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By Kurz Band
Steps to Band 9 of IELTS Essay Writing
1. Overview
IELTS Writing Task 2 requires a test taker to write 250 words academic essay on a given topic in 40 minutes. To get a top score essay, like band 9 or band 8, you should finish the job perfectly with five steps.
Step 1: Analysis of the given question It would help if you understood the subject without any doubt and what the examiners are expecting. If your answer leaves the issue a little, you miss the chance to get top scores. So you need to identify the question type, keywords, and instructions to ensure that your understanding matches the essay's topic and requirement.
Step 2. Planning Band 9 essay must have a perfect structure. Test takers usually plan for up to 10 minutes to organize ideas and structure before writing to make a great essay.
Step 3. Introduction An introduction is a start to impress examiners to shoot band 9. Answer the question directly and tell the examiners your view or argument.
Step 4. Main Body Paragraphs Demonstrate your detail and logic, state your main points, and support explanations and relevant examples to build the top band essay's body.
Step 5. Conclusion Do you succeed in a band 9 essay? Provide an excellent summary of what you have already said is the last nail of your masterpiece. Never ignore it.
2. Band 9 Essay Criteria
In general, examiners check essays from 4 factors:
Task Response
Coherence and cohesion
Lexical Resource
Grammatical range and accuracy
Band 9 is the highest score of IELTS writing. It means test takers should avoid any tiny mistakes in any aspect. The key points are as below:
Fully addresses the task
Presents a fully developed position to the question with fully extended and supported ideas
Uses cohesion in such a way that it attracts no attention
Skilfully manages to paragraph
Uses a wide range of vocabulary with very natural control of lexical features
Uses a wide range of structures with full flexibility and accuracy
Actually, band 9 essays, of either academic or general tests, aren't impeccable. If you study them, you may see room to refine them. In other words, even if your essay has a few tiny defects, you still have a chance to get the top band. However, Rome wasn't built in a day; how do we achieve a band 9 essay step by step?
3. The Way to Get Band 9
For many IELTS test-takers, band 9 isn't a realistic goal. As a matter of fact, band 8, band 7, and even band 6 are also good scores and are acceptable in most cases. Compared with band 9 essays, their criteria are relatively broader and are easier to meet. Here we introduce respectively how to score them in brief and offer samples.
Starting from Band 6, you will see criteria for each level and sample essays selected accordingly. Studying them is a shortcut to sharpen your IELTS essay skill and get the top score step by step.
3.1 Band 6 Essay
Assessment criteria for Band 6 essay
Addresses all parts of the task, maybe unbalanced
Presents a relevant position, possibly unclear or repetitive
Arranges information and ideas coherently
Uses cohesive devices effectively
Uses paragraphing, but not always logically
Uses an adequate range of vocabulary
Attempts to use the less common vocabulary
Makes some errors in spelling and grammar, but do not impede communication
Uses a mix of simple and complex sentence forms
Band 6 Essay Sample
Sample 1
Question: Some people think that life's success is based on hard work and determination. Others, however, believe there are more important factors, such as having money.
Some people think that life's success is based on hard work and determination. Others, however, believe that there are more important factors, such as having money or a good appearance. Both sides have their views and examples. Advocates of hard work argue that diligence, determination, and resilience are the ...
Question: Some think most crimes are the result of circumstances like poverty and other social problems. Others believe they are caused by people born evil.
The debate over the root causes of crime revolves around contrasting perspectives regarding the influence of individual character versus external circumstances. While some attribute crime primarily to environmental factors such as poverty, inequality, and social disadvantage, others emphasize personal responsibility ...
Question: Some think advertising may have positive economic effects. Others believe it has negative social effects because it reduces satisfaction. Discuss both views.
While some believe that advertising benefits the economy, others claim life would be better without it, as advertising frequently causes people to feel miserable. As for me, I believe that the positive effects of advertising on the economy are more significant than the negative ones that influence people's self-esteem ...
Question: Some people think that family is the most important influence on young adults. Other people think that friends are the most important influence on young adults. Which view do you agree with?
The influence of family versus friends on young adults sparks debate on the various factors shaping individuals' values, beliefs, and behaviors during their formative years. I think that both family and friends play significant roles in the development of young adults in different ways. Some emphasize the unique ...
Question: Some people say that the Internet provides people with a lot of valuable information. Others think access to so much information creates problems. Which view do you agree with? Use specific reasons and examples to support your opinion.
The Internet has revolutionized the way people access information. Although there is some useless or troubling data, no one can deny that it provides unparalleled access to a vast and diverse array of valuable resources, knowledge, and insights. It empowers people to seek out information, engage with diverse ...
Presents a precise position throughout the response
Supports main ideas, logically organizes information and ideas
Uses a range of cohesive devices appropriately
Presents an exact central topic within each paragraph
Uses a sufficient range of vocabulary
uses less common lexical items
May produce occasional errors in word choice and spelling
Uses a variety of complex structures
Has good control of grammar
Sample 1
Question: Many people believe that reducing the income gap between the rich and the poor can lead to a happier society. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
The growing disparity between the rich and the poor has been a pressing issue in many societies. Some people argue that reducing this income gap can lead to a happier and more harmonious society. I largely agree with this view, as income equality can address social inequalities, reduce stress, and promote overall well ...
Question: Some people say the fashion industry is bad for the environment, as it encourages consumers to buy new clothes all the time. Do you agree or disagree?
The fashion industry has long been a topic of debate. Many argue that it negatively impacts the environment by promoting overconsumption and waste. While fashion plays a significant role in cultural expression and economic growth, I agree that its current practices are mainly detrimental to the environment. This essay ...
Question: An increasing number of people are changing careers during their working life. What are the reasons? Do you think this is a positive or negative development?
In recent years, the number of individuals changing careers during their working lives has risen noticeably. This trend can be attributed to various factors, including evolving job markets, personal aspirations, and the pursuit of work-life balance. I think this development has both positive and negative implications ...
Question: Long-distance flight consumes the amount of fuel, some people think that we should discourage non-essential flights, such as tourist travel, rather than limit cars.
Concerns about the environmental impact of air travel have grown significantly in recent years. Long-distance flights consume a vast amount of fuel and contribute heavily to air pollution. Some argue that rather than restricting car use, non-essential air travel, such as tourism, should be discouraged to combat these ...
Question: The values that we learn from our parents and family have a greater influence on our future success than the knowledge and skills we learn at school. Do you agree?
Some argue that the values we learn from our parents and family have a more significant impact on our success in life, while others believe that the knowledge and skills acquired at school are more important. In my view, both play crucial roles in shaping future success, but the influence of values instilled by family ...
Presents a well-developed response to the question
Sequences information and ideas logically
Manages all aspects of cohesion well
Uses paragraphing appropriately
Uses a wide range of vocabulary fluently and flexibly
Skilfully uses uncommon lexical items
Rare errors in spelling
The majority of sentences are error-free
Sample 1
Question: Nowadays, more and more people want to get things done instantly, such as services and information. Why is this? Is it a positive or negative development?
In today's fast-paced world, the demand for instant services and information has surged dramatically. This phenomenon is driven by technological advancements and the modern lifestyle's emphasis on efficiency and convenience. While the trend towards immediacy has its advantages, it also raises concerns about its broader ...
Question: It is a natural process for animal species to become extinct, e.g., Dinosaurs. There is no reason why people should try to prevent this from happening. Do you agree or disagree?
The question of whether humans should intervene to prevent animal species from becoming extinct has sparked much debate. Some argue that extinction is a natural part of life on Earth, citing the example of dinosaurs, while others contend that we have a responsibility to protect endangered species. In my opinion, human ...
Just studying others' essays isn't enough to touch Band 9 or any high scores. The practice is as same as important. We collect recent years' IELTS essay questions here. Hopefully, they can help you.