 Photo by Zen Chung: https://www.pexels.com When you look at the official Cambridge IELTS practice tests, you’ll often see model essays written by real examiners in the answer key. Studying them is crucial because they show you exactly what examiners value in a high-scoring response. In this post, we’re going to take one of those questions, read through the model answer, and then look closely at how it’s structured to understand why it's effective. This is an IELTS General Training Writing Task 2 prompt: In the past, most working people had only one job. However, nowadays, more and more people have more than one job at the same time. The following essay was written by an examiner: It is increasingly common for people to hold down more than one job. Gone are the days when people could rely on one source of income to satisfy all their financial needs. I would like to consider the reasons for this change and outline its advantages and disadvantages. Overall Structure of the Model Essay The essay follows a very clear 5-part structure:
Paragraph-by-Paragraph Analysis 1. Introduction "It is increasingly common for people to hold down more than one job. Gone are the days when people could rely on one source of income to satisfy all their financial needs. I would like to consider the reasons for this change and outline its advantages and disadvantages."
👉 Takeaway for test-takers: Keep your introduction short but purposeful. Restate the topic in your own words, and signal exactly what you will cover. A touch of stylistic language (like “Gone are the days…”) can make your writing more engaging. While many sources advise against using idiomatic expressions and metaphors, this model answer shows that when they are used naturally and appropriately, they can work well. However, test-takers should be careful to avoid overused clichés, as these rarely add value and can make the writing sound less original. 2. Body Paragraph 1 – Reasons "People take on extra work because making ends meet has become so challenging. In recent years, the cost of living has risen exponentially, making it a real challenge to break even at the end of the month. Additionally, advertising companies relentlessly promote the idea that more wealth means more happiness, a concept that many people believe. They may take on freelance jobs or weekend work in the hope of improving their lot in life."
👉 Takeaway for test-takers: When giving reasons, don’t just list them. Start with one clear idea, explain it, then add another. Use supporting detail (like freelance/weekend jobs) to make it specific and believable. Notice that the model essay uses the phrasal verb “to take on” (as in “take on extra work” or “take on freelance jobs”). Some IELTS guides suggest avoiding phrasal verbs altogether, since a few of them can sound too informal for academic writing. However, this example shows that when a phrasal verb is natural to the context and not overly casual, it can actually strengthen your vocabulary range. The model essay also uses the phrase “improving their lot in life.” This is an idiomatic expression meaning to improve one’s overall situation or circumstances. While it is still technically an idiom, it fits the topic very naturally and sounds more formal than conversational. Using expressions like this can add lexical range, as long as they are appropriate to the context and not overused. 3. Body Paragraph 2 – Advantages "A person with more than one job may experience several benefits. Diversifying your skills and gaining more experience can make you more employable when negotiating the highly competitive job market. Avoiding putting all your eggs in one basket is also a wise move as you have something to fall back on if one source of income stops."
👉 Takeaway for test-takers: When discussing pros/cons, make sure each advantage/disadvantage is stated clearly and then explained. As mentioned in the previous paragraphs, idioms (like “putting all your eggs in one basket”) and phrasal verbs (like "fall back on") can show vocabulary range when used naturally. 4. Body Paragraph 3 – Disadvantages "There are also many downsides to this situation. Working for more than one company can quickly leave a person feeling overworked and burnt out. It also leaves limited time for being with family and friends or doing things you enjoy. What's more, when you are spread too thin, you may produce poor-quality work."
👉 Takeaway for test-takers: Cover at least two disadvantages and explain them. Use linking words to structure the flow (“also,” “what’s more”). Avoid bullet-point style listing. 5. Conclusion "Overall, I think it is important to remain balanced. Having an additional source of income can be beneficial if you keep work in its place, but it is not worth damaging your health and relationships for the sake of a slightly larger bank balance."
👉 Takeaway for test-takers: Conclude by summarizing the discussion, not by repeating the introduction word-for-word. A balanced, thoughtful final remark shows good “task response.” General Recommendations for IELTS Test-Takers
1. Follow a clear structure
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 For IELTS Writing learners, one of the most effective ways to improve is by understanding why certain essays score higher than others. Simply practicing writing without guidance can help, but it often leaves students unsure about which elements truly make a difference in their band score. Comparing essays at different band levels is particularly helpful because it allows learners to see concrete differences in vocabulary, sentence structure, tone, and argument development. By examining a Band 7 essay alongside a Band 8–9 essay, students can identify which features—such as more precise word choices, cohesive linking devices, and nuanced argumentation—are valued by IELTS examiners. This type of analysis not only clarifies what higher-scoring essays look like, but also gives learners practical strategies to elevate their own writing. In this article, we will compare two essays on the same topic—taxing unhealthy food—highlighting the differences between a Band 7 version using accessible vocabulary and a Band 8–9 version that demonstrates advanced academic writing skills. Through this comparison, learners can gain insight into how to transform a competent essay into a higher-scoring piece. Question: Sample Essay (Band 7 / simpler vocabulary) Some argue that taxing junk food more heavily is an effective way for governments to push people toward healthier choices. Others maintain that people should be free to select the foods they want. I agree with the second view because personal choice is very important. People who support higher taxes say that making unhealthy food more expensive can help reduce health problems. Foods that have a lot of sugar, fat, or salt can cause obesity, heart problems, and diabetes. If these foods cost more, people might buy them less often and this could lead them to making better choices. Governments could also use the money from these taxes to pay for health programs or make healthy food cheaper. However, I think people should be free to choose their food. Eating habits are personal and can be part of culture or family traditions. Making some foods more expensive goes against people’s right to choose. Putting taxes on unhealthy food could also be unfair, especially for people who don't earn a lot. It might not stop them from eating these foods, but only make it harder for them to afford other things. Teaching people about healthy food and giving them cheaper options is a better way to help them make good choices. In conclusion, even though taxes on unhealthy food may help some people, I believe personal freedom is more important. Governments should focus on education and making healthy food easy to get, rather than forcing people to pay more for certain foods. Sample Essay (Band 8+): Some hold the view that raising taxes on unhealthy products would discourage consumption and promote better diets. Another opinion is that dietary choices should remain a matter of personal freedom. Although taxing unhealthy food items may have certain benefits, I strongly support the view that individuals should have the right to decide what they consume. Supporters of higher food taxes claim that such policies could improve public health. Unhealthy food, particularly those high in fat, sugar, and salt, is strongly linked to conditions such as obesity, diabetes, and heart disease. By raising the price of these items, governments could reduce consumption and promote healthier lifestyles. Moreover, the additional revenue could be used to fund public health initiatives or subsidize nutritious food options. Nevertheless, I believe the disadvantages of this approach outweigh the advantages. Firstly, food is a deeply personal matter, tied not only to health but also to culture, tradition, and individual preference. Imposing financial penalties on certain foods risks interfering with these personal freedoms. Secondly, higher taxes are likely to disproportionately affect people from lower-income groups, who may already struggle with the cost of living. Instead of reducing unhealthy consumption, such measures could create resentment and financial hardship. Finally, education and awareness campaigns are a more respectful and effective way to guide people toward healthier diets, as they allow individuals to make informed decisions without unnecessary restrictions. In conclusion, while taxing unhealthy food may encourage some people to change their diets, it undermines personal freedom and risks unfairly burdening the poor. In my opinion, empowering individuals through education and access to affordable healthy food is a more just and sustainable solution. Here's a side-by-side comparison of each paragraph highlighting why the second essay has higher-level features and therefore a higher band score:
Advanced features:
Advanced features:
Advanced features:
Advanced features:
Key Takeaways for Learners:
To wrap up, achieving a Band 8 in IELTS Writing Task 2 does not mean you have to use overly fancy or complicated words that might feel forced or unnatural. Instead, what really matters is using more advanced collocations and vocabulary that sound natural, precise, and slightly formal or academic. The key is to express your ideas clearly, link them logically, and maintain a confident yet authentic tone. By upgrading word choice, sentence variety, and cohesive devices thoughtfully—without overdoing it—you can elevate your essay from Band 7 to Band 8+ while still keeping it readable and examiner-friendly.
Run-on sentences are one of the most common grammar mistakes IELTS test-takers make. They often happen when a candidate has many ideas but tries to write them all in one sentence without using the right punctuation or linking words. This mistake can lower your Grammatical Range and Accuracy score. 1. What is a Run-on Sentence? A run-on sentence happens when two or more complete sentences are joined without correct punctuation or linking words. In other words, the grammar structure is wrong, even if the ideas are connected. There are two main types:
2. Examples from IELTS Writing Task 1 – Academic ❌ The percentage of commuters using trains increased steadily it reached 60% in 2019. ✔ The percentage of commuters using trains increased steadily, and it reached 60% in 2019. ✔ The percentage of commuters using trains increased steadily; it reached 60% in 2019. ✔ The percentage of commuters using trains increased steadily. It reached 60% in 2019. Task 1 – General Training (letter) ❌ I am writing to ask for a replacement my toaster stopped working yesterday. ✔ I am writing to ask for a replacement because my toaster stopped working yesterday. ✔ I am writing to ask for a replacement. My toaster stopped working yesterday. Task 2 – Academic or General Training ❌ Some people believe university education should be free tuition fees are too expensive for many families. ✔ Some people believe university education should be free because tuition fees are too expensive for many families. ✔ Some people believe university education should be free. Tuition fees are too expensive for many families. 3. Basic Punctuation Rules to Avoid Run-ons Here are four reliable ways to fix a run-on sentence: Rule 1: Use a period or a full stop (.) Separate the ideas into two sentences. The city has built more bike lanes. As a result, traffic congestion has decreased. Rule 2: Use a comma + a coordinating conjunction (FANBOYS) FANBOYS = for, and, nor, but, or, yet, so The number of international students has increased, and many universities have expanded their programs. Rule 3: Use a semicolon (;) Join closely related ideas without a linking word. The population grew rapidly; housing supply could not keep up. Rule 4: Use a subordinating conjunction Make one clause dependent on the other. Common subordinating conjunctions: because, although, while, since, when, if, etc. Although the cost of living is high, many people choose to move to the city for better job opportunities. 4. Why This Matters for IELTS Run-on sentences make your writing harder to follow and can lead to lower Grammar scores. In IELTS Writing, clear sentence boundaries are important for:
5. Quick Self-Check
After writing a sentence, ask:
In short: In IELTS, it’s better to write two clear, short sentences than one long run-on. Clear structure shows control of grammar and improves your score.  In IELTS Writing Task 2, you might encounter a question that asks for possible solutions to societal problems. Solution questions in IELTS writing often ask you to:
1. Start with a clear basic structure A standard four-paragraph essay works well:
2. Useful frameworks for generating ideas Framework 1: The "Educate, Regulate, Motivate" Framework
Framework 2: The "Who, What, Where, How" Approach
Example: Juvenile crime
Framework 3: The "Prevention vs. Cure" Method
Framework 4: The "Short-Term vs. Long-Term" Approach
3. Practice with common topics Here are sample ideas for frequently asked problems: Juvenile Crime:
Poverty:
Obesity:
4. Examples of how to begin sentences that describe solutions
Do note that these frameworks may not work for all types of solution essays but they are a good foundation for how to come up quickly with ideas when under pressure inside the exam room. Try out these strategies and patterns with different kinds of topics so that you'll get faster at brainstorming and organizing ideas not just for problem-solution essays, but for other types of academic writing. In the IELTS General Training Writing Task 1, you may be asked to write a formal letter—often to someone you do not know personally, such as a hotel manager, a company representative, or an official. You can usually tell the task is formal if the prompt involves a service or business-related situation and provides a neutral greeting like “Dear Sir or Madam”. The tone of a formal letter should be polite, respectful, and objective, avoiding slang or overly casual expressions. Your language should be precise and professional, and your ideas should be clearly organized into paragraphs that follow a logical order, usually reflecting the bullet points given in the prompt. In terms of format, no addresses are required in the IELTS exam. Start with the greeting given in the task, write in clearly separated paragraphs, and end with a formal sign-off such as “Yours faithfully” (when writing to someone whose name you do not know) or “Yours sincerely” (when the name is provided). Maintaining the correct format, tone, and level of formality is an important part of achieving a high band score. Letters in IELTS General Training Task 1 have the same basic structure whether you are writing a formal, semi-formal, or personal/informal letter:
Here's a sample writing prompt for IELTS General Training Task 1: You recently organize an all-day meeting for your company, which took place in a local hotel. In their feedback, participants at the meeting said that they like the hotel, but they were unhappy about the food that was served for lunch. Below is a sample formal letter, followed by a breakdown of the features that make it a good response. Dear Sir or Madam, How This Response Meets the IELTS Band DescriptorsTask Achievement
Coherence and Cohesion
Lexical Resource
Grammatical Range and Accuracy
Overall This letter meets all the task requirements, is well-organized, uses precise vocabulary, and maintains a consistently formal and polite tone. The recommendations are constructive and relevant, and the writing style demonstrates full command of English suitable in a professional context. In the IELTS General Training Writing Task 1, you’ll sometimes be asked to write a letter to a friend. These prompts often involve everyday situations—inviting someone to an event, giving advice, or sharing news. While the task still follows a clear structure with an opening, body, and closing, the tone is very different from a formal letter. Instead of business-like language, you’ll use a warm, friendly style that reflects your personal relationship. This means writing as if you’re really speaking to your friend: using first names, conversational expressions, contractions (like I’m or you’ll), and natural phrasing. The challenge is to balance this informal tone with enough detail, organization, and correct grammar to meet IELTS requirements. Here's a sample prompt for this type of letter: Your friend had been offered a place on a course at the university where you studied. He/She would like your advice about finding a place to live. Here's a sample response: Dear Ellie, Let's look at how each element in the letter works and why it fits the prompt. 1. Greeting / Salutation [Dear Ellie,]
2. Opening / Purpose Statement [I’m so happy to hear that you’ve been offered a place at my old university—congratulations! Finding the right place to live can really make a big difference to your experience, so here’s what I think might help.]
3. Paragraph 1 – Description of where you lived [When I was a student, I stayed in a shared apartment just a short walk from campus. The location was great because I could easily get to lectures and the library, and there were plenty of shops and cafés nearby. However, sharing with two other students did mean less privacy, and it felt a bit cramped sometimes.]
4. Paragraph 2 – Recommendation on finding accommodation [For your search, I’d recommend starting with Facebook listings, as most local landlords post their rental ads there. You can find a wide range of options and contact them directly, which saves a lot of time.]
5. Paragraph 3 – Warnings about mistakes [However, here’s a couple of things to watch out for: first, make sure you fully understand the lease agreement and apartment rules before signing—ask about bills, utilities, or overly strict rules. Second, always visit the property in person so you can check its actual condition and the surrounding area before committing. Photos can be misleading, and it’s important to get a feel for the neighborhood.]
6. Closing Statement [I hope you’ll find a great place soon. Keep me posted on how your search goes!]
7. Sign-off [Take care, (Full Name) ]
Why this works well overall for IELTS:
NOTES: The sample letter is 217 words, which is longer than the minimum required for IELTS General Training Task 1 (150 words). This extra length comes mainly from the first paragraph, where not only is the shared apartment mentioned but also its advantages and disadvantages —the short walk to campus, easy access to lectures, and nearby shops and cafés, but there was the lack of privacy. While this detail could technically be omitted to make the letter more concise, it actually enhances the helpfulness and realism of the response. Including both positives and negatives shows that you’re giving balanced, thoughtful advice, which aligns with the friendly, supportive purpose of a letter to a friend. It also demonstrates a wider range of vocabulary and sentence structures, which can help boost your score. So although it’s slightly longer than average, in this case the extra words work well by adding richness and authenticity without drifting off-topic. In the IELTS General Training Writing Task 1, test takers are often asked to write letters for a variety of purposes--making requests, giving information, or responding to a situation. One common but sometimes overlooked prompt type is the suggestion or opinion letter. In this task, you are asked to provide your viewpoint on an issue, often in response to a company, community organization, or public authority seeking feedback. The topic could range from choosing between two community projects to recommending improvements for a service. Success in this task depends on clearly stating your position, explaining your reasoning with convincing details, and using the appropriate tone Here's a question prompt for this type of letter: A large company in your area has decided to spend a certain amount of money, either to sponsor a local children's sports team for two years, or to pay for two open-air concerts. It has asked for feedback from the general public. Here's a sample response: Dear Sir or Madam, Here’s a breakdown of the letter showing what each element does: 1. Paragraph 1: Opening Sentence / Purpose Statement "I am writing in response to your request for public feedback on whether the company should sponsor a local children’s sports team for two years or pay for two open-air concerts."
2. Paragraph 2: Option 1 Benefits "Sponsoring the children’s sports team would provide long-term benefits for both the young athletes and the community. It would encourage children to stay active, develop teamwork skills, and gain self-confidence. Over two years, the consistent support would also help the team improve its facilities and participate in more competitions, which will foster community pride."
3. Paragraph 3: Option 2 Benefits "On the other hand, funding open-air concerts would offer immediate cultural and social value. These events would bring people of all ages together, promote local talent, and boost the local economy by attracting visitors and supporting nearby businesses
4. Paragraph 4: Recommendation "Although both options have merit, I believe that sponsoring the sports team would deliver more lasting benefits. Investing in the younger generation’s health, discipline, and teamwork skills will surely have a positive ripple effect on the community for years to come."
5. Closing Sentence "I hope my feedback will be helpful in your final decision."
6. Sign-off "Yours faithfully, [Full Name]"
Here’s a guide on recognizing and answering suggestion/opinion letters in IELTS General Training Task 1. 1. How to recognize a Suggestion/Opinion Letter prompt You’re dealing with this letter type if the prompt:
2. Typical tone and ttyle
3. Suggested structure Paragraph 1 – Opening & Purpose
4. Useful language for Suggestion/Opinion Letters Stating your opinion:
5. Common Errors to Avoid
In summary, mastering suggestion letters in IELTS GT Task 1 is about giving a clear opinion, explaining it with balanced reasons, and using the right tone for your audience. By structuring your letter with a clear opening, balanced discussion of options, and a decisive recommendation, you can show both your language skills and your ability to organize ideas logically. Notes On Lexical ResourceThis sample response is a good opportunity to discuss Lexical Resource. In IELTS Writing (and Speaking) lexical resource is not about stuffing your answers with the most advanced or difficult words you can think of. It’s about:
Here are words and collocations from the sample letter that contribute to a good score in lexical resource: 1. public feedback - Opinions or suggestions given by the general public about a proposal or idea.
2. long-term benefits / lasting benefits - Advantages or positive effects that continue over a long period.
3. consistent support - Ongoing and regular help, funding, or encouragement.
4. foster - To encourage the growth or development of something.
5. cultural and social value - Importance or worth in terms of traditions, arts, and community relationships.
6. promote local talent - To encourage or support people from the local area to showcase their skills.
7. boost the local economy - To improve business activity and financial health in a specific area.
8. to have merit - To have value or worth; to be worthy of consideration.
9. investing in - Putting time, money, or effort into something to gain future benefits.
10. a positive ripple effect - A series of good results that spread from an initial action, like ripples in water.
These words are not overly fancy or advanced, but they allow you to discuss the topic and make recommendations with precision. In short: Lexical Resource is about using the most suitable language, not the most complicated language. A well-placed collocation like foster community pride will score higher than a forced “fancy” word that feels unnatural. If you’re taking the IELTS General Training test, you may be asked to write a letter applying for a job or inquiring about an employment opportunity. This type of letter is common in real life and in the exam — and it’s your chance to show you can write politely, clearly, and persuasively. In this post, we’ll look at an official question prompt and a complete sample answer, explain how it meets the IELTS requirements, and highlight useful language and structure you can use in your own exam. Here's the prompt: During a recent plane journey, you sat next to a businessman who owns a chain of restaurants. You talked to him and he suggested that you should contact him about a possible Job in one of his restaurants. In IELTS General Training Task 1, this would be classified as a Job Application or a Job Inquiry letter. More specifically:
Here's a sample response:
Let's look at why this is an appropriate letter and why it fulfills the different criteria in Task Achievement, Coherence and Cohesion, Lexical Resource, and Grammatical Range & Accuracy. 1. Opening Greeting "Dear Mr. dela Cruz,"
2. Paragraph 1 "I hope you are doing well. We met recently on a flight to Kuala Lumpur, where we had a great conversation about your chain of restaurants. You had kindly mentioned that I could get in touch with you about possible job opportunities, so I am writing to follow up."
3. Paragraph 2 "I’m particularly interested in working as a barista. I have completed barista training and passed the national skills assessment, and I also have two years of experience working in an upscale café in my city. This role allowed me to develop a good command of coffee preparation techniques and provide excellent customer service especially in a fast-paced environment."
4. Paragraph 3 "I believe my training, hands-on experience, and enthusiasm for the job would make me a good fit for your team. I would be happy to share more about my background and discuss how I could contribute to one of your restaurants."
5. Closing statement / Paragraph 4 "Thank you for your time, and I look forward to hearing from you."
6. Sign-off "Best regards, [Your Full Name]"
Here's a breakdown based on the band descriptors: 1. Task Achievement
2. Coherence and Cohesion
3. Lexical Resource
4. Grammatical Range and Accuracy
One common grammatical error that learners make, and which stands out in written texts, is forgetting to use past participles after modal verbs combined with the verb "to be." This results in sentences like "should be change" instead of the correct "should be changed" or "must be announce" rather than "must be announced." Understanding the Structure: The structure in question is about the
To recall, modals are these verb forms: can, could, may, might, shall, should, will, would, must. Also included are the phrases ought to, used to, need to, had better, and be supposed to. They are all used with other verbs to state possibility, permission, opinion, or intention. The passive modal is used specifically to make recommendations or instructions, to state opinions, and sometimes to state rules, such as in the following sentences:
As previously stated, the past participle form of the verb is used with passive modals. The past participle is the form of a verb used with the verb ‘have’ in perfect tenses. For example in the sentence, ‘I have chosen to start over', the word 'chosen' is the verb in past participle form. The past participle is also used with the passive voice. For example in the sentence, ‘It was wrapped in delicate tissue paper’, the past participle verb is 'wrapped'. Here are more examples of verbs in their base form and past participle form:  After defining modals and past participles, let's look at examples of mistakes where the writer or speaker forgets to use the past participle when making a passive modal:
1. Should be + past participle - Incorrect: "The policy should be change." - Correct: "The policy should be changed." 2. Must be + past participle - Incorrect: "The decision must be announce to the public immediately." - Correct: "The decision must be announced to the public immediately." 3. Can be + past participle - Incorrect: "The process can be improve." - Correct: "The process can be improved." 4. Will be + past participle - Incorrect: "This issue will be discuss in the next meeting." - Correct: "This issue will be discussed in the next meeting." Recognizing and rectifying errors in the modal + be + past participle structure is fundamental for learners seeking to refine their English language skills, especially since this is a common pattern to use when making recommendations and posting announcements at work. Practice this structure by doing the writing activity below: You're going on a sudden business trip and need to leave instructions to someone about chores that need to be done at your house while you're away. Use the passive modal structure (modal + be + past participle) to give instructions to this person. Examples:
Enjoy your writing practice and don't hesitate to leave a comment for any questions. One common question type in IELTS Writing Task 2 asks you to discuss the advantages and disadvantages of a particular situation or trend. In this type of essay, you are not required to give your opinion unless the prompt specifically asks for it. Instead, your goal is to present both sides of the issue clearly and objectively. A well-structured advantages and disadvantages essay typically includes an introduction that outlines the topic, one body paragraph for the advantages, one for the disadvantages, and a balanced conclusion. Let's apply this structure to the following IELTS Writing Task 2 question prompt: Many students these days choose to work abroad after graduating. Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of this. This is a sample essay that follows the basic structure: In recent years, an increasing number of students have opted to work abroad after completing their university education. While this decision can provide valuable cultural experiences and chances to explore new places, it may also come with financial challenges and emotional adjustment difficulties. This essay will explore both the benefits and drawbacks of working overseas after graduation. Here’s the breakdown of the essay, tailored specifically to an “advantages and disadvantages” essay type. ✅ 1. Introduction Purpose: Introduce the topic and clearly state that both advantages and disadvantages will be discussed. What it does in the sample:
✅ 2. Body Paragraph 1 – Advantages Purpose: Present and explain the advantages of working abroad. What it does in the sample:
✅ 3. Body Paragraph 2 – Disadvantages Purpose: Present and explain the disadvantages of working abroad. What it does in the sample:
✅ 4. Conclusion
Purpose: Summarize both sides and restate the need for careful consideration. What it does in the sample:
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