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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: Table describing postgraduate course fees in 3 countries

IELTS Academic Writing Task 1 Table Model Answer Band 8

This is a model answer for an Academic Writing Task 1 from the IELTS exam in Australia, shared recently. This response is likely to get Band 8 or 8.5 in IELTS.

You should spend about 20 minutes on this task

The table below shows the postgraduate course fees that international students paid in three countries in 2007. Summarise the information by selecting and reporting the main features, and make comparisons where relevant.

Write at least 150 words

IELTS Writing Task 1 Table of Postgraduate Course Fees
* Note: this isn’t the actual table given in the test, it was recreated for the purpose of demonstration.

Band 8.5 Model Answer

The table provides information about the fees paid by foreign postgraduate students in three countries for different subjects, as well as meals and accommodation.

It is clear from the table that Country A had the lowest fees for all fields of study and meals and accommodation, while Country B and Country C had noticeably similar, higher fees. Of all the countries, Country B had the highest fees overall.

To begin, the Arts and Commerce courses not only had the exact same fees, but they were also the lowest in the table, with $8,000 for Country A, $18,000 for Country B and $19,000 for Country C. The course fees for Computing and Science were close in all the countries. In Country A they were identical at $11,000, whereas in Country B the Computing course was $27,000 and Science cost $2,000 more. The figures for Country C were slightly lower at $24,000 for Computing and $25,000 for Science.

The fees for meals and accommodation varied significantly across the 3 countries. The most affordable cost of $8,000 belonged to Country A, followed by $11,000 in country C and the most expensive meals and housing costs ($17,000) were recorded in Country B.

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IELTS essay, topic: Some people think it is better to make more money rather than have free time (discuss + opinion)

IELTS Model Essay Sample Band 8 August 2023

This essay topic was seen in a recent IELTS test in Nigeria

Some people think it is better to make more money rather than have free time, while others prefer to have more free time rather than making money. Discuss both views and give your opinion.

Sample Band 8 Essay

In modern-day society, time and money are two essential commodities that people strive for. Oftentimes, we find ourselves caught in a dilemma between working hard to make more money and spending time doing the things we love. Some individuals argue that making more money is better than having free time, whereas others value free time more than money. Personally, at this stage in life achieving a financially sound position is more important to me than leisure.

People who believe that making more money is better than having free time argue that money brings freedom, security, and opportunities. In today’s world, everything from basic necessities to luxuries requires cash. Those who don’t have enough money cannot purchase the things they need. Financial stability also brings a sense of security, which can be liberating. Moreover, having more money opens up new opportunities for higher education, career advancements, and travel experiences.

On the other hand, people who prioritise free time over money argue that wealth doesn’t equal happiness. Numerous studies have shown that individuals who have more free time tend to enjoy better mental and emotional well-being. Free time provides an opportunity to engage in recreational activities, hobbies, and enjoy the company of our loved ones. Just as importantly, free time allows individuals to engage in self-care activities like meditation or exercise, which can lead to an uplift in mental and physical health.

While both sides have valid points, it is essential to note that a balance between work and leisure is crucial. Working excessively to accumulate wealth can have adverse effects on both physical and mental health. Therefore, the debate between having more money or free time is a subjective matter that varies from person to person. It is crucial for individuals to evaluate their priorities, ambitions, and limitations and come up with a personalised balance that fits their lifestyle.

Teacher’s comment:

This is a great example of an IELTS Band 8 essay.

Task Response: The essay effectively addresses the task prompt by discussing both views on whether it is better to make more money or have more free time. The writer presents relevant arguments for each perspective and gives a personal opinion at the end. The response remains focused on the topic, and the writer provides a clear position.

Coherence and Cohesion: The essay maintains a clear structure with an introduction, two body paragraphs discussing each view, and a conclusion that gives a personal opinion. The ideas are logically presented within paragraphs, and appropriate linking words are used to connect sentences and concepts. There is a smooth flow of ideas throughout the essay.

Lexical Resource: The essay demonstrates a good range of vocabulary and uses some advanced vocabulary effectively. The essay uses phrases such as “financially sound position,” “sense of security,” “mental and emotional well-being,” “recreational activities,” and “self-care activities.” These phrases are used appropriately and demonstrate a good level of lexical resource.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: The essay displays generally sound grammatical control, with a variety of sentence structures used effectively. While there are some minor punctuation issues, they do not impede communication or comprehension.

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