Task 2 Essay Overview 

What is a Band 9 IELTS Task 2 Essay?

A Band 9 IELTS Writing Task 2 sample fully meets the question, presents clear ideas, and uses a wide range of grammar and vocabulary accurately. It also follows a logical structure and provides well-developed examples. This level of writing demonstrates mastery of the exam’s key marking criteria.

In the IELTS Writing Task 2, you are required to write an academic-style essay of at least 250 words in response to a question. This could be an opinion, discussion, problem-solution, or double-question type essay. 

Your score is based on four criteria: 

• Task Response 

• Coherence & Cohesion 

• Lexical Resource (Vocabulary) 

• Grammatical Range & Accuracy 

Example Question: 

Some people think that governments should invest more in public transportation instead of building new roads. To what extent do you agree or disagree? 

Essay: 

In recent years, traffic congestion has become a pressing issue in many urban areas. While some people argue that building more roads is a solution, I strongly believe that governments should focus on improving public transportation. 

Firstly, public transport systems like buses, metros, and trams help reduce the number of private vehicles on the road. For instance, the introduction of a modern metro system in Istanbul led to a significant drop in car usage during peak hours. Unlike new roads, which often lead to more traffic, efficient public transport encourages people to travel together and reduces congestion. 

Secondly, investing in public transport is better for the environment. Buses and trains produce fewer emissions per person compared to private cars. As a result, air quality can improve in cities, helping reduce health problems linked to pollution. 

Finally, good public transportation is essential for social equality. Not everyone can afford a private car. By improving buses and trains, the government ensures that people from all income groups can access jobs, education, and healthcare. 

In conclusion, while building more roads might offer a short-term fix, investing in public transport is a more sustainable and inclusive long-term solution. Therefore, governments should prioritize funding public transportation systems. 

📘 Essay Type: Opinion Essay 

📝 Word Count: 265 words 

📈 Band Score: 9 

🧠 Why This Is a Band 9 Essay 

Task Response 

• Directly answers the question 

• Presents clear opinion 

• Fully develops ideas with examples 

Coherence and Cohesion 

• Each paragraph focuses on one clear idea 

• Logical flow of information 

• Uses linking words like “firstly,” “finally,” and “in conclusion” 

Vocabulary (Lexical Resource) 

• Uses precise vocabulary: “traffic congestion”, “emissions”, “inclusive” 

• Avoids repetition by using synonyms 

Grammar 

• Accurate sentence structures 

• Good mix of complex and simple sentences 

• No noticeable grammar errors 

Useful Vocabulary from the Essay 

Word/Phrase	Meaning
traffic congestion	Too many vehicles on the road
sustainable solution	A solution that works long-term
public transport system	Buses, trains, etc.
air quality	How clean or polluted the air is
social equality	Fair treatment for all people

More Tips for Band 9 Writing 

• 📌 Understand each essay type (opinion, discussion, etc.) 

• 📌 Learn to write clear topic sentences 

• 📌 Practice using connectors (however, although, in contrast…) 

• 📌 Review your grammar range and accuracy 

🎓 Want to Learn IELTS Writing Step-by-Step? 

If you want to learn: 

• How to write high-scoring essays 

• How to handle any question type with confidence 

• How to improve your grammar, coherence, and vocabulary 

Then enroll in my full IELTS Writing Course today! 

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