjects such as art and music deserve equal importance in schools, while others argue that academic subjects should take priority. Although creative education supports emotional and cultural growth, I agree that core academic skills are more essential for students’ future success.
On the one hand, art and music stimulate creativity and self-expression. Students who engage in these subjects often develop confidence and communication skills that cannot be acquired through mathematics or science alone. Moreover, exposure to culture encourages empathy and appreciation of diversity, which are vital in global societies.
On the other hand, subjects like science and mathematics are fundamental to technological and economic progress. Employers typically value these skills more because they lead to tangible innovation and higher career opportunities. Therefore, while creative subjects enrich personal development, academic learning remains central to national growth.
In conclusion, both academic and artistic education have their benefits, but I believe schools should prioritise academic disciplines while still offering opportunities for creativity.
Examiner’s Commentary
✅ Band 8 Tip: Each paragraph has one central idea supported by examples and logical reasoning.
Question:
Many people now prefer to shop online rather than in physical stores. What are the advantages and disadvantages of this trend?
✅ Band 9 Model Essay:
The growth of online shopping has revolutionised consumer behaviour across the world. While it offers convenience and wider choice, it also brings certain drawbacks such as reduced social interaction and job losses in traditional retail.
One clear advantage of online shopping is accessibility. Consumers can purchase goods at any time without visiting physical shops, saving time and effort. Furthermore, e-commerce platforms offer price comparison tools and product reviews, helping people make more informed decisions. This has created a more competitive market that benefits customers.
However, this trend also has significant disadvantages. As people shop from home, face-to-face interaction decreases, leading to a more isolated lifestyle. Additionally, local shops often struggle to survive, resulting in job losses and the decline of community-based businesses. Therefore, while online shopping provides convenience, it negatively affects social cohesion and employment.
In conclusion, although e-commerce has simplified purchasing, maintaining a balance between online and in-store shopping is essential to preserve community life and economic stability.
Examiner’s Commentary
Criterion | Commentary |
Task Response | Fully addresses both sides, offers balanced conclusion. |
Coherence | Logical paragraphing, effective transitions (while, however, additionally). |
Vocabulary | Precise word choice (e-commerce platforms, community-based businesses). |
Grammar | Complex sentences and accurate punctuation. |
✅ Band 9 Tip: Maintain balance — equal development of advantages and disadvantages.
Question:
Environmental damage is a major global issue. What are its causes and possible solutions?
✅ Band 9 Model Essay:
One of the most serious problems facing humanity today is environmental degradation. This essay will discuss the main causes, including industrial pollution and deforestation, and propose potential solutions such as stricter regulations and reforestation programmes.
Industrial pollution is a major contributor to environmental damage. Factories emit harmful gases and dump waste into rivers, contaminating ecosystems. For example, the rapid industrialisation of many Asian countries has led to poor air quality and water shortages. Deforestation further worsens the situation by reducing the planet’s capacity to absorb carbon dioxide.
To address these issues, governments must enforce environmental laws more rigorously. Industries should be taxed based on their emissions, encouraging them to adopt cleaner technology. In addition, large-scale tree-planting initiatives can restore ecological balance and reduce the impact of global warming.
In conclusion, industrial pollution and deforestation are primary causes of environmental degradation, but effective government action and public participation can help mitigate their effects.
Examiner’s Commentary
✅ Band 9 Tip: Match every problem with a corresponding solution — this shows logical organisation.
Focus Area | What High-Band Essays Do |
Clarity | Each paragraph covers one clear idea. |
Structure | Logical progression with clear introductions and conclusions. |
Vocabulary | Precise, formal, and varied word choices. |
Grammar | Mix of complex and simple sentences with near-perfect accuracy. |
Tone | Consistently academic and objective. |
✅ Band 9 Tip: Don’t memorise model essays — learn how ideas are developed, connected, and expressed.
Write an introduction for this question:
Some people think that governments should ban private cars to reduce air pollution. Do you agree or disagree?
✅ Sample Introduction:
It is often argued that banning private vehicles could reduce urban pollution levels. While such a measure could improve air quality, I believe governments should focus on promoting green transport alternatives instead of imposing a complete ban.
Before finishing your essay:
If yes, your essay is already performing at a Band 7 + standard.
Reading High-Band Model Essays helps you internalise how excellent writing looks and feels.
Analyse structure, vocabulary, and tone — then practise writing your own essays on similar topics to build fluency and confidence.
Next, continue to Common Mistakes in Academic Writing to learn what lowers scores and how to avoid those errors.
Or revisit the IELTS Writing Overview: Format, Scoring & Key Skills for a complete framework.
You can also read official Band 9 samples on IELTS.org.
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