IELTS Essay Band 9 Sample Answers: Expert Analysis

Quick Answer: Getting a Band 9 in IELTS Writing Task 2 requires more than just good grammar. Our expert analysis breaks down what examiners truly look for: fully developed ideas, precise vocabulary, complex structures, and flawless cohesion. This guide provides Band 9 sample answers with detailed commentary, plus comparisons to Band 7 and 8 responses, so you can see exactly how to elevate your writing.

Table of Contents

What is a Band 9 Essay?

Key Criteria for Band 9 Writing Task 2

Band Score Comparison Table

Real Examples: Band 7 vs Band 8 vs Band 9

Common Mistakes That Lower Your Score

Pro Tips from IELTS Active

How IELTS Active Helps

FAQ

Key Takeaways

What is a Band 9 Essay?

A Band 9 essay is the gold standard. The examiner awards it when every assessment criterion is fully satisfied: Task Response, Coherence and Cohesion, Lexical Resource, and Grammatical Range and Accuracy. The essay not only answers the question completely but does so with sophisticated language, logical flow, and zero errors. Importantly, a Band 9 answer shows a natural, nuanced handling of the topic—there is no “canned” language or forced complexity. Instead, every word serves a purpose.

In this article, we dissect three sample essays on the same topic: “Some people believe that unpaid community service (e.g. working for a charity, cleaning the neighbourhood, or teaching sports to children) should be a compulsory part of high school programmes. To what extent do you agree or disagree?” We’ll show you exactly why each response gets its band, starting with a comparative table.

Key Criteria for Band 9 Writing Task 2

To achieve Band 9, you must demonstrate:

Task Response: Fully address all parts of the prompt. Give a clear position and develop it with extended, relevant ideas.

Coherence & Cohesion: Logical paragraphing, effective use of linking devices (not just “firstly” or “moreover”) that don’t feel mechanical.

Lexical Resource: Wide range of vocabulary with natural collocations and precise word choice. No repetition. Use of less common items.

Grammatical Range & Accuracy: Mix of simple, compound, and complex sentences. Accurate punctuation, verb tenses, and subject-verb agreement. No errors.

Band Score Comparison Table

Band	Score	What Examiner Wants
6	6.0	Addresses the prompt but position may be unclear. Some repetition of ideas. Limited linking words. Vocabulary is adequate but not precise. Grammatical errors occasionally cause difficulty for the reader.
7	7.0	Clear position throughout. Well-organised with effective paragraphing. Good range of vocabulary and some less common words. Frequent error-free sentences, but minor mistakes remain. Uses a variety of linking devices.
8	8.0	Fully addresses all parts. Smooth progression of ideas. Wide lexical range with natural collocations. Uses a mix of complex structures with only occasional errors.
9	9.0	Complete task response with fully extended arguments. Seamless cohesion – no obvious linking. Sophisticated vocabulary used naturally and precisely. Grammatically flawless; perfect control of a wide range of structures.

Real Examples: Band 7 vs Band 8 vs Band 9

We use the same topic to show progression.

Band 7 Response:

I agree that unpaid community service should be part of high school. Firstly, it helps students learn responsibility. For example, volunteering at a charity teaches empathy. Also, it builds teamwork skills. However, some students might be forced to do it and feel resentful. But overall, the benefits are greater because it prepares them for adult life. In addition, many schools already have such programmes. Therefore, I believe it is a good idea.

Analysis: The response is clear and has a position. But it’s short, lacks development, uses only basic linking (“Firstly”, “Also”, “But”, “Therefore”). Vocabulary is simple (“good idea”, “learn responsibility”). No complex structures. Minor errors are absent, but it doesn’t show range. Band 7 at best. Band 8 Response:

I strongly support the mandatory inclusion of unpaid community service in high school curricula. Such activities instil a sense of civic duty and provide practical skills that cannot be taught in a classroom. For instance, when students participate in cleaning neighbourhood parks, they develop an appreciation for environmental stewardship. Moreover, working alongside diverse individuals exposes them to different perspectives, fostering social cohesion.

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Nevertheless, critics argue that mandatory service could breed resentment and reduce genuine altruism. This is a valid concern; however, schools can mitigate it by offering a range of options and allowing students to choose activities that match their interests. Overall, the educational benefits – from personal growth to community engagement – outweigh the potential drawbacks.

Analysis: Clear position, well-paragraphed, good vocabulary (“instil a sense of civic duty”, “fostering social cohesion”, “mitigate”). Uses “Nevertheless” effectively. Sentences are mostly accurate but simple structures mixed with some complex ones. It is a strong answer but lacks the elegance and depth of a Band 9. Band 9 Response:

The proposition that unpaid community service be an obligatory component of secondary education is one I wholeheartedly endorse. Far from being an onerous imposition, such programmes cultivate a sense of altruism and equip adolescents with skills that conventional academic curricula often overlook.

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Primarily, compulsory community service fosters empathy and social awareness. By engaging with charitable organisations – whether by tutoring underprivileged children, assisting in animal shelters, or cleaning communal spaces – students experience firsthand the societal challenges faced by others. This exposure invariably nurtures a sense of responsibility and broadens their worldview, attributes that are indispensable in an increasingly interconnected world.

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Furthermore, these activities develop transferable skills such as teamwork, communication, and problem-solving. For example, a student organising a fundraising event for a local food bank must collaborate with peers, manage a budget, and navigate unexpected hurdles – experiences far more tangible than theoretical knowledge. Such practical learning, embedded within the school day, ensures that graduates are not only academically proficient but also socially conscious.

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Admittedly, opponents contend that mandatory service may be counterproductive, potentially breeding resentment rather than genuine goodwill. However, this challenge can be addressed through thoughtful implementation – offering diverse options, allowing flexible timings, and integrating reflection sessions to help students internalise their experiences. When participants feel autonomy and see the real impact of their efforts, voluntarism ceases to be a chore and becomes a meaningful journey.

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In conclusion, I firmly believe that making unpaid community service a compulsory part of high school programmes yields profound benefits for individuals and society. The key lies not in compulsion itself, but in how it is structured to foster ownership and genuine engagement.

Analysis: This is a Band 9 essay. Why?

Task Response: Fully addresses both sides and gives a clear, nuanced position.

Cohesion: No mechanical linking. Ideas flow naturally: “Primarily…” then “Furthermore…” then “Admittedly…” then “In conclusion…”. Sophisticated transitions.

Lexical Resource: Words like “onerous imposition”, “altruism”, “indispensable”, “transferable skills”, “internalise” – all precise and natural. No repetition.

Grammar: Perfectly accurate. Mixed complex sentences: “When participants feel autonomy and see the real impact of their efforts, voluntarism ceases to be a chore and becomes a meaningful journey.” – flawless subordination.

Common Mistakes That Lower Your Score

❌Mistake 1: Underdeveloped arguments. Many test-takers write one sentence per idea and then move on. Band 9 requires you to explain, exemplify, and evaluate each point.

❌Mistake 2: Overuse of simple linking words. “Firstly, Secondly, Moreover, Finally” – these sound robotic. Use a mix of concessive, causal, and additive transitions.

❌Mistake 3: Forcing “big words” incorrectly. Trying to use “utilise” for every occurrence of “use” can sound unnatural. Band 9 vocabulary is about precision, not complexity.

Pro Tips from IELTS Active

💡 Tip 1: Plan for 5 minutes. Outline your main ideas and examples before writing. A Band 9 essay has a clear structure that you can only achieve with planning.

💡 Tip 2: Use the “one idea per paragraph” rule. Each body paragraph should contain one main point, an explanation, an example, and a link back to the question.

💡 Tip 3: Practise paraphrasing the question in your introduction. Don’t copy the prompt exactly. Use synonyms and change the sentence structure to show lexical resource.

How IELTS Active Helps

At ieltsactive.com, we provide Band 9 sample essays with detailed line-by-line analysis, vocabulary lists, and grammar breakdowns. Our IELTS Essay Checker gives you instant feedback on your own writing based on official criteria. Thousands of students have improved from Band 6 to Band 7+ using our methods. Try our free band 9 sample library and see the difference.

FAQ

Q: How many body paragraphs should a Band 9 essay have? A: Typically 2-3 body paragraphs. Each should be fully developed (4-6 sentences). A Band 9 essay has clear topic sentences and smooth transitions between paragraphs. Q: Can I use personal stories in my essay? A: Yes, but keep them brief and relevant. A short example from your experience can illustrate a point effectively, but avoid overusing “I” in a formal essay. Q: Is it necessary to write a conclusion? A: Absolutely. A conclusion summarises your position and leaves a strong final impression. Without one, you lose marks in Task Response. Q: How long should my introduction be? A: 2-3 sentences. First sentence paraphrases the topic. Second states your position. Optionally, third outlines the structure of your essay. Q: What’s the most common reason for not reaching Band 9? A: Lack of full development. Many test takers have good vocabulary and grammar but do not extend their ideas with specific reasons and examples. Band 9 essays are always substantial.

Key Takeaways

✅A Band 9 essay fully addresses the prompt, has perfect grammar, and uses sophisticated vocabulary naturally.

✅Cohesion should be seamless – transitions must feel organic, not forced.

✅Every paragraph should contain one clear idea, developed with explanation and example.

✅Avoid common pitfalls like underdeveloped arguments and over-reliance on simple linking words.

About IELTS Active: Trusted by 500,000+ students. Get free practice tests, sample essays, and feedback at ieltsactive.com Related:

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