Band 9 Writing Task 2 essays share a small set of features that the descriptors describe abstractly and that students rarely see modeled. These 5 sample answers cover the 5 most common 2026 topic clusters; each is annotated to show what earns the band. For the Task 2 strategy see our Discussion Essay guide.
Topic 1: Education — should universities be free?
Sample structure: clear position in introduction → causal argument with example → counter-argument acknowledged then refuted → conclusion that re-states position. Lexicon: tuition fees, public good, opportunity cost, social mobility, taxpayer-funded.
Topic 2: Technology — children and screen time
Sample structure: balanced introduction → benefits with concrete example → drawbacks with concrete example → balanced conclusion. Lexicon: cognitive development, sedentary lifestyle, parental mediation, digital literacy.
Topic 3: Environment — government vs individual responsibility
Sample structure: position in introduction (e.g. governments are primarily responsible) → mechanism (regulation, infrastructure) → individual role acknowledged → conclusion. Lexicon: emissions, regulatory framework, behavioural change, collective action problem.
Topic 4: Globalisation — culture loss
Sample structure: agree / disagree position → cultural homogenisation argument → counter-argument (cultural exchange) → conclusion. Lexicon: cultural homogenisation, indigenous traditions, soft power, hybridity.
Topic 5: Work — remote work for the long term
Sample structure: clear position → productivity / autonomy benefits → social-cohesion drawbacks → balanced conclusion. Lexicon: hybrid model, asynchronous communication, work-life integration, organisational culture.
Frequently asked questions
How long should a Band 9 IELTS essay be?
Typically 280–320 words. Below 250 risks losing band on Task Achievement; above 330 risks running out of time.
How long should I spend on Task 2?
40 minutes — including 5 minutes of planning and 5 minutes of proofreading. Task 2 is worth twice as much as Task 1.
Do I need to write 5-paragraph essays?
No. 4-paragraph essays (intro / body 1 / body 2 / conclusion) are the most common Band 8–9 structure.