 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.
 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. 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:
In the IELTS Writing Task 2, one common question type is the Discussion Essay. In this task, you are asked to discuss two different views on a topic and then give your own opinion. A simple and effective way to organize your answer is the 4-paragraph structure:
Discussion Essay Sample AnswerWRITING TASK 2 You should spend about 40 minutes on this task. Write about the following topic:
Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience. Write at least 250 words. Sample essay: Some employees prefer to remain with a single employer throughout their career, whereas others believe that switching companies brings greater benefits. This essay will consider both ideas but will ultimately present why it is more advantageous to have experience working in different companies. One clear advantage of working for the same company throughout one’s career is the opportunity to develop a deep expertise in a particular field. This expertise not only makes them more efficient at their tasks but also allows them to contribute meaningfully to the company’s progress. Furthermore, loyalty and consistency are often rewarded, and long-serving employees may be promoted to leadership positions as a result of their dedication. For example, many managers and executives have risen through the ranks after decades of service, demonstrating how loyalty can lead to professional recognition and authority. On the other hand, moving between different organizations can provide employees with broader opportunities for career advancement. Moving to new workplaces allows individuals to experience diverse work environments, adapt to various professional challenges, and acquire new skills. This exposure helps employees become more versatile and competitive in the job market. Additionally, working for multiple companies often accelerates career growth, as professionals may be able to negotiate better salaries and positions when they bring varied experience to the table. For instance, someone who has worked in both multinational corporations and small start-ups will likely have a wider skill set and stronger problem-solving abilities than someone who has only stayed in one company. This adaptability can prove invaluable in today’s fast-changing global economy. In conclusion, remaining with one organization can foster expertise and open pathways to leadership, while working in different companies gives employees diverse experiences and skills sets. However, professionals who have worked in multiple environments are more competitive and better equipped to thrive in today’s ever-evolving society. (303 words) Paragraph Structure BreakdownIntroduction
Body Paragraph 1 (Viewpoint 1: Staying in one company)
Body Paragraph 2 (Viewpoint 2: Changing companies)
Conclusion
Why this is a Good Essay Based on the Band Descriptors1. Task Response
2. Coherence and Cohesion
3. Lexical Resource
4. Grammatical Range and Accuracy
To get better at IELTS Discussion Essays, practice paraphrasing prompts, balancing both views fairly, and always keeping your essay within a clear 4-paragraph structure. Use topic sentences to guide the examiner, extend your ideas with explanations and examples, and make sure your opinion (if required) is clear and consistent from start to finish. Sample Prompt for Practice
Try writing this using the 4-paragraph structure:
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