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IELTS Essays – Band 8

IELTS Writing – Band 8 IELTS Sample Essays

IELTS essay, topic: The purpose of education is to make individuals useful to society, not help people pursue personal ambitions (discuss + opinion)

IELTS Model Essay Sample Band 8 December 2023

This essay topic was seen in recent IELTS test in Taiwan.

Some people believe that the purpose of education is to make individuals useful to society, while others think that education should help people pursue personal ambitions. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.

When it comes to the purpose of education, opinions are divided as some see its primary role as preparing individuals to be useful to society while others believe it should primarily serve people’s personal ambitions. In my view, education should strike a balance between these two objectives, catering to the needs of society as well as the aspirations of the individual.

Those who see education as a tool for societal utility argue that it should produce individuals who can contribute effectively to the economic and social fabric of their communities. This perspective emphasises the importance of equipping students with practical skills and knowledge that align with the demands of the job market. Such an approach is crucial for the economic development and stability of any society, because it ensures a workforce that is both skilled and employable.

However, the importance of education to individual ambitions and personal growth is hard to dismiss. Advocates of this view argue that education should nurture creativity, critical thinking, and personal exploration, allowing individuals to realise their unique potential. This approach not only fosters self-actualisation but also encourages the development of innovators and original thinkers who can contribute uniquely to society.

In conclusion, education should ideally encompass both these perspectives. By providing a balanced curriculum that caters to the practical needs of society while also encouraging individual exploration and creativity, education can produce well-rounded individuals. Their capability of contributing effectively to their communities while pursuing personal fulfillment and growth will likely lead to a more dynamic and prosperous society.

Teacher’s feedback:

Overall, this essay is a strong Band 8.5 example.

Task Response: Band 9
Your essay fully addresses the task prompt, presenting a clear opinion that education should balance societal needs and personal ambitions. You effectively discuss both sides of the argument and provide a reasoned conclusion, meeting the requirements for a high score in this criterion.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 8
The essay is well-organised, with clear paragraphing and logical progression of ideas. Each paragraph has a clear central idea, and cohesive devices are used effectively. However, to achieve a perfect score, transitions could be slightly smoother, ensuring seamless flow from one idea to the next.

Lexical Resource: Band 8
You demonstrate a strong command of vocabulary, with appropriate word choice and collocations (“economic and social fabric,” “self-actualisation,” “well-rounded individuals”). Minor improvements could be made for a perfect score, such as varying your language a bit more to avoid repetition (e.g., using synonyms for “education” and “society”).

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 9
The essay showcases a wide range of sentence structures and accurate grammar. The use of complex structures is effective and contributes to the clarity of your arguments.

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IELTS essay, topic: In many countries, the number of animals and plants is declining (reasons and solutions)

IELTS Model Essay Sample Band 8 November 2023

This essay topic was seen in recent IELTS test in Sri Lanka.

In many countries, the number of animals and plants is declining. Why do you think this is happening? How can this issue be solved?

The alarming decline in biodiversity, particularly in the number of animals and plants, is a matter of global concern. It seems to me that the main culprits are habitat destruction and climate change, which, in turn, suggests that investing in conservation, working to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and raising global awareness would likely help arrest this worrying trend.

Firstly, habitat destruction stands as the most substantial factor contributing to the reduction in wildlife populations. Urban expansion, deforestation, and agricultural encroachment have drastically diminished the available natural habitats of many species. This loss of habitat not only reduces the number of species but also disrupts the area’s ecological balance, leading to further decline. Additionally, climate change, fueled by global warming, is restructuring ecosystems at a pace faster than many species can adapt to. The consequences of global warming include an escalating frequency of extreme weather events, rising sea levels, and shifting temperature patterns, all of which have catastrophic effects on both flora and fauna.

However, I firmly believe that it is possible to mitigate these issues. As a primary response, stringent conservation policies must be implemented and enforced. This includes establishing and maintaining protected areas and enforcing laws against illegal wildlife trade. Secondly, addressing climate change is paramount. This would involve global cooperation to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, alongside local and individual efforts to expand green spaces and support reforestation. It is also imperative to include public awareness and education as crucial steps in any conservation initiatives.

In conclusion, the decline in animal and plant populations is primarily due to habitat destruction and climate change. To combat this, a combination of conservation efforts, climate action, and public education is essential.

Teacher’s feedback:

This essay has all the prerequisites of Band 8 level writing.

Task Response: Band 8
The essay effectively addresses the task by discussing the primary causes of the decline in animal and plant populations and proposing solutions. The causes (habitat destruction and climate change) are clearly identified, and the proposed solutions (conservation policies, addressing climate change, public awareness, and education) are well-developed. The essay maintains a clear focus on the topic throughout.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 8
The essay is well-organized, with a clear introduction, body paragraphs that develop ideas logically, and a concise conclusion. There is good use of linking words and phrases to connect ideas and sentences (e.g., Firstly, Additionally, However, In conclusion). The progression of ideas is smooth and easy to follow.

Lexical Resource: Band 8
There is a good range of vocabulary used, including terms specific to the topic (habitat destruction, ecological balance, greenhouse gas emissions). The language is generally precise, and the writers uses varied and complex sentence structures.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 8
The essay demonstrates a good range of grammatical structures. There are a few minor grammatical errors (e.g., “an increasing frequency” could be improved to “an increasingly frequent”). The sentence structures are generally varied, contributing to the overall quality of writing.

Submit your essay for correction and find out how to improve your Writing score.

Click here to see more IELTS essays of Band 8