Writing · Band 8

IELTS Writing band 8 sample answers

Model answers written to the band 8 descriptors for both Academic and General Training. Each page shows the task, the full answer and a short explanation of what earns the score, so you can see exactly how a strong response is built.

Task 2 band 8 sample essays

10 essays on common IELTS topics. See the Task 2 gallery →

Task 2 · Academic

Public transport usage by mode

Task 1 band 8 sample answers

Academic chart reports and General Training letters. See the Task 1 gallery →

Task 1 · Chart report

Renewable energy adoption

Task 1 · Chart report

City population growth

Task 1 · Chart report

Household spending breakdown

Task 1 · Chart report

Public transport usage by mode

Guides

IELTS Writing band descriptors, explained: The four Writing criteria for Task 1 and Task 2, with examples of band 6, 7 and 8 and the usual reasons candidates are held at 6.5.
IELTS Writing band 7 tips: A checklist for band 7 Writing: overview, clear position, paragraph control, natural cohesion, precise vocabulary and proofreading.
IELTS Task 2 introductions and conclusions that score 8: Introduction and conclusion patterns for opinion, discussion and problem-solution essays, with weak and strong examples.

Frequently asked questions

How many words should an IELTS Writing answer have?

Write at least 150 words for Task 1 and at least 250 words for Task 2. Strong answers are usually a little longer, around 170 to 200 words for Task 1 and 270 to 320 for Task 2.

Does Task 2 count more than Task 1?

Yes. Task 2 carries about twice the weight of Task 1 in the Writing band score, so spend roughly 40 minutes on Task 2 and 20 minutes on Task 1.

Are these official IELTS band 8 answers?

No. They are original model answers written to the published band 8 descriptors by IELTS A. They show the standard to aim for, but they are not official examples and do not guarantee a score.

Model answers on this site are original, written to the band 8 descriptors by IELTS A. They are not official IELTS material and do not guarantee a score. IELTS A is not affiliated with IELTS, the British Council, IDP or Cambridge.