Want to know your IELTS vocabulary level? Try the Test Page. You can also Report My Test to us; Our tutors may view your testing and give you a suggestion. It is a FREE service.
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: In some countries, celebrities complain about the way the media publicizes their private lives. Some people say that they should accept it as part of their fame.
The debate over whether celebrities should accept media intrusion into their private lives as part of their fame is complex. While I acknowledge that a certain level of public scrutiny is inevitable for those in the limelight, I firmly believe that there should be boundaries to protect their privacy and dignity. On ...
Question: Health services are a basic necessity. However, private companies have made them costly for common people. Do the advantages outweigh the disadvantages?
The debate over private healthcare services is contentious, particularly regarding their impact on accessibility and affordability for ordinary individuals. While private healthcare offers certain advantages, the disadvantages, especially in terms of cost, are significant and often outweigh the benefits. Private ...
Question: What are the benefits of using mobile phones and the internet for older adults? How can we encourage them to use this new technology?
Mobile phones and the internet offer significant benefits for older adults, enhancing their quality of life in various ways. These technologies provide opportunities for improved communication, access to information, social engagement, and enhanced safety and health management. One of the primary benefits is ...
Question: Some people believe that anyone can create art, such as painting, poetry, music, etc. Others think that a person should have special abilities to make art.
Art, in its myriad forms, has long been a source of debate regarding its accessibility and the prerequisites for its creation. Some argue that anyone can create art regardless of innate talent, while others contend that certain individuals possess special abilities that are crucial for artistic expression. On the ...
Question: Nowadays, not enough students choose science subjects at universities in many countries. What are the reasons for this problem? What are the effects on society?
In numerous countries, the declining trend of students opting for science subjects at the university level has become a cause for concern. This phenomenon stems from various factors, each contributing to the dwindling interest in scientific pursuits. However, its ramifications extend beyond individual career choices, ...
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
4. Last Step to Band 9
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.