Writing Resources

Everything you need to improve your IELTS Writing score. Tips, sample essays, and vocabulary organized for efficient study.

Writing Tips by Criterion

IELTS Writing is scored on four criteria, each worth 25% of your total band score. Here are actionable tips for each.

Task Achievement / Task Response

  • Always address ALL parts of the question. Underline key words in the prompt before writing.
  • For Task 2, state a clear position in your introduction and maintain it throughout.
  • For Task 1, always include an overview paragraph summarizing the main trends or key features.
  • Support your main points with specific examples or data, not vague generalizations.
  • Ensure your conclusion reflects your stated position and does not introduce new ideas.

Coherence & Cohesion

  • Use a clear paragraph structure: introduction, body paragraphs (2-3), and conclusion.
  • Start each body paragraph with a clear topic sentence that introduces the main idea.
  • Use cohesive devices naturally (however, furthermore, in contrast) but do not overuse them.
  • Ensure logical progression of ideas within and between paragraphs.
  • Use referencing and substitution to avoid repetition (this, such, the former).

Lexical Resource

  • Avoid repeating the same words. Use synonyms and paraphrasing to show range.
  • Learn and use topic-specific vocabulary for common IELTS themes (education, technology, environment).
  • Use collocations naturally (make a decision, pose a threat, raise awareness).
  • Avoid informal language, slang, or contractions in academic writing.
  • Be precise with word choice. "Significant" is not the same as "large" or "important."

Grammatical Range & Accuracy

  • Demonstrate range by mixing simple, compound, and complex sentences.
  • Use a variety of structures: conditionals, passive voice, relative clauses, participial phrases.
  • Check for common errors: subject-verb agreement, article usage, tense consistency.
  • Avoid overly complex sentences that sacrifice clarity for the sake of complexity.
  • Proofread your essay in the last 2-3 minutes to catch basic grammatical mistakes.

Sample Essays with Commentary

Study these example essays to understand what examiners look for at different band levels.

7.5

Task 2 - Opinion

Band 7.5 Example

Question

Some people think that governments should spend money on railways rather than roads. To what extent do you agree or disagree?

This essay presents a clear position with well-developed arguments and specific examples. The writer maintains a consistent viewpoint throughout while acknowledging counterarguments.

Strengths

  • Clear thesis statement in the introduction
  • Each body paragraph has a distinct main idea with supporting evidence
  • Good range of vocabulary (infrastructure, sustainable, congestion)
  • Mix of simple and complex sentence structures

Areas to Improve

  • Could include more specific data or real-world examples
  • Some repetition of key vocabulary in the conclusion
  • Cohesive devices could be more varied
8.0

Task 2 - Discussion

Band 8.0 Example

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?

This essay demonstrates sophisticated argumentation with nuanced analysis. The writer explores multiple perspectives before presenting a well-reasoned conclusion.

Strengths

  • Sophisticated vocabulary used naturally (civic responsibility, altruistic, pedagogical)
  • Complex grammatical structures used accurately (conditionals, passive, relative clauses)
  • Strong coherence with logical flow between paragraphs
  • Balanced discussion with clear personal position

Areas to Improve

  • Minor article usage errors in one instance
  • Final paragraph could be slightly more developed
6.5

Task 2 - Problem & Solution

Band 6.5 Example

Question

In many cities, the problems caused by traffic congestion are increasing. What are the causes and what solutions can be proposed?

This essay identifies relevant causes and proposes practical solutions, though some ideas could be developed further with more specific detail.

Strengths

  • Addresses both parts of the question (causes and solutions)
  • Clear paragraph structure with topic sentences
  • Adequate range of vocabulary for the topic

Areas to Improve

  • Ideas need more development and specific examples
  • Some grammatical errors (subject-verb agreement, prepositions)
  • Limited range of complex sentence structures
  • Vocabulary could be more precise and varied

Topic Vocabulary

Expand your lexical resource with topic-specific vocabulary commonly used in IELTS Writing.

Education

curriculumpedagogyvocational trainingrote learningcritical thinkingacademic achievementliteracy ratedistance learningtertiary educationstudent-centered approachextracurricular activitieslifelong learning

Technology

artificial intelligencedigital literacyautomationcybersecuritytechnological advancementinnovationscreen timesocial media platformdata privacyremote workingdigital dividebiotechnology

Environment

sustainabilitycarbon footprintrenewable energydeforestationbiodiversityclimate changeecosystempollutionconservationgreenhouse gaseswaste managementecological balance

Health

sedentary lifestylemental well-beingobesity epidemicpreventive medicinehealthcare systemlife expectancynutritional valuephysical fitnesswork-life balancepublic healthchronic diseaseholistic approach

Society & Culture

globalizationcultural heritageurbanizationsocial cohesionincome inequalitydemographic shiftmulticulturalismcivic responsibilitysocioeconomic statuscommunity engagementcultural identitysocial mobility

Useful Phrases

Use these phrases to structure your arguments and transition between ideas naturally.

Expressing Opinion

  • In my view,
  • From my perspective,
  • I firmly believe that
  • It seems reasonable to argue that
  • I am convinced that

Presenting Arguments

  • A compelling argument in favor of this is
  • One significant advantage is
  • It is widely acknowledged that
  • Evidence suggests that
  • A considerable number of studies indicate

Contrasting Ideas

  • However,
  • On the other hand,
  • Conversely,
  • Nevertheless,
  • Despite this,
  • While it is true that...
  • Although... it must be noted that

Concluding

  • In conclusion,
  • To sum up,
  • Taking everything into consideration,
  • On balance,
  • All things considered,

Ready to Practice?

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Resources - IELTS Writing Tips & Vocabulary | IELTS Prep