IELTS Writing Task 2 Sample Answers

Here are five Writing Task 2 sample answers to two questions, written at different levels and scored on all four IELTS criteria: band 5.5, 6, 7.5 and 8. Reading weaker and stronger answers to the same question side by side shows what changes from one band to the next, which a single band 9 model can't.

We wrote these essays ourselves and scored each one once with our AI checker on 2026-11-11. The bands are AI estimates, not examiner marks. On official examiner-marked Task 2 samples, the checker's band was within half a band of the examiner's 71% of the time and tended to be slightly low (how we tested it).

Task 2 sample answers for question 1: parks or homes

Question: Some people think that cities should spend more money on parks and green spaces, while others believe the money is better spent on building homes. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.

This is a "discuss both views and give your opinion" question. A full answer explains each view and states your own position clearly.

Band 5.5 answer (230 words)

Some people say city must spend more money for parks and green place, but other people think build house is better. I will discuss both side and give my opinion.

People who like parks say that parks are important for health. When people go to park they can walk and run and play sport, so they are more healthy. Also park make the air more clean because there are many trees. In big city there is too much pollution and car so people need green place to relax after work. Children also need park to play because many family live in apartment with no garden.

But other people think house is more important. In many city the house price is very high and young people cannot buy house. Some people live in very small room or they live with parents for long time. If government build more house, the price will go down and more people can have home. I think this is a big problem than parks. Also when people have no house, some of them live on the street and it is not safe.

In my opinion, both is important but house is more important because everyone need a place to live. Government should build more house first and after that they can make parks. In conclusion, both side have good reasons but I think houses is better.

CriterionBandChecker's comment
Task Response6The essay addresses both views and gives a clear opinion, but the ideas are not developed enough and some points are repetitive or over-general.
Coherence and Cohesion6The essay has a clear overall progression and uses some linking devices, but they are sometimes mechanical and referencing is not always clear.
Lexical Resource6The vocabulary is sufficient to convey meaning but lacks range and precision; there are noticeable errors in word choice and form.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy5The essay uses a limited range of structures with frequent grammatical errors that make the reader work to understand some sentences.
Overall5.5Average of the four, rounded down to a half band.

What held it back

  • Frequent grammatical errors, especially subject-verb agreement and articles.
  • Ideas are not developed enough; the essay is under length.
  • Limited range of vocabulary and linking devices.

Corrections the checker made

  • Some people say city must spend more money for parks and green place → Some people say cities must spend more money on parks and green spaces
    Use plural 'cities' for general reference; preposition 'on' after 'spend'; 'green spaces' is the correct collocation.
  • but other people think build house is better → but other people think building houses is better
    Use gerund 'building' after 'think'; plural 'houses' for general meaning.
  • I will discuss both side and give my opinion. → I will discuss both sides and give my opinion.
    Plural 'sides' is needed.

Band 7.5 answer (259 words)

Cities have limited budgets, and there is disagreement about whether they should invest more in parks and green spaces or in new housing. Both views have merit, but in my opinion the two goals do not have to compete.

Supporters of green spaces argue that parks are essential for residents' health. They give people somewhere to exercise and relax, which can reduce stress and obesity. Trees also improve air quality and lower temperatures in summer, which is increasingly important as cities become hotter. Parks also bring neighbours together, for example at weekend markets or sports events. Without such areas, city life can become crowded and unhealthy.

Those who prefer spending on housing point out that many cities are facing a serious shortage of affordable homes. Rents have risen so much that young workers and families are often forced to live far from their jobs or in overcrowded flats. From this point of view, building homes is a more urgent need, because a park is of little use to someone who cannot afford a place to live.

In my view, housing should be the priority, but new developments should include green spaces from the start. For example, a new residential area can be designed with small parks and tree-lined streets, so residents benefit from both. In this way, cities can meet the demand for homes without sacrificing the quality of life that green areas provide.

In conclusion, while both parks and housing are important, I believe the best solution is to combine them rather than choosing one over the other.

CriterionBandChecker's comment
Task Response7.5The essay fully addresses the task, presents a clear position, and develops relevant ideas with support. Some ideas could be more fully extended, but overall the response is strong.
Coherence and Cohesion8The essay is well organised with clear progression and appropriate paragraphing. Cohesive devices are used naturally and effectively.
Lexical Resource7.5The essay uses a sufficient range of vocabulary with some flexibility and precision. There are a few minor errors but they do not impede communication.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy7.5The essay demonstrates a good range of grammatical structures with frequent error-free sentences. Errors are minor and do not affect clarity.
Overall7.5Average of the four, rounded down to a half band.

What held it back

  • Some ideas could be more fully extended with specific examples.
  • Minor vocabulary repetition and imprecision.
  • A few minor grammatical errors.

At this level the checker's suggestions were small style choices (a comma after "for example", one synonym for another), and the original wording is also correct, so we haven't listed them.

Band 8 answer (285 words)

As urban populations grow, city authorities must decide whether scarce public funds are better directed towards parks and green spaces or towards new housing. While there are persuasive arguments on both sides, I believe that the most sensible policy is to treat green space as an integral part of housing development rather than as a rival to it.

Advocates of greener cities emphasise the long-term public benefits of parks. Access to open space encourages physical activity and has been linked to lower levels of stress, while trees absorb pollutants and help to counteract the heat that builds up in dense urban areas. These advantages are shared by every resident regardless of income, which arguably makes parks one of the fairest forms of public investment.

Those who favour housing, by contrast, point to the immediate hardship caused by a lack of affordable homes. In many major cities, rents now consume such a large share of income that nurses, teachers and other essential workers are pushed to distant suburbs or into overcrowded accommodation. For people in this position, a new park nearby is hardly a priority when a secure home remains out of reach.

In my opinion, framing the issue as a choice between the two is misleading. New residential districts can be planned with shared gardens, pocket parks and tree-lined streets, so that additional homes come with the green space their residents need. Prioritising housing in this way addresses the more pressing problem without repeating the mistake of building dense neighbourhoods with nowhere for people to breathe.

In conclusion, housing deserves priority in most cities today, but it should be delivered in a way that makes green space part of the plan rather than an afterthought.

CriterionBandChecker's comment
Task Response8The essay fully addresses all parts of the question, presents a clear position, and develops ideas with relevant support. Only minor lapses in focus are present.
Coherence and Cohesion8The essay is well organised with clear paragraphing and logical sequencing. Cohesive devices are used appropriately without being intrusive.
Lexical Resource8The essay demonstrates a wide vocabulary with precise meaning and some less common items. There are only rare slips in word choice.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy8The essay shows a wide range of grammatical structures with a high degree of accuracy. Errors are rare and do not impede communication.
Overall8Average of the four, rounded down to a half band.

What held it back

  • Occasional slightly awkward phrasing or word choice.
  • Some examples could be more explicitly connected to the main argument.
  • Minor grammatical slips, though rare.

At this level the checker's suggestions were small style choices (a comma after "for example", one synonym for another), and the original wording is also correct, so we haven't listed them.

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What changes from band 5.5 to band 8

All three answers take the same side: homes first. The bands differ because of how the ideas are developed and expressed, not because of the opinion.

Task Response

  • Band 5.5: Both views and an opinion, but each point is one general claim ("parks are important for health") with little explanation, and the essay is under 250 words.
  • Band 7.5: Each view gets a reason and a result, and the opinion adds a practical answer: build homes with green space included.
  • Band 8: The same position, argued more precisely: it names who suffers (nurses, teachers) and explains why one view is more urgent.

Coherence and Cohesion

  • Band 5.5: Clear paragraphs, but linking is basic ("But other people think…", "Also…").
  • Band 7.5: Topic sentences signal each view ("Supporters of green spaces argue…", "Those who prefer spending on housing point out…").
  • Band 8: Ideas link through reference as well as linking words ("These advantages…", "For people in this position…").

Lexical Resource

  • Band 5.5: Everyday words with errors: "green place", "a big problem than parks".
  • Band 7.5: Accurate topic vocabulary: "affordable homes", "overcrowded flats", "improve air quality".
  • Band 8: Less common, precise phrases: "scarce public funds", "an integral part of", "consume such a large share of income".

Grammatical Range and Accuracy

  • Band 5.5: Frequent agreement and article errors: "city must spend", "both is important", "everyone need".
  • Band 7.5: Mostly error-free complex sentences: "a park is of little use to someone who cannot afford a place to live".
  • Band 8: A wide range used accurately: "a new park nearby is hardly a priority when a secure home remains out of reach".

To see what each band asks for in the official wording, read the IELTS Writing band descriptors, explained.

Task 2 sample answers for question 2: a year of community work

Question: Some people believe that all young people should do a year of unpaid community work before they start university or a job. To what extent do you agree or disagree?

This is a "to what extent do you agree or disagree" question. State how far you agree in the introduction, then keep to that position in every paragraph.

Band 6 answer (241 words)

Nowadays many people think young people must do one year of community work without money before university or job. I agree with this idea in some way but not completely.

First, community work is good for young people. They can learn many things like how to work with other people and how to help the poor people. For example in my country some student help old people in the village and they learn to be more kind. Also they can know what job they like before they go to university, so they will not choose wrong subject. I think this is very useful because many student don't know what they want to study.

However, one year is very long time. Many family are not rich and young people need to earn money for help their parents. If they work one year for free, it is difficult for them. Also some students want to go university quickly because they want to be doctor or engineer and this take many years already. So it make them more late. Some company also want young worker, not old worker, so one year lost is bad for their career.

In conclusion, I think community work is good but it should not be for all young people and one year is too long. Maybe government can make it shorter or give some money for them. Then more young people will join and the society will be better.

CriterionBandChecker's comment
Task Response6.5The essay answers the question with a clear position and relevant ideas, but some points are not fully developed and the conclusion is somewhat repetitive.
Coherence and Cohesion7The essay is well organised and easy to follow, with appropriate paragraphing and a range of linking devices, though some are overused.
Lexical Resource6The vocabulary is sufficient to convey meaning but lacks flexibility and precision, with noticeable errors in word choice and spelling.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy6The essay demonstrates a reasonable range of structures but with noticeable grammatical errors that sometimes affect clarity.
Overall6Average of the four, rounded down to a half band.

What held it back

  • Underdeveloped ideas: some points are stated but not explained or supported.
  • Frequent grammatical errors, especially subject-verb agreement and articles.
  • Limited vocabulary range with some inaccurate word choices.

Corrections the checker made

  • many student don't know → many students don't know
    Subject-verb agreement: 'students' is plural.
  • Many family are not rich → Many families are not rich
    Subject-verb agreement and plural noun.
  • for help their parents → to help their parents
    Use infinitive 'to help' after 'need'.

Band 8 answer (261 words)

Some argue that every school leaver should complete a year of unpaid community service before entering university or the workforce. Although voluntary service clearly benefits both individuals and society, I largely disagree that it should be imposed on all young people, mainly because of its financial cost and the risk of undermining the very spirit of volunteering.

Admittedly, a structured year of service can be formative. Young people who tutor children, support the elderly or help run local charities gain practical skills that a classroom rarely provides, such as negotiating with colleagues and taking responsibility for others. Such placements can also clarify career goals: a student who spends months assisting in a hospital ward is far better placed to judge whether medicine suits them than one who chooses it on the basis of exam results alone.

However, making this year mandatory and unpaid would fall hardest on those least able to afford it. For a teenager from a low-income household, twelve months without wages may mean taking on debt or abandoning further study entirely, which would widen rather than narrow social inequality. Compulsion also tends to erode motivation. Volunteering works precisely because people choose to give their time; participants who resent being conscripted are unlikely to offer the commitment that vulnerable groups deserve.

A more effective approach would be to reward rather than require service, for example through tuition discounts or recognised qualifications for those who complete a placement. In conclusion, while community work can be immensely valuable, it should be encouraged as an opportunity rather than enforced as an obligation.

CriterionBandChecker's comment
Task Response8The essay fully addresses the question with a clear position, well-developed ideas, and relevant support. Minor lapses in depth do not detract from overall strength.
Coherence and Cohesion8The essay is well-organized with clear progression and appropriate linking. Paragraphing is logical and aids readability.
Lexical Resource8The essay demonstrates a wide vocabulary with precise and natural use. Minor slips do not impede communication.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy8The essay shows a wide range of grammatical structures with high accuracy. Errors are rare and minor.
Overall8Average of the four, rounded down to a half band.

What held it back

  • Minor collocation errors (e.g., 'fall hardest on').
  • Slight awkwardness in some complex sentences.
  • Could develop one or two points further for even stronger support.

At this level the checker's suggestions were small style choices (a comma after "for example", one synonym for another), and the original wording is also correct, so we haven't listed them.

What lifts the band 6 answer to band 8

  • A precise position. "I agree with this idea in some way but not completely" leaves the reader guessing. The band 8 answer says it "largely disagrees" and gives its two reasons in the first paragraph.
  • Developed points. Both answers use the same ideas: useful experience, lost income, and choosing a career. The band 8 answer explains each one with an example and its consequence.
  • Accurate grammar. The checker rated the band 6 answer's organisation at 7, but errors such as "many student", "Many family" and "for help their parents" kept Grammar and Vocabulary at 6.

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How to use sample answers

  1. Write your own answer to the question first, in 40 minutes, before you read the samples.
  2. Compare it with the sample nearest your level, then with the one a band above. Look at how the stronger answer develops the same idea.
  3. Don't copy phrases. Memorised sentences that don't fit the question don't raise your score.
  4. Get your own answer scored, fix the main problem, and rewrite it.

For more questions to practise with, see our IELTS Writing Task 2 question bank, and for one essay type in depth, the problem solution essay guide or the advantages and disadvantages essay guide.

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Private: we never publish your writing or use it to train AI, and you can delete it at any time. Tested on 22 sample answers with published examiner bands: within half a band 71% of the time on Task 2. How we tested

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Questions

Are these real IELTS exam answers?
No. We wrote these essays for this page, the two questions are original practice questions in the style of the test, and the bands come from our AI checker, not from IELTS examiners. For answers marked by examiners, see the sample responses published on ielts.org.
What is the difference between a band 6 and a band 7 essay?
At band 6 the ideas are relevant but not fully developed, and errors are noticeable. At band 7 each main idea is extended and supported, the position is clear throughout, complex sentences are common and errors are occasional. In the samples above, the clearest change is development: the band 5.5 and 6 answers state a point in one sentence, while the higher ones explain why it matters and for whom.
How long should an IELTS Writing Task 2 answer be?
At least 250 words. Between 260 and 300 is a safe target in 40 minutes. An answer under 250 words loses Task Response marks; the band 5.5 sample above is 230 words, and the checker flagged its length.
Should I memorise band 9 sample essays?
No. Examiners discount memorised language, and a learned essay rarely fits the exact question you get. Use samples to see how an idea is developed and how paragraphs connect, then write your own answer.
Can I get my own essay scored for free?
Yes: 1 check a day without signing up, or 2 a day with a free account, with a band for every criterion and the 3 most serious corrections.