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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: Transportation of products and people is the main source of pollution (discuss + opinion)

IELTS Model Essay Sample Band 8 January 2024

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

Research has shown that the transportation of products and people is the main source of pollution. Some people believe the government should be in charge of this, while others believe it is the fault of individuals. Discuss both views and give your opinion.

The increasing problem of pollution, primarily from the transportation of goods and individuals, raises the question of whether the government or the public should be responsible for addressing this issue. In my opinion, both the government and individuals play crucial roles in tackling this issue.

Supporters of government intervention argue that pollution, being a large-scale issue, requires comprehensive and wide-ranging solutions that are beyond the scope of individual capabilities. Governments have the power to enforce laws like stringent emission standards for vehicles, which can significantly influence both corporate and personal behaviors. Furthermore, state investment in sustainable public transportation systems can promote a shift towards environmentally friendly travel. For example, similar government policies in Sweden have successfully reduced transportation pollution, proving how impactful government action can be.

On the other hand, many believe individual actions are the key to solving the issue of pollution. Our personal transport choices greatly affect pollution levels, and if more people chose the eco-friendly options like carpooling, cycling, or public transport over their private vehicles, there would be a significant reduction in pollution levels. It is also equally important for the public to show support for policies and technologies aimed at reducing transport emissions. Advocating for and adopting cleaner technologies, such as electric vehicles, and supporting government policies that encourage sustainable practices, can also lead to substantial reductions in pollution.

While both perspectives are valid, I believe that an integrated approach is essential. Governments can create policies and infrastructure for major change, but individual choices are just as important in supporting these efforts. Both entities must work together for effective pollution control.

Teacher’s feedback:

Overall, this essay would likely achieve a Band 8.

Task Response: Band 8
The essay addresses the task fully, presenting a clear opinion and discussing both views comprehensively. Each viewpoint is supported by relevant examples, such as the reference to Sweden’s policies. The conclusion effectively summarises the essay by reiterating the need for an integrated approach.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 8
The essay is well-organised and logically structured. Ideas are clearly laid out and easy to follow. Cohesive devices are used effectively, such as “On the other hand” and “Furthermore.” The conclusion ties back to the introduction, enhancing the overall coherence.

Lexical Resource: Band 8
The essay uses a wide range of vocabulary appropriately and accurately. Terms like “comprehensive,” “sustainable public transportation systems,” and “integrated approach” demonstrate a strong command of language. The vocabulary is used precisely, enhancing the clarity of the argument.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 8
The essay demonstrates a wide range of complex structures with high accuracy. Examples include: “Governments have the power to enforce laws like stringent emission standards for vehicles, which can significantly influence both corporate and personal behaviors.” The grammatical accuracy is consistently high, contributing to the clarity and sophistication of the essay.

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IELTS Report, topic: Line graph describing the number of students from the US, UK and Australia who studied in other countries

IELTS Academic Writing Task 1 Line Graph Students from US, UK, Australia

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

You should spend about 20 minutes on this task

The graph below provides information on the number of students from the US, UK and Australia who studied in other countries between 2002 and 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 Students from the US, UK and Australia studying in other countries

* Note: this isn’t the actual graph given in the test, it was recreated for the purpose of demonstration.

Band 8.5 Model Answer

The chart provides data on the number of students from the US, UK, and Australia who studied in other countries over a six-year period from 2002 to 2007.

Overall, while the US and Australia initially saw a decrease in students studying abroad, they returned to their original figures by 2007. The UK, however, experienced a continual decline over the six years.

Initially, in 2002, the US had the highest number of students studying abroad, with 50,000, followed by the UK with 30,000, and Australia with 10,000. Over the next two years, there was a decrease in the number of students from all three countries studying abroad. The US saw a reduction to 48,000 in 2003 and then to 46,000 in 2004. Similarly, the UK maintained its figure at 30,000 in 2003 but then dropped to 27,000 in 2004. Australian students decreased to 9,000 in 2003 and further to 8,000 in 2004.

However, in 2005, the trend reversed for the US and Australia, with the number of US students increasing slightly to 47,000 and Australian students returning to 10,000. The UK, on the other hand, continued to see a decline, dropping to 25,000. This downward trend persisted for the UK through 2006 and 2007, reaching 23,000 and 21,000 respectively. In contrast, the US and Australia maintained a steady increase. The US returned to its 2002 level of 50,000 students by 2007, while Australian students consistently remained at 10,000 from 2005 onward.

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