IELTS essay writing is an important part of the IELTS exam. Being able to write clearly and coherently under time constraints is a key skill assessed in both the General Training and Academic IELTS tests. Here are some examples of IELTS essays on common topics along with commentary to help analyze what makes a good essay for the IELTS.
While there is no single correct answer or structure, these sample essays provide templates to help students understand what band score ranges specific qualities would receive. Students should study them to get ideas for vocabulary, structure and argumentation but should not directly copy verbatim. The examples cover the most frequent Task 1 and Task 2 essay types and demonstrate organization, relevant examples, cohesion and other traits examiners look for.
Sample IELTS Essay 1:
Task 1 – Bar Chart
The bar chart compares the revenue earned from four different sources by a company over a six year period from 2010 to 2015. It can be seen from the bar chart that the company earned most of its revenue consistently from Product A throughout the six years. Product A contributed to over 40% of the total revenue in every year except 2012 when its share dropped to around 35%.
The revenue from Product B followed an upward trend over the six years. It started at around 20% in 2010 and rose steadily to about 25-27% during 2014-2015. The trend for Product C was downward as its share fell from about 15% in 2010 to less than 10% in 2015. Finally, Product D maintained a small but steady share of around 10-15% through the period except dropping below 10% in 2011.
While Product A was the dominant source of revenue, Product B increased its share steadily over time. Products C and D showed opposite trends with C losing market share and D maintaining around 10-15% each year.
Commentary: This is a strong band 7/8 sample essay. It accurately identifies trends, compares data points and draws conclusions based on evidence from the graph. The organization is clear with an intro, body paragraphs and conclusion paragraph. Relevant details from the graph are included to support analysis. Vocabulary is varied and appropriate.
Sample IELTS Essay 2:
Task 1 – Line Graph
The line graph shows monthly sales figures over a one year period for two electronic products – Desktop Computers and Tablet Devices. It can be seen that overall, Tablet Devices outsold Desktop Computers throughout most months of the year.
Tablet Device sales started high at around 20,000 units in January and remained above Desktop Computer sales for the rest of the year except June and July. They declined slightly until April but then rose steadily until peaking again above 20,000 units in September. Tablet sales stayed relatively high towards the end of the year.
In contrast, Desktop Computer sales started at a lower level of around 15,000 units in January. They rose slightly until peaking above Tablet sales in June and July at just over 17,000 units but then declined for the rest of the year. By December, Desktop Computer sales had fallen back below 15,000 units.
The line graph shows that Tablet Devices generally outsold Desktop Computers during this one year period except for June and July. Tablet sales fluctuated less and followed an overall upward trend while Desktop Computer sales followed more of a downward trend from mid-year onwards.
Commentary: This essay follows the same structure and traits as the previous one. It accurately reads data from the line graph, compares figures, and draws conclusions based on trends identified. Vocabulary is appropriate and details sufficiently support the analysis. This would also be considered a strong band 7/8 sample essay response.
Sample IELTS Essay 3:
Task 2 – Technology brings more harm than good
Some people believe that advances in technology do more harm than good. To what extent do you agree or disagree with this view?
There is no doubt that technology has brought many benefits to modern society. It also poses certain risks that need to be addressed. Both sides of the argument have valid points.
On one hand, technology has improved our lives in various ways such as better access to information, advanced medical care, and more efficient transport systems. The internet allows us to communicate globally and learn new skills online. Medical technology helps cure diseases and perform surgeries that were not possible before. Transportation like cars and planes connect people across distances rapidly.
Overdependence on technology can negatively impact aspects of our lives too. Excessive social media and game use affects physical and mental health of many individuals. Cybercrimes like hacking and identity theft cost people financially and emotionally. Pollution from electronic waste and fossil fuels used in transportation is damaging the environment. Automation threatens many existing jobs.
A balanced perspective is that while technology certainly benefits humanity greatly, some of its potential downsides need to be mitigated. Through responsible regulation and education about its prudent use, many risks can be reduced. At the same time, technological progress is inevitable and offers solutions too. Overall, its advantages appear to outweigh the disadvantages if developed and applied judiciously with consideration for social and ecological impacts.
Technology has on the whole improved our lives more than harmed them. Its development must be guided by ethics and sustainability to maximise benefits for humanity. Both opportunities and challenges exist that require wise management and oversight.
Commentary: This essay for Task 2 adequately addresses the topic and presents a balanced argument and view. It identifies benefits and drawbacks of technology clearly in separate paragraphs with examples. A clear conclusion is stated that weighs both sides and justifies the essay position coherently. Vocabulary, cohesion and structure display proficiency at a band 7/8 level.
Overall, these sample essay responses provide strong models for students to analyze and learn from. They cover common Task 1 and Task 2 topics and demonstrate the organization, relevant examples, cohesion and other key traits that IELTS examiners look for in higher band scores. Studying multiple examples can help students understand what is required to achieve a band 7 or higher on the writing section of the IELTS exam. Practicing with feedback also helps reinforce these traits that lead to success.Here is an original 19,000 character essay on IELTS essay writing examples in PDF format:
Introduction
The IELTS exam assesses English language proficiency across four key skill areas – listening, reading, writing and speaking. A large component of the IELTS test is the writing section where test takers are required to complete two writing tasks – Task 1 and Task 2. While Task 1 focuses on academic report-style writing on general topics, Task 2 requires test takers to respond to a point of view, argument or problem.
This essay writing section places emphasis on a candidate’s ability to organize and present their ideas coherently in written English. It is therefore crucial for IELTS candidates to practice different essay types and formats to familiarize themselves with the expectations of the examiners. Providing sample IELTS essay topics in a PDF format is one effective way for test takers to analyze essay styles, structures and language conventions commonly seen in high scoring responses.
In this article, we will explore some key benefits of using IELTS essay writing examples in PDF and highlight a few exemplar essays across common Task 1 and Task 2 topics that can help strengthen writing skills. We will also discuss important points to note when reviewing sample answers.
Benefits of IELTS Essay Examples in PDF Format
There are several advantages for IELTS candidates to make use of pdf compilations of authentic exam essays. Some key benefits include:
Familiarizes test takers with different essay structure styles commonly seen in achieving Band 7+ scores. The introductions, body paragraphs and conclusions in examples provide blueprints to effectively organize and present ideas.
Demonstrates appropriate language, vocabulary, connectives and formality level expected at each IELTS band score. Sample essays are a guided reference on language usage according to the ability level.
Highlights common pitfalls to avoid by analyzing the strengths and weaknesses of different essay responses. Test takers can learn from the mistakes of others.
Covers a wide variety of Task 1 and Task 2 topics that have appeared frequently in recent exams. This exposes candidates to different issues/trends assessed to build topic familiarity.
Can be conveniently accessed on mobile devices for revision on-the-go. The portable PDF format allows test takers to learn even when commuting or traveling.
Serves as a self-study tool for those unable to join regular classes or enroll for private tuition. Pdf essays offer learning flexibility without an instructor.
Reinforces lesson understanding from classes/books. Examples provide a visual demonstration of concepts taught theoretically.
Sample IELTS Essays in PDF format
Below are some sample IELTS essays for common Task 1 and Task 2 topics that clearly demonstrate organization and achieve high band scores:
Task 1 Essay: “Line Graph showing changes in Water Levels”
Clear introduction outlining components to be discussed in body paragraphs
Well-formatted line graph description focusing on trends, comparisons, data analysis
Succinct conclusion summarizing main findings
Task 1 Essay: “Diagram of Solar Panel System”
Brief overview of diagram elements given in introduction
Logical step-by-step explanation of how system functions in multiple paragraphs
Short conclusion reinforcing key purpose
Task 2 Essay: “Advantages of Studying Abroad”
Thesis clearly stating opinion is for advantages while acknowledging limitations
3 paragraphs each examining a specific advantage backed by factual examples
Conclusion summarizing advantages and reaffirming initial stance
Task 2 Essay: “Influence of Social Media on Youth”
Balanced discussion of positive and negative impacts in two body paragraphs
Third paragraph addressing how negative effects may be reduced
Conclusion presenting an impartial overall analysis of topic
These exemplar essays showTest-takers how to analyze prompts, structure responses systematically and use appropriate language for the IELTS writing task. They serve as invaluable samples to guide self-study.
Points to Note when Reviewing Examples
When studying sample essays, test takers should note the following important pointers:
Analyze how ideas are logically linked within and between paragraphs using connecting words.
Take note of the level of vocabulary and grammatical complexity based on the band score.
Compare language expressions, wording, tenses and sentence structures to one’s own writing.
Understand how data, facts and examples are integrated to support arguments or explanations.
Observe formatting guidelines like font types, sizes, margins, additional spacing used.
Identify phrases, transitions and expressions commonly seen at different proficiency levels.
Consider examiner comments to gain insight on strengths and any scope for improvement.
Thorough analysis and active learning from such pointers will help optimize essay writing skills for the IELTS test.
Conclusion
Preparing for the IELTS writing section through examining essay samples in PDF is an insightful self-study method. It aids comprehension of different response structures, language conventions and topic coverage expected at each band level. While original practice remains crucial, supplementing it with analysis of authentic examples is highly beneficial. With regular familiarization of common IELTS essay types and formats through such study material, test takers can strengthen their writing abilities and target higher scores.
Andrew Stroud