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IELTS Writing Samples: Band 7, 8 & 9

Study authentic IELTS Writing Task 1 and Task 2 essay samples with detailed examiner comments. Understand exactly what examiners look for at each band level.

Questions

Sample Essays

2026

Updated

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Understanding IELTS Band Scores

9Expert User

Has fully operational command of the language: appropriate, accurate and fluent with complete understanding.

8Very Good User

Has fully operational command of the language with only occasional unsystematic inaccuracies. May misunderstand some things in unfamiliar situations.

7Good User

Has operational command of the language, though with occasional inaccuracies and misunderstandings in some situations. Generally handles complex language well.

Task 1

Describe Visual Data

(2 questions)

Changes in Energy Consumption

The graph below shows the consumption of three types of energy in a European country from 1985 to 2020. Summarise the information by selecting and reporting the main features, and make comparisons where relevant.

3 band levels

Household Expenditure

The pie charts below show the average household expenditure in a country in 1990 and 2020. Summarise the information by selecting and reporting the main features, and make comparisons where relevant.

3 band levels

Task 2

Essay Writing

(2 questions)

Tips for High-Scoring IELTS Essays

Answer All Parts

Ensure you fully address every aspect of the question. Missing parts will significantly lower your Task Achievement score.

Clear Structure

Use clear paragraphs with topic sentences. Each paragraph should have one main idea that is fully developed.

Varied Vocabulary

Use a range of vocabulary naturally. Avoid repetition and demonstrate control of collocations and less common words.

Complex Grammar

Mix simple and complex sentences. Use a variety of structures including conditionals, relative clauses, and passive voice.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between IELTS Writing Task 1 and Task 2?

Task 1 requires you to describe visual information (graphs, charts, diagrams) in at least 150 words. Task 2 is an essay response to a point of view, argument, or problem, requiring at least 250 words. Task 2 is worth twice as much as Task 1 in the final writing score.

How is IELTS Writing scored?

IELTS Writing is scored across four criteria: Task Achievement/Response (25%), Coherence and Cohesion (25%), Lexical Resource (25%), and Grammatical Range and Accuracy (25%). Each criterion is scored from 0-9, and the average gives your overall writing band score.

What makes a Band 9 essay different from a Band 7 essay?

Band 9 essays demonstrate fully developed ideas with sophisticated vocabulary and virtually error-free grammar. Band 7 essays address the task well but may have occasional errors and less sophisticated language use. Band 9 shows native-like fluency while Band 7 shows good but not perfect command.

How can I improve my IELTS Writing score?

Practice writing essays regularly, study band 9 sample answers, expand your vocabulary, learn essay structures, get feedback from qualified teachers, and practice under timed conditions. Focus on all four scoring criteria equally.

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