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IELTS Writing Samples

IELTS essay samples (writing task 2), report and letter samples (writing task 1) with Band Scores, marked by IELTS teachers, including comments and suggestions on how to increase your score

IELTS Letter, topic: Asking a friend if he would like to buy your car

This is a model response to a Writing Task 1 topic from High Scorer’s Choice IELTS Practice Tests book series (reprinted with permission). This answer is close to IELTS Band 9.

Set 2 General Training book, Practice Test 9

Writing Task 1

You should spend about 20 minutes on this task.

A friend of yours has always admired your car. You have now decided to sell it. Write a letter to your friend to ask if he is interested in buying your car.

In your letter,

– explain why you are selling your car
– describe the good points and any bad points about your car
– suggest the friend visits you to see and drive your car

You should write at least 150 words.

You do NOT need to write any addresses. Begin your letter as follows:

Dear Tim,

Sample Band 9 Letter

Dear Tim,

I have decided to sell my car and I remember you being interested in it in the past. We are taking some time off to travel as a family, so we will be buying a caravan which requires a car with a bigger towing capacity. I am wondering whether you are still looking to buy a car and if mine would suit your needs.

My car is now seven years old and therefore has a few drawbacks that you should be aware of. First of all, the radio is not adapted to modern standards. I know that you like to listen to electronic and bass music, so this may not satisfy you. Also, the seats are visibly damaged in the back, as my kids have sat there most of the time, but this is repairable.

Otherwise though, the car is in excellent condition and I am sure that, besides the radio, you will be pleased with its properties. It drives very well and will get you through the most stressful drive to work or an enjoyable holiday trip with success.

Just call me or write back if you would like to know more. I hope to see you soon if you would like to inspect and test drive my car!

Best wishes,

Thomas

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IELTS essay, topic: Individuals should be responsible for funding their own retirement (agree/disagree)

This is a model response to a Writing Task 2 topic from High Scorer’s Choice IELTS Practice Tests book series (reprinted with permission). This answer is close to IELTS Band 9.

Set 5 Academic book, Practice Test 24

Writing Task 2

You should spend about 40 minutes on this task.

Write about the following topic:

It is the responsibility of individuals to save and provide for their own retirement. Governments have no obligation to provide this benefit.

To what extent do you agree or disagree with this statement?

Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your knowledge or experience.

You should write at least 250 words.

Sample Band 9 Essay

The responsibility for providing funds for retirement is incredibly important and something that is often overlooked by younger people. Some believe it is the responsibility of the individual to plan for this, but others feel it is the responsibility of the state.

People who believe that the state should be responsible for funding retirees, base their argument on the fact that in most countries, people pay taxes and social charges to the government. This money, they argue, should also go towards the provision of a pension for the person paying the tax. In addition, those who have very small or no income, pay little or no tax and do not have the ability to provide for themselves. The government, therefore, in its role of caring for the population, has an obligation to pay a pension and provide other social benefits, such as medical treatment.

Many others, however, feel that it is the responsibility of individuals to fund their own retirements. As adults, they argue, people should be able to set aside and invest money throughout their lifetime, so that they can retire with few financial worries. In many countries the government has legislated a framework allowing and encouraging citizens to save up and accumulate sufficient funds for the period after their working years have ended.

I neither agree nor disagree with the statement, but rather my opinion takes in parts of both arguments. I feel that people should be responsible for saving money to fund their retirement, but I also feel that individuals who have not had the chance to do so should be supported by the government out of taxes. In my view, therefore, it is wrong to say that governments have no obligation to help people in this area. Governments are there to support the entire population of their countries, which includes the poorer elements of society.

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