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IELTS Writing Samples

IELTS essay samples (writing task 2), report and letter samples (writing task 1) with Band Scores, marked by IELTS teachers, including comments and suggestions on how to increase your score

IELTS essay, topic: Use of computers and mobile phones to communicate has a negative impact on reading and writing skills (agree/disagree)

IELTS Model Essay Sample Band 8 February 2024

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

Young people’s use of computers and mobile phones to communicate has a negative impact on their reading and writing skills. To what extent do you agree or disagree?

The increasing use of computers and mobile phones among young people for communication has raised concerns regarding its impact on their reading and writing skills. While some people believe that this trend negatively affects literacy skills, I side with those who argue that it offers new avenues for language development.

One concern is that digital communication has introduced a simplified form of language that includes abbreviations, slang, and emojis, which may diverge from traditional language skills. As a result, young people often rely on this informal style of language even in formal settings. Additionally, the quick, bite-sized nature of digital content might negatively affect the attention span required for in-depth reading and understanding. This could potentially weaken this generation’s formal writing skills, which are crucial for academic and professional success.

However, these drawbacks are balanced by significant benefits. The digital era has led to an increase in the quantity and diversity of reading and writing. Young individuals come across various forms of text online, which exposes them to different language styles and vocabulary. The interactive nature of digital platforms also encourages active engagement with text, fostering improved language skills. Moreover, digital communication equips young people with a different set of language skills, such as being able to effectively and concisely convey information. They are also better able to read between the lines to decipher the deeper meanings of a text conversation.

In conclusion, while the informal nature of digital communication poses challenges to traditional reading and writing skills, it also offers opportunities for developing a broader set of literacy skills. I believe that the negative influence of digital devices on young users’ language skills is insignificant compared to the benefits they bring.

Teacher’s feedback:

Overall, this essay would get an IELTS Band 8 for the reasons outlined below.

Task Response: Band 8
The essay presents a nuanced argument that acknowledges both the potential negative and positive impacts of digital communication on literacy skills. For example, the writer states, “While some people believe that this trend negatively affects literacy skills, I side with those who argue that it offers new avenues for language development,” demonstrating a clear understanding of the complexity of the issue. The conclusion reinforces the writer’s position.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 8
The essay is well-organized, with a clear structure that logically progresses from introducing the issue to discussing its drawbacks and benefits, and finally concluding with a balanced view. The use of cohesive devices such as “However,” “Additionally,” and “In conclusion” smoothly guides the reader through the essay. For instance, transitioning from negative to positive impacts with “However, these drawbacks are balanced by significant benefits” maintains the essay’s logical flow and coherence.

Lexical Resource: Band 8
The essay showcases a strong command of vocabulary, including precise terms and phrases like “simplified form of language,” “bite-sized nature,” “exposes,” and “fostering.” This range of vocabulary allows the writer to discuss the topic in depth and with clarity.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 8
The essay demonstrates a wide range of grammatical structures used accurately, including complex sentences as can be seen here, “Due to this, people find themselves working longer hours, to satisfy the requirements of their superiors and get ahead in their careers,” which shows the writer’s ability to convey complex ideas clearly and accurately.

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IELTS essay, topic: People are spending more and more time away from their families (reasons and effects)

IELTS Model Essay Sample Band 8 February 2024

This essay topic was seen in a recent IELTS test in the UAE.

People in many countries are spending more and more time away from their families.
Why is this happening? How does this affect people and their families?

Sample Band 8 Essay

The trend of individuals spending significantly less time with their families has become increasingly widespread and pronounced. I believe that this is mainly driven by career and academic endeavours and it has significant negative repercussions for both families and individuals.

One of the primary reasons for this phenomenon is the demanding and competitive nature of our modern professional lives. Due to this people find themselves working longer hours, to satisfy the requirements of their superiors and get ahead in their careers. In addition, the technology of today has made it possible to stay connected 24/7, and this often blurs the lines between work and personal life, leading to extended work hours. The ease of international travel for work and study has also significantly contributed to more people spending less time with their families. With the rise of global job and study opportunities, many relocate to different countries. For instance, the pursuit of higher education often requires studying in distant locations, causing young adults to spend years away from their families.

This increasing separation from family has profound negative effects on both individuals and families. On a personal level, a long absence from family can lead to feelings of isolation and stress, especially for young students who have never been away from home before. In terms of how this trend affects families, especially those with young children, lack of contact with a family member can impact emotional bonding and family dynamics. In the long run this could potentially cause a sense of detachment between certain family members that could be difficult to repair.

In conclusion, the growing trend of spending time away from family is driven by mainly professional and educational commitments. While this trend offers opportunities for professional growth and development, it challenges the traditional family structure and the emotional well-being of those separated from their loved ones.

Teacher’s feedback:

Overall, the essay is a good example of a Band 8 work.

Task Response: Band 8
The writer fully addresses the question, presenting a clear position throughout the response. He/she develops the argument with relevant, extended examples, such as the impact of global job and study opportunities on family time. The inclusion of specific examples, like the pursuit of higher education requiring relocation, enhances the argument by showing real-world implications of the trend.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 8
The essay is well-organized, with clear progression of ideas. The use of cohesive devices is sophisticated, effectively managing the relationship between sentences and paragraphs. For example, transitions like “In addition” and “For instance” smoothly guide the reader through the argument, enhancing the logical flow of ideas.

Lexical Resource: Band 8
The vocabulary is varied and appropriately used, with some less common words and phrases that are employed accurately. Terms such as “profound negative effects,” “emotional bonding,” and “sense of detachment” are used effectively to convey precise meanings. The essay demonstrates flexibility in language use without compromising clarity.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 8
The essay showcases a wide range of sentence structures, from simple to complex, with accurate use of grammar. The correct use of complex grammatical constructions, such as conditional sentences and relative clauses, contributes to the overall clarity and sophistication of the 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