IELTS Task 2 sample essay (band 7+)

Reading a real band 7 essay is the fastest way to see what examiners reward. Below is a full sample answer to a common opinion question, followed by a paragraph-by-paragraph breakdown and a note on each of the four marking criteria, so you can copy the structure rather than the words.

In short

A band 7 Task 2 essay states a clear position and holds it across four well-organised paragraphs.
Write at least 250 words in roughly 40 minutes; the sample below is about 280 words.
Study the framework and linking phrases, then adapt them to a new question rather than memorising.

The question and the band 7 sample

Question: Some people believe that university students should pay the full cost of their studies. Others think education should be free. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.

Whether young people should fund their own university education is a question that divides opinion. While some argue that students themselves should bear the full cost, I believe that the wider benefits of an educated population make a strong case for public funding.

On the one hand, those who support tuition fees point out that graduates earn considerably more over their lifetimes, so it seems fair that they contribute to the cost. Charging fees also reduces the burden on taxpayers, many of whom never attend university. In countries where higher education is heavily subsidised, governments often struggle to maintain quality across an ever-growing number of institutions.

On the other hand, free education widens access. When tuition is funded by the state, talented students from low-income families are not deterred by debt, which allows society to draw on the full range of available talent. Moreover, a country with more graduates tends to enjoy stronger economic growth, better public health, and a more informed citizenry, all of which benefit everyone rather than the individual alone.

In conclusion, although there is a reasonable argument that graduates should help fund their studies, I am convinced that the collective gains from an educated population outweigh the costs. Governments would therefore be wise to keep university education affordable, even if students make a modest contribution.

Approximately 280 words. Written under timed conditions in about 40 minutes.

Paragraph-by-paragraph breakdown

The essay follows a clean four-paragraph plan. Each paragraph has one job, which keeps the argument easy to follow and protects the Coherence & Cohesion score.

Introduction

Paraphrases the question and ends with a clear thesis stating the writer's own opinion. The examiner now knows the position before reading the body.

Body paragraph 1: the first view

Develops the case for tuition fees with two reasons (higher graduate earnings, taxpayer burden) plus a concrete consequence. One idea, fully extended.

Body paragraph 2: the second view and the writer's stance

Argues for free education and explicitly aligns with the writer's opinion, so the discussion and the personal view are connected rather than separate.

Conclusion

Restates the position without adding new ideas, acknowledging the opposing view before reaffirming the thesis. This signals balance and control.

Need the framework itself? See our guides to the essay introduction, the essay conclusion, and cohesion and linking words.

Examiner notes by criterion

Your Task 2 band is the average of four equally weighted criteria. Here is why this answer reaches band 7 on each one.

Criterion	Why this essay scores band 7
Task Response	Both views are discussed and a clear personal opinion is stated and developed throughout, fully addressing every part of the prompt.
Coherence & Cohesion	Logical four-paragraph structure with cohesive devices (On the one hand, Moreover, In conclusion) used naturally, not mechanically.
Lexical Resource	A range of topic vocabulary (subsidised, citizenry, deterred by debt) used accurately, with some less common items and few errors.
Grammatical Range & Accuracy	A mix of simple and complex sentences, including conditionals and relative clauses, with frequent error-free sentences.

One sentence upgrade: band 6 to band 7

Band 6

"Free education is good because poor students can go to university and this is helpful for the country."

Band 7

"When tuition is funded by the state, talented students from low-income families are not deterred by debt, which allows society to draw on the full range of available talent."

The upgrade replaces vague words (good, helpful) with precise vocabulary, adds a relative clause for grammatical range, and explains the reasoning instead of asserting it.

IELTS Task 2 sample essay: common questions

What does a band 7 Task 2 essay look like?+

A band 7 essay answers every part of the question with a clear position, organises ideas into logical paragraphs, uses a range of vocabulary with some flexibility, and writes mostly error-free sentences. Minor slips are allowed, but the meaning is always clear and the argument is developed.

How long should an IELTS Task 2 essay be?+

Write at least 250 words in about 40 minutes. The sample below is roughly 280 words. Going slightly over is fine; writing under 250 costs you marks for Task Response. There is no upper limit, but quality matters more than length.

Can I memorise a band 7 sample essay?+

No. Examiners are trained to spot memorised content and it lowers your Task Response score. Study the structure and the linking phrases instead, then practise on new questions so you can adapt the framework to any topic on test day.

How is a band 7 different from a band 6 essay?+

Band 6 answers the question but with less clear organisation, simpler vocabulary, and more frequent grammar errors. Band 7 develops ideas fully, uses cohesive devices naturally, and produces frequent error-free sentences. The four criteria all need to reach 7 to score 7 overall.

What are the four marking criteria for Task 2?+

Task Response, Coherence & Cohesion, Lexical Resource, and Grammatical Range & Accuracy. Each is worth 25 percent and the final Task 2 band is their average. Task 2 is weighted twice as heavily as Task 1 in your overall Writing band.