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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 Report, topic: Double line graph showing average house prices (from Target Band 7 book)

This report was written on a topic from “Target Band 7” book (page 41, reprinted with permission).

You should spend about 20 minutes on this task

The graph describes average house prices in Sometown in 2005.

Write a report for a university tutor describing the information shown.

Write at least 150 words

Double Line Graph Average House Prices from Target Band 7 book

The line graph shows the average cost of housing in Sometown in the second half of the year 2005. It is clear that the prices of both sold and unsold houses had fluctuated over the period.

According to the graph, the asking price of unsold properties peaked in July at around $335,000 dollars and then the figure decreased to its lowest level of nearly $319,000, which was reached in September. A slight fluctuation occurred in the following months the average prices of homes for sale increased by 10 thousand dollars in October and declined to just above 320,000 dollars in December.

Similarly, the average price of sold properties had varied widely over the period, except the values were lower. The months of July and August recorded average prices of around $300,000 and $303,000 dollars respectively. Then, prices reached the bottom at 290,000 in the next two months before rose significantly and registered highest value in December at almost $308,000.

In conclusion, there was a significant difference between the asking and selling price and the gap narrowed towards the end of 2005 as sellers’ expectations moved closer to achievable prices.

This response handles well the description of both asking and selling average prices, as well as comparison of their trends. The use of cohesive devices is varied and the message is easy to follow. The writer uses complex sentence structures and wide range of vocabulary. The errors in word choice are minor and don’t affect communication. Overall, this looks like a Band 8 report.

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‘when’ is the right word to use here
‘they’ is the right word because we are referring to ‘prices’
‘their’ is the right word because we are referring to ‘prices’

IELTS letter, topic: ask the college principal for information about a scholarship (from Ace the IELTS book)

This letter was written on a topic from “Ace the IELTS” book (page 41, reprinted with permission).

You are a student who wants to apply to the Green Pines College. You are experiencing financial problems at the moment.

Write a letter to the Principal of the College explaining your situation and ask for information on scholarships or other means of financial help available.

Dear Sir/Madam,

I am writing to you in regard to scholarships available at the Green Pines College.

Your college is the top of due to its unique reputation, and for that reason I prepared all the required paperwork well before the start of admission process. Even though I believe my likelihood of being accepted is quite high, one challenge might prevent me from enrolling. I was hoping you could guide me in order to overcome it and achieve my goal of studying at your college.

At present I have no source of income to cover tuition fees and study-related expenses. I found myself in this situation for a reason beyond my control: my entire savings were lost in the latest stock market crash.

I am, therefore, writing to request information about any available scholarships that your distinguished college may offer. I am aware of the fact that you often offer some sort of scholarships to cover study costs, at least partially.

In case you do not offer any scholarships, I would appreciate any advice to help me secure the required funds for my study.

I am looking forward to .

Yours faithfully,

Richard Jones

All the requirements of the task were covered well. The points listed in task statement were sufficiently addressed, with ideas in a logical order and cohesion maintained. The paragraphing is appropriate. The writer used a wide range of vocabulary in a skillful and effortless way; errors are very rare in this letter. Overall, this work seems worthy of Band 8.

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list of institutions where I’d like to study
‘your response’ or ‘your reply’