Below is an example of a band score 9 IELTS writing task 2 model essay. The task is a direct questions essay which is quite common in IELTS. Read it carefully and pay attention to the structure of the essay, the linkers and the sentence structures.
Essay Question
Art is considered an important part of a society as well as an expression of its culture. Do you think it is important for children to be taught art? Do you think children should be encouraged to focus on art rather than other subjects?
Model Answer
It is commonly believed that art plays a fundamental role in society as artists are able to express their thoughts and their culture in their work. In my opinion, children should definitely learn art because they can develop creativity and learn to express themselves in their art work but it should not be taught to the detriment of other subjects.
Firstly, art is an essential subject which children, especially young children, should learn in order to help promote their creativity and imagination. Without the development of imagination and creative thinking, children will struggle to grow into dynamic, individual thinkers when they reach adulthood. Furthermore, some children are particularly gifted in their creative abilities and studying art can help them nurture their talents.
Another important advantage for children when practicing art is that it provides a medium through which they can express their emotions and feelings. In other words, young children do not have the linguistic capabilities to put their ideas into language and thus communicate directly. Therefore, by using art, they are able to convey meaning through pictures and symbols. For this reason, many child psychologists often study the art work of children to gain an insight into what they think and feel.
Finally, however, regardless of how useful the study of art is for children, this should not result in more focus being placed on art rather than other subjects. Children need to have a balance of all subjects so as to facilitate a healthy development both mentally and physically. Thus, ensuring that there is a healthy balance of art, sciences, languages and physical education in the school syllabus is essential.
In conclusion, while art certainly helps a child develop creativity as well as express their thoughts, it should be taught equally alongside all other subjects. A school curriculum should offer a balance of subjects.
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Hi Liz,
thank you for the valuable tips
Hi Liz,
Firstly, your website is a really good source of information. Thank you.
I was practicing this essay and wanted to know how does the model answer address the statement of “Art is considered an important part of society as well as an expression of its culture”
Or is it not needed? I had an impression that the first paragraph after the introduction could probably address the statement made.
Thank you
In this particular essay question, the first part is setting the scene. It provides context. Your task is to follow instructions. You have two questions to answer within the context given. There is no question which says “Do you think art is an important part of society? or “Do you think art is an expression of culture”. You need to identify if the statement given in the question is background context or if the instructions ask you to address it.
Thank you
Wow! I’m so grateful ma’am for this your wonderful website full of knowledge. Indeed, I have learnt a lot and I hope that with these your tips, model essays and teachings, I’m going to ace my IELTS once and achieve my desired band score.
Thank you.
Hi Liz,
I am your great admirer, your work is making a tremendous change in the lives of many aspirants. I have given my paper 6times each time I am stuck on 6.5 in writing. However, I need 7, I am really frustrated now don’t know how to do , what to do. 😐
If your English level is above band 6.5, but you are stuck at scoring 6.5 – the reason will be your technique and your understanding of IELTS writing task 2. See my free lessons – click on the RED BAR at the top of the site.
Hi liz
My exam is on 27 this week ,i purchased your advance lesson but didnot get further information regarding it. Kindly reply asap.
Regards
Please check your spam folder for the email with the access link. It frequently ends up in spam. Also check that you spelled your email address correctly. Message me back if you have any further problems.
Hello Liz,
For Writing task 2, can I use supporting ideas which may or may not be true in real life? for example “A recent survey suggests that most people prefer evenings, to watch movies, rather than mornings”. Is it okay to use this kind of made-up sentences?
You should not be using phrases such as “A recent survey suggests..” – The examiner is not interested in the source of your information.
Liz, thanks a ton for your lessons. I would be lost in preparation without such guidance.
I have my written test on Saturday, 1 June 2019. I want to know if fountain pen is ok to use for essays. I understand for other tasks, pencil is provided at center.
Thanks in advance.
This is something you should check with your test centre. They might have a preference about the type of pen used. Good luck on Saturday !! 🙂
Thanks a ton liz. God bless u n ur family always.
Thankyou so much for tge prompt reply..
Well, what i understand from your reply is that, the question must be clearly answered, with introduction, 2 to 3 body paragraphs, and conclusion, With all required ingredients such as the cohesion, linking words, grammar, spelling, etc.. Right?
I am appearing ielts this month 27th for the fifth time, where,for the first three attempts i got 6 in writing and last time 6.5..i need to score atleast 7 in writing to reach my dream.
I had been confused on the structure of essays, thinking that all essays must have examples compulsorily, and should avoid “ing” forms, etc. It would be of hreat help if you could share link, of essays, that you think i must gp through.
Thanku
Smruthi
India
Kochi
Yes, you’ve understood. On this page, you’ll find a link to the band score descriptions and tips for how to up your score. You’ll also find model essays, free video lessons, tips etc: https://ieltsliz.com/ielts-writing-task-2/. Using a gerund (a verb that has become a noun by using +ing) is a very useful grammar feature to include in your essays and certainly shouldn’t be avoided. Examples are used when you wish to use them – they are not compulsory. This site has over 300 pages of lessons and tips – go to the HOME page to learn how to find them on this site.
Hi liz,
Thankyou for your valuable sharings and wonderful website which is ocean of knowledge.
Well, i have a doubt in the structing of different type of essays in task 2. My mentor taught me that there must be example in every para after the main point mentioned in each paragraphs.
But i could not find that pattern in your essay samples. Is the method i follow right or wrong. Please advice.
Smruthi
India
Kochi
There is no such rule in IELTS. The examiner only marks if you have explained and developed your ideas in a relevant way. You need to distinguish between advice your teacher is giving you and actual fixed rules for the test. There a lot of flexibility for body paragraph content. In fact, if you are aiming for a high score, you need to be flexible.
Dear Liz,
It is simply delightful learning through your website. I have found every lesson extremely useful and I am always looking forward to new details or tips. You are appreciated greatly.
God bless you now and always.
I’m so pleased you are enjoying my site 🙂
Okay, I got it. 🙂
Hi Liz,
your website is highly advertised by our local IELTS teachers in the Philippines. Is it okay to use “they, these, our, their” on WT2? Thanks for your help!
There are no rules about using pronouns in IELTS. Teachers have their own recommendations of what to use to help you produce a better essay, but there are no fixed rules.
Dear Liz,
Some people say that we should answer both parts of the question equally, meaning that we should write almost the same number of words in answering each part of the question, and that otherwise it might be considered ” addressing some parts of the question more fully than others”
Is this correct ? because I noticed you wrote far more about the first part of the question than the second one in this essay.
Thank you for your amazing website.
An essay which does not develop each idea fully, does not look like this model. It would have 2 sentences for one body paragraph, 6 for another and may be 4 for another – it would be very obviously unbalanced. The essay above has either 3 or 4 sentences for each body paragraph – that’s completely fine.
Can we ask a question in our essayand then answer it, do this type of writing allowed?
No.
Hi Liz,
I am writing here one introduction passage of one agree or disagree essay. Kindly let me know the errors. Thanks a lot in advance.
Some people consider price as most important thing to consider when buying a product (such as cell phone) or a service (e.g. medical treatment) . DO you agree ordisagree?
Nowadays, cost of product and services is the first dominating issue to get and collect the things to a number of people. Other aspects to consider not only expenditure but also important to find the quality of materials and facility. I completely agree that the cost is the key issue to decide before buying but I also prefer to get the best quality of service and ingredients of products.
Hi Liz,
Thank you for your blog and video tutorials. I had a question regarding essays on the topic of Art. Is Art being referred to in a broader sense including all forms of expression, or is it just confined to paintings and drawings?
I want you to go online and google the difference between:
1) art
2) the arts
Thanks Liz, I just learnt the difference between the two words too.
Actually they are two different words that convey different meanings. Art means fine art such as painting, drawing or sculpture. Arts represent subjects such as commerce, economics, philosophy, history and other such non-science subjects. This is the main difference between the two words.
Exactly – you got it 🙂
Hey Liz,
Great website, material and effort, thanks alot.
In the conclusion paragraph you wrote “their thoughts” while referring to a “child”, Is child plural or singular in that case??
Please google about using “they” as a singular.
Thanks so much Liz, I sat my IELTS reading, writing and listening tests today and all your lessons and practice qns really helped me alot. Thank you, i hope for the best. God bless you and all your efforts. Thank you once again.
in your second body paragraph, you wrote “art CULMINATES child’s imagination..” , when you are actually supporting art for children.. culminate means end, finish, terminate or conclude.. i think it doesn’t ft in here.
is it true that same words are not counted again?? e.g if I’ve written toys word 5 times , it is considered only 1 time.
All words are counted. This means ALL. Repeated words are counted – ALL words on the page. Do you really think the examiner will count how many times you use “a” or “the” and then calculate? Of course not.
Hlo
I want to know about writing that in the time of checking both writing task they count each and every word OR they do not count like is ,am ,are I am confused in word count for both the easy please mam please help me
Please mam please help me
ALL words are counted – ALL means ALL.
Hi Liz,
I am preparing myself for general IELTS exam. Recently, I have started preparing myself for Task 2 writing but i am very confused because i can’t differentiate what are the academic and general IELTS essay. This section looks very difficult to me. I am too much worried and have fear in my mind that i won’t be able to score in this section. I need your special guidance for this task. You have given 20 common essay topic and each topic is further split into other topic. In addition you have given 100 essay question. This has made me confused. Please advise me what should i prepare for my general IELTS exam. Thanks
There is no major difference. As you can see on this page: https://ieltsliz.com/ielts-gt-academic-writing-differences/
Hi Liz
Thanks for these awesome writing lessons.
I am trying to copy the text to get the count of words but I think right click is disabled here and even Ctrl+F is not working. Can you please suggest how can I get it ?
Thanks!
Sorry but my website materials are to be used when you are online. Some pages have pdf files available but most do not.
thanks for your given extraordinory writing..
i have a question related introduction and whole writing task 2 ….. can i use the word in intro like “history has wittnessed”, and ” scholars said that….” .. like these word can i impliment in intro. ..
Using language that you have memorised in order to impress the examiner will not help you.
Hi,
l would like to thank you for your great efforts and support to all IELTS students , l have one question , is it normal in the above essay ,that term Secondly is missing in the third paragraph.
Starting the first paragraph with Firstly, the second with Secondly, and the third with Thirdly, is considered mechanical and this is a characteristic of band score 6. So, be flexible.
Wow! This essay is so good. How am I expected to write like this?? 🙁
Thank you madam,
Please, i am confused when to put personal examples on my essay paragraphs. I did notice you used none?
It is recommended to writing about people in general rather than people you know personally.
Hi Liz. I’ve been reading your articles and watching all lecture videos here and I can say that I am a fan. I can’t deny that your materials are all helpful in preparation of my Ielts. I also noticed that you are trying your best to answer all the queries asked by most of the candidates. Eventhough you’ve mentioned that you’re not commenting on their essays, it seems that you still take the time to read, check and give your opinions and feedbacks regarding their written work. I’m not here to ask the same, fyi 😉 I just want to extend my gratitude for helping us without asking for any return. I’m just happy that people like you still do exist. Kudos!
Hi I wanted to know is it really obligatory to say in essays like “in this essay I’ll outline my opinion or solution or something like that with examples.?
Nope, it would be wrong. You have to write in general terms.
Hi Miss Liz…
I would like to ask regarding the topic below:
Some people think that the government is wasting money on the arts and that this money should be spent elsewhere. To what extend do you agree?
I fully agree with the topic and my reason are
1. There are crucial problems, which need to be addressed and funded right away, such as poverty, crimes, illiteracy and deteriorating public health, that the government faces.
2. Only few people appreciate arts which makes it insensible to allot money for it.
Do you think my reasons answered the task completely or did i deviate from the topic? I’m not really sure about my reasons ( body 1 and 2).
Thanks Miss Liz. Godbless.
You have presented a clear opinion and present clear ideas to support your view. It’s fine.
Liz
Hi. I have noticed reading your model essays that you don’t usually list examples into your body paragraphs. Some instructors suggest examples should be added in almost all of body paragraphs one writes. A relevant example could be of child art prodigy ‘Akiane’ in my view. Don’t you think by not using any examples , it can impede chances to achieve band 8 or band 9? At least , that’s my understanding after reading through countless blogs and going through online videos of other instructors. Kindly enlighten me with your views. Thanks
Examples are not necessary. Yes, you can use them. But it won’t impede your score not to. Examples can also take the form of giving examples of situations rather than data or statistics or individual examples.
All the best
Liz
hi,liz
can we state our opinion in ‘positive development or negative development’ essay.
And while stating our opinion,where asked, in any type of essay what should be the arrangement of BPs.
In agree disagree essay,the BP should be only according to our answer,e.g i agree ,so BP should all be in favor of agree?i am confused
Sorry I don’t actually understand your question. I highly recommend you watch at least one of my advanced lessons which explains in a lot of detail how to write an opinion essay: http://subscriptions.viddler.com/IELTSLizStore
All the best
Liz
Hello
I’ve noticed that you have never used a semicolon in your essays before. Is using semicolon instead of periods and commas in some sentences is better and gives more points?
Thanks 🙂
Just use commas and full stops.
Liz
Dear Liz can you write a structure of Direct Essay? Thank you.
A direct essay is one where you are given specific questions to answer. On the whole, you have one body paragraph for each question.
Liz
Thanku for clarifying the structure of direct question.i.e,”one body para for each question”.
For most cases, that will be a good guideline. But always have a flexible approach and don’t think in black and white terms.
hi Liz
can you advise if this is okay?
Q: artist have low salaries. Do you think the government should provide a buget for them to increase their salaries?
Arts play an important role in our lives and artists should be compensated accordingly. However, in my opinion, the government should focus their budget more on critical issues in our society such as poverty, education and health. In this essay, I will discuss the importance of allocating the budget to these social problems.
To begin with, the government should concentrate on issues that directly affects the people in the society. The public funds should spend to create jobs to unemployed, promote education by creating more schools and provide affordable hospitalization and medical programs to the poor. These are vital in order for the society to function. Ultimately, when these problems has been resolved, economy will prosper, thus, increasing the budget of the government.
On the other hand, arts also generate income from entrace fees in the museum and art galleries. Some people enjoy arts and have financial capacity to spend money for arts. However, these does not warrant concrete reason for artists to get an increased on their salary.
In conclusion, government should prioritize the allocation of the budget on the projects that directly affects people’s lives .
Sorry, I no longer comment on writing.
Liz
Hi Liz,
Just a question in the second paragraph. “children will struggle in grow into dynamic …..”
or it should be children will struggle to grow into dynamic….
Thank you.
Well spotted! It’s a typo. You’re a good proof reader 🙂
Liz