IELTS Writing Task 2 sample essay: what separates band 6, 7 and 8?
Facts last checked against official sources on October 11, 2026.
Short answer
In IELTS Writing Task 2 you write an essay of at least 250 words in 40 minutes, marked on four criteria: task response, coherence and cohesion, lexical resource, and grammatical range and accuracy. Band 6 states a position but leaves ideas underdeveloped; band 7 supports a clear position all the way through; band 8 does that in natural language with rare errors. Below is an original question with a band 7–8 sample.
Sample question
“Some people believe that unpaid community service should be a compulsory part of high school programmes. To what extent do you agree or disagree?” (The question is Prepina’s own, not a real exam question.)
Sample essay (about 250 words, band 7–8 level)
Many schools now ask students to spend time on community projects, and some argue that this should be a formal requirement. I largely agree, provided that the hours are modest and the work is linked to what students learn in class.
The main benefit is that service teaches skills that classrooms rarely do. When teenagers organise a food drive or tutor younger children, they practise planning, communication and responsibility under real conditions. Students who have volunteered are often noticeably more confident in interviews, which suggests that the experience transfers to adult life.
Making the programme compulsory also matters because the students who would gain most are often the least likely to volunteer. If service is optional, it tends to attract those who are already motivated, while others miss out. A requirement of, say, thirty hours a year spreads the benefit without taking much time from academic study.
Nevertheless, there are two conditions. Schools should offer a choice of placements, since forcing a student into work they dislike produces resentment rather than growth, and the hours must not clash with exam periods. Where these safeguards exist, I see few drawbacks.
In conclusion, compulsory but flexible community service would give every student practical skills and a sense of responsibility, so I support including it in high school programmes.
Why this essay scores band 7–8
- The position is clear in the first paragraph (“I largely agree, provided that…”) and stays the same to the conclusion; each body paragraph develops one main idea with an example.
- Transitions between paragraphs are natural (“The main benefit…”, “also matters”, “Nevertheless”); the linking is not mechanical.
- Vocabulary is topic-specific and flexible: “placements”, “resentment”, “safeguards”, “transfers to adult life”.
- Structures are varied and accurate: conditionals, “provided that”, relative clauses, academic hedges such as “say,”.
The difference between band 6, 7 and 8
| Criterion | Band 6 | Band 7 | Band 8 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Task response | A position, but some ideas undeveloped or off topic | Clear position, main ideas explained and supported | Every part of the question covered, ideas well developed |
| Coherence and cohesion | Paragraphs present, linking sometimes mechanical or faulty | Logical flow, appropriate linking, one topic per paragraph | Natural flow, strong paragraphing, linking unnoticeable |
| Lexical resource | Adequate vocabulary, some wrong choices and spelling errors | Flexible and precise vocabulary, few errors | Wide and natural use, rare errors |
| Grammar | Mix of simple and complex structures, errors sometimes hinder meaning | Varied structures, most sentences error-free | Wide range, very rare errors |
Original Task 2 topics to practise
- Some people think cities should charge drivers to enter the centre. Do the advantages outweigh the disadvantages?
- In many countries, young people leave home later than before. What are the causes, and is this a positive or negative development?
- Online courses are replacing some university lectures. Discuss both views and give your opinion.
- Governments should spend more on public libraries than on sports facilities. To what extent do you agree?
- Working from home is becoming common. What problems does it cause for companies and employees, and how can they be solved?
With Prepina
On Prepina you can write on one of these topics and get AI feedback against the four criteria; the feedback quotes only your own text and gives a band estimate per criterion.
Sources
Dates and rules can change. Check the organiser’s official page before you apply; that page is binding.
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