Proven Band 7+ Sample Answers & Templates
IELTS Writing Task 2: Band 7+ Sample Answers & Templates
The IELTS Writing Task 2 is one of the most challenging parts of the exam. Candidates are asked to write a 250-word essay on a given topic within 40 minutes. Your performance in this section significantly impacts your overall writing score. Achieving a Band 7+ requires more than good grammar, it demands clear structure, coherent arguments, and strong vocabulary.
In this guide, you’ll find ready-to-use templates and Band 7+ sample essays to help you prepare effectively.
(Related: Official IELTS Writing Band Descriptors – IELTS.org)
IELTS Writing Task 2 Essay Types
The exam usually gives one of these five types of questions:
Opinion (Agree or Disagree)
Discussion (Discuss Both Views)
Advantages & Disadvantages
Problem & Solution
Double Question (Mixed Essay)
Understanding the essay type is the first step to achieving Band 7+.
Band 7+ Sample Answer Template for Essay
👉 Introduction
Paraphrase the question.
State your thesis (your clear opinion/approach).
Outline what you’ll cover in the essay.
👉 Body Paragraph 1
Topic sentence (first main idea).
Explanation with examples.
Optional: counterpoint.
👉 Body Paragraph 2
Topic sentence (second main idea).
Explanation with examples.
Link to conclusion.
👉 Conclusion
Summarize main points.
Restate opinion in different words.
Give a closing thought.
(Tip: Keep paragraphs balanced—around 90–100 words each.)
Band 7+ Sample Answer 1 (Opinion Essay)
Question: Some people believe that university education should be free for all students, regardless of their financial background. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
Answer:
Many argue that higher education should be accessible to everyone at no cost, while others believe tuition fees are necessary for maintaining quality. I strongly support the idea of free university education as it promotes equality and national progress.
Firstly, making education free ensures that talented students from underprivileged families can pursue their dreams. For instance, countries like Germany, where tuition-free policies exist, have witnessed higher enrolment rates and innovation. Furthermore, when access to knowledge is unrestricted, the overall workforce becomes more skilled, benefiting the economy.
Secondly, free education reduces the burden of student loans. In nations such as the United States, many graduates spend decades repaying debt, which prevents them from investing in housing or entrepreneurship. By removing financial obstacles, governments can encourage young professionals to contribute more actively to society.
In conclusion, free university education is a powerful equalizer that boosts both individual potential and national development. Therefore, I strongly agree that tuition fees should be eliminated.
(Estimated Band Score: 7.5 – Strong task response, clear arguments, academic vocabulary.)
Band 7+ Sample Answer 2 (Problem–Solution Essay)
Question: In many cities, traffic congestion is becoming a severe problem. What are the causes of this issue, and what solutions can be suggested?
Answer:
Urban traffic congestion has become a common challenge worldwide, especially in rapidly growing cities. This essay will examine the key causes and propose possible solutions.
One major reason for traffic jams is the increasing number of private vehicles. As incomes rise, more people prefer owning cars rather than using public transport. Additionally, poor urban planning often leads to narrow roads and insufficient parking spaces, further worsening congestion.
To address this issue, governments should invest in efficient public transport systems such as metros, buses, and trams. Singapore, for example, has significantly reduced congestion by introducing electronic road pricing and expanding public transport. Another effective solution is encouraging carpooling and cycling through awareness campaigns and dedicated lanes.
In conclusion, traffic congestion arises mainly from over-reliance on private vehicles and inadequate planning. However, with proper investment in public transport and sustainable alternatives, this problem can be effectively reduced.
(Estimated Band Score: 7.0 – Well-organized, clear solutions, relevant examples.)
Common Mistakes to Avoid in IELTS Writing Task 2
❌ Writing less than 250 words (automatic penalty).
❌ Using informal language (e.g., “a lot of” → “numerous”).
❌ Overgeneralizing without examples.
❌ Poor time management (spending too long planning).
❌ Memorizing essays word-for-word (examiners can detect this).
(Resource: Cambridge IELTS Writing Samples)
Final Thoughts
Scoring Band 7+ in IELTS Writing Task 2 is possible with the right approach:
Understand the question type.
Follow a clear structure.
Support your ideas with real-world examples.
Practice regularly with feedback.
At Altruist Language Hub, we provide personalized coaching, mock tests, and real-time feedback to help students master IELTS Writing.