IELTS Writing Task 2 Samples and Model Answers

The IELTS Writing Task 2 requires test-takers to write a well-structured essay in response to a given prompt. This section assesses a candidate’s ability to present an argument, support ideas with relevant examples, and maintain coherence and cohesion throughout the response. To achieve a high band score, it is essential to follow a clear structure, which includes an introduction, body paragraphs, and a conclusion.

In this guide, we will explore model answers and sample essays covering various topics that commonly appear in the IELTS Writing Task 2. These examples will demonstrate effective strategies for structuring arguments, using academic language, and incorporating key vocabulary. Throughout, we will highlight techniques that can help candidates develop strong introductions, logically organized main ideas, and compelling conclusions.

By analyzing these model answers, candidates can gain insights into how to achieve higher scores in Task Response, Coherence and Cohesion, Lexical Resource, and Grammatical Range and Accuracy. Whether preparing for an exam or seeking to improve essay-writing skills, understanding the key components of high-scoring responses will be invaluable.

IELTS Writing Task 2 Sample Number 1

Tips for IELTS Writing Task: timing and length

It is important to keep to the time and length limits of the test. At the end of the exam you will be told to put down your pens and you should not try to keep writing.

• Remember you have 40 minutes to plan and write the essay.
• Practise listing ideas for the essay title within 10 minutes.
• Practise writing 250 words within 30 minutes.
• Time yourself and see if your writing speed improves.
• Take a watch into the exam.

You should spend about 40 minutes on this task.

Write about the following topic:

These days it is much easier for many people to travel to different countries for tourism than in the past.

Do the advantages of this development outweigh the disadvantages?

Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience.

Write at least 250 words.

IELTS Writing Part 2 Sample Model Answer

In the last few decades there has been a significant increase in the number of opportunities for international travel, with more transport routes and cheaper fares.

There are undoubtedly benefits flowing from this growth in international tourism. People now have a greater awareness of other cultures than was the case even one generation ago. Travelling widely to enjoy such things as the art, customs and cuisine of different countries used to be the preserve of the wealthy classes. Now even the less well-off have access to them.

There are, however, drawbacks associated with this level of mobility. Firstly, a number of resorts, even whole countries, have so many tourists that the culture and environment are severely damaged. For example, traditional crafts are replaced by the manufacturing of cheap trinkets and local singing and dancing are packaged for tourist consumption. Because tourists stay for only a short time they often don’t care if they behave badly or litter the streets. Secondly, although the hospitality industry does bring employment, it tends to be precarious because much of it is seasonal, with long periods of the year offering no work. The income from tourism is unevenly distributed, with a small number of big businesses (e.g. property developers) making a lot of money but the majority of people working for low wages as waiters or guides. Related to this is the fact that money spent by tourists is seldom retained by the local economy: profits are frequently taken out by multinational corporations. Finally, international travel adds to greenhouse gases, leading to harmful climate change.

In my view, despite the advantages of travel to both tourists and host countries, these do not compensate for the damage inflicted on the environment, social structures and individuals by mass tourism.

(292 words)

IELTS Writing Task 2 Sample Number 2

IELTS Tip: giving examples

You will be given a mark for arguments, ideas and evidence. Give examples for all your ideas. Do not use etc., and so on or other expressions like these. It appears lazy to the reader.

You should spend about 40 minutes on this task.

Write about the following topic:

Scientific developments in farming always bring major benefits.

To what extent do you agree or disagree with this statement?

Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience.

Write at least 250 words.

IELTS Writing Task Part 2 Sample Model Answer

In recent decades there has been a number of high-profile innovations in farming based on scientific research, most notably the use of chemical insecticides and the genetic modification of crops.

Without doubt these have led to some very positive outcomes. For example, researchers have been able to identify which pests cause problems for a particular plant and to create a means of destroying them. In some areas of the world this has transformed farmers’ ability to grow food for their own consumption as well as to sell it to generate income. Equally, in recent years the ability to manipulate the genetic make-up of plants has made it possible to create strains of crops naturally resistant to pests and diseases. In fact, some of these new scientific developments are reducing the need for the innovations of the previous generation.

However, there can be serious drawbacks to these scientific developments in agriculture. For instance, it is now becoming clear that pesticides may be damaging beneficial organisms as well as pests. For example, it is widely agreed that the world’s bee population is being affected by chemicals; this means fewer plants are being pollinated, which affects food supplies. It is possible, also, that a range of human diseases which are becoming increasingly common, for example asthma, may be exacerbated by these chemicals.

My own view is that it would be wrong to deny the potential of science to improve agriculture – as it has done throughout history, from the development of the plough to the refinement of livestock breeding. However, we must be sure we understand as much as possible about the effects of innovations before it is too late to reverse any negative consequences.

(281 words)

IELTS Writing Task 2 Sample Number 3

You should spend about 40 minutes on this task.

Write about the following topic:

In many countries around the world, rural people are moving to cities, so the population in the countryside is decreasing.

Do you think this is a positive or a negative development?

Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience.

Write at least 250 words.

IELTS Writing Task Part 2 Sample Model Answer

Statistics show that the world’s population is increasing rapidly. It is expected that most of us will be living in cities within the next few decades. The question of whether urbanisation is a positive or negative development remains controversial.

A rapid influx of people moving from rural to urban areas is bound to cause problems. Firstly, pressure on resources such as housing and transportation intensifies. It is becoming difficult for many people to afford adequate housing in cities. A by-product of this is the creation of slums causing low-income families to group together in neglected parts of the city. These people often become trapped in a cycle of poverty that is difficult to escape.

As mentioned above, the growth of urban areas can also lead to severe traffic congestion because more and more vehicles travel into the city from the suburbs. This has many knock-on effects, such as problems with air quality. It also leads many city dwellers to experience mental health issues because travelling across large cities is tiring and stressful.

All of this being said, I don’t believe that urbanisation is a wholly negative development. There are advantages to living in large cities that are well managed. For example, there are more schools which means more education opportunities. Access to higher-quality health care is often better in cities. Some cities have also introduced ride-sharing, e-bikes and part and ride services that reduce environmental problems.

My opinion is that many of the problems associated with urbanisation are avoidable but dealing with increasing populations in cities is a formidable challenge. How governments, businesses and society respond to this challenge will dramatically affect the future of our world.

(277 words)

IELTS Writing Task 2 Sample Number 4

IELTS Writing Tip

The first task sentence is the general statement on which the task is based. Underline the key words.

Note that the statement begins Some university students want to … you must take this as fact and not argue whether this statement is true.

You should spend about 40 minutes on this task.

Write about the following topic:

Some university students want to learn about other subjects in addition to their main subjects. Others believe it is more important to give all their time and attention to studying for a qualification.

Discuss both these views and give your own opinion.

Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience.

Write at least 250 words.

IELTS Writing Task Sample Part 2 Model Answer

Students attend university to improve their prospects and find suitable employment after graduation. For this reason, some feel that they should focus all their energy on their main subjects to gain a relevant qualification. Others want a more well-rounded education, so they try to learn about additional subjects.

It is perfectly reasonable for students to enter university with a strong sense of curiosity and a desire to learn as much as possible. Unfortunately, we tend to put subjects into artificial boxes, suggesting that business, art and science are not connected. If students become too focused on a single area, it may stifle their initial curiosity, limiting their potential. They could also graduate with a very narrow skill set that doesn’t translate well to the current job market, which often favours those who have taken a multidisciplinary approach to their studies.

Despite this, caution is certainly needed. The more we learn about a subject, the more complex it becomes. Gaining an in-depth, specialist knowledge of a subject requires a certain level of focus and dedication over a long period. If we try to learn about too many things at once, our knowledge may lack the depth required to obtain a qualification. If they are not careful, young people could begin to lose interest in their main subjects, which would be detrimental to their studies.

While learning about other subjects is not necessarily a bad thing, I believe university students should ensure that their main subjects remain the priority so that they do not lose sight of their objective: gaining a qualification. Then they can calculate how much time, energy and headspace they have left for learning about other topics.

(278 words)

IELTS Writing Task 2 – Conclusion

In conclusion, achieving a high score in IELTS Writing Task 2 requires a well-structured approach, clear argumentation, and effective use of language. By studying model answers and sample essays, candidates can learn how to develop strong introductions, logically organized body paragraphs, and impactful conclusions. Mastering key strategies, such as using cohesive devices, supporting ideas with relevant examples, and maintaining grammatical accuracy, will significantly enhance writing performance. With consistent practice and a focus on these essential skills, test-takers can improve their ability to express ideas clearly and achieve success in the IELTS Writing Task 2.

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