SAMPLE IELTS ESSAYS
Cambridge Book 19 Writing Task 2
10/5/20257 min read
Book 19, Test 1 Writing Task 2
Essay Topic:
Some people think that competition at work, at school and in daily life is a good thing. Others believe that we should try to cooperate more, rather than competing against each other.
Discuss both these views and give your own opinion.
Human society has long been shaped by both competition and cooperation. While some argue that competition is essential for progress and individual growth, others maintain that cooperation is more beneficial for harmony and collective success. In my opinion, a balanced approach that values both competition and collaboration is necessary for sustainable development.
To commence with, competition can act as a powerful motivator for individuals and institutions. It is a matter of everyday observation that people strive harder when they are challenged by rivals. To illustrate, in the workplace, competition among employees often leads to increased productivity and innovation, as workers attempt to outperform one another. Moreover, at school, academic contests encourage students to push their limits, thereby improving learning outcomes. For example, international Olympiads in science and mathematics inspire young learners to achieve global standards of excellence. Furthermore, competition in daily life teaches resilience and problem-solving, qualities that are essential in a rapidly changing world. Therefore, healthy competition can foster growth, creativity, and personal development.
On the contrary, excessive competition may create stress, hostility, and inequality, which is why cooperation is often considered more valuable. As we all know, teamwork is crucial in solving complex problems that cannot be handled individually. For instance, scientific breakthroughs such as vaccine development during the COVID-19 pandemic were achieved through international collaboration rather than competition. In addition, cooperative learning in schools helps students develop communication and empathy, which are equally important as academic knowledge. To demonstrate, group projects encourage sharing of ideas and mutual support. In the same manner, cooperation in daily life—such as neighbors helping one another—strengthens social bonds and builds cohesive communities. Thus, cooperation promotes harmony, inclusiveness, and long-term success.
In view of the above discussion, it can be concluded that both competition and cooperation have unique advantages. Competition drives individuals to achieve excellence, while cooperation ensures collective well-being. In my perspective, the key lies in striking a balance: society should encourage healthy competition that motivates progress, but this must be complemented by cooperation to maintain harmony and achieve goals that benefit everyone.
Word Count: 314
This essay is Band 8+ because it:
Addresses both views fairly before giving a personal stance.
Uses cohesive devices naturally (“To illustrate,” “In the same manner,” “Thus”).
Employs academic vocabulary (“sustainable development,” “mutual support,” “collective well-being”).
Provides specific, real-world examples (Olympiads, COVID-19 vaccine).
Book 19, Test 2, Writing Task 2
Essay Topic:
The working week should be shorter and workers should have a longer weekend.
Do you agree or disagree?
In contemporary society, the question of how long people should work each week is increasingly debated. While some advocate for shorter working weeks and longer weekends to enhance quality of life, others argue that such a change could disrupt productivity and economic performance. In my opinion, although a reduction in working days carries notable benefits, it should be applied selectively rather than universally.
To commence with, a shorter work week can significantly improve employees’ health, motivation, and efficiency. It is a matter of everyday observation that long working hours often lead to fatigue, burnout, and declining productivity. To illustrate, the four-day workweek trial in Iceland revealed that employees were happier, healthier, and equally, if not more, productive. Moreover, an extended weekend allows individuals to strengthen family bonds and invest time in personal growth. For example, people can pursue hobbies, exercise, or further their education, which ultimately contributes to a balanced lifestyle. Furthermore, companies that implement flexible schedules frequently report higher employee retention and reduced absenteeism. To substantiate my argument, organizations with progressive policies often attract more skilled professionals. Therefore, a shorter working week has clear social and professional advantages.
On the contrary, not all sectors can afford such adjustments without adverse consequences. As we all know, essential services such as healthcare, transportation, and policing require constant human presence. For instance, hospitals operating with reduced staff could compromise patient care. In addition, shorter weeks might intensify pressure on employees to meet deadlines in fewer hours, potentially reducing work quality. To demonstrate, small businesses with limited staff may struggle to serve customers efficiently if employees are absent more frequently. In the same manner, developing economies dependent on industrial output may find it financially unsustainable to adopt this model. Thus, a universal reduction in working days may not be feasible.
In view of the above discussion, it can be concluded that while shorter workweeks and longer weekends promote well-being and productivity, they may not suit all industries or economies. In my perspective, the ideal solution lies in adopting flexible arrangements that balance professional demands with personal well-being, rather than enforcing a blanket reduction in working days.
Word count: 310
This is Band 8+ essay, because:
Clear stance:
The essay presents a balanced discussion but clearly states the writer’s position: “although there are certain benefits of this approach, it is not a universally practical solution for every sector of society.”
Final opinion is nuanced: flexible arrangements are better than a blanket policy.
Cohesive structure:
Logical flow with effective use of cohesive devices:
Opening: “To commence with”
Examples: “To illustrate,” “Moreover,” “Furthermore”
Contrast: “On the contrary”
Conclusions: “Therefore,” “Thus,” “In view of the above discussion.”
Paragraphs are balanced: one fully supports shorter weeks, the other addresses drawbacks.
High-level vocabulary:
Academic and precise word choice:
“burnout,” “flexible schedules,” “employee retention,” “adverse consequences,” “financially unsustainable,” “sustainable development.”
Variety of structures avoids repetition of simple words like “good” or “bad.”
Realistic examples:
International case study: Iceland’s four-day workweek trial.
Practical scenarios: family bonding, mental health, essential services like healthcare.
Economic dimension: small businesses and developing economies.
Grammar range and accuracy:
Complex sentence structures with subordination and clauses:
“Although there are certain benefits of this approach, it is not a universally practical solution...”
“If doctors and nurses worked fewer days, patients could suffer from delayed treatments.”
Minimal grammatical errors, precise punctuation.
Book 19, Test 3, Writing Task 2
Essay Topic:
It is important for everyone, including young people, to save money for their future.
To what extent do you agree or disagree with this statement?
Financial stability has become a crucial aspect of modern life, and saving money is often considered a fundamental practice. While some argue that young people should focus on enjoying their present rather than worrying about the future, I strongly agree that saving from an early age is essential for long-term security and independence.
To commence with, saving money equips individuals with financial security in uncertain times. It is a matter of everyday observation that unexpected circumstances such as illness, unemployment, or emergencies can arise at any stage of life. To illustrate, people with savings are better able to cope with sudden medical expenses without falling into debt. Moreover, saving from an early age helps young people develop responsible financial habits. For example, setting aside even a small portion of pocket money or income instills discipline and prevents reckless spending. Furthermore, financial savings create opportunities for future investments in education, housing, or entrepreneurship. To substantiate, many young professionals are able to start their own businesses because they accumulated savings in their early careers. Therefore, building a habit of saving is undeniably beneficial.
On the contrary, some believe that young people should prioritize experiences over saving, as youth is the ideal time to explore and enjoy life. As we all know, spending money on travel, hobbies, or social activities can contribute to personal growth and happiness. For instance, exploring different cultures during student years can be more valuable than having money sitting idle in a bank account. In addition, with rising living costs, it is often unrealistic for young individuals to save substantial amounts. Thus, while saving is important, it should not entirely restrict young people from enjoying meaningful experiences.
In view of the above discussion, it can be concluded that although young people deserve the freedom to enjoy their present, saving money from an early stage is a crucial habit for ensuring financial stability and future opportunities. In my perspective, a balanced approach—where young individuals save a portion of their income while still spending on enriching experiences—is the most practical and beneficial solution.
Word Count: 308
Strong Band 8+ features:
Clear stance: Strong agreement but acknowledges the opposing view.
Cohesive structure: Well-organized with linking phrases (“To illustrate,” “Furthermore,” “On the contrary”).
High-level vocabulary: “financial security,” “instills discipline,” “reckless spending,” “enriching experiences.”
Realistic examples: Emergencies, education, entrepreneurship.
Book 19, Test 4, Writing Task 2
Essay Topic:
In many countries nowadays, consumers can go to supermarkets and buy food produced all over the world.
Do you think this is a positive or negative development?
Globalization has transformed consumer habits, and one of its most visible outcomes is the availability of food from across the globe in local supermarkets. While some critics argue that this trend damages local agriculture and increases environmental costs, others highlight its contribution to consumer choice and cultural exchange. In my opinion, although there are certain drawbacks, the overall impact of this development is largely positive.
To commence with, access to international food products benefits consumers and broadens their lifestyle options. It is a matter of everyday observation that people enjoy experimenting with different cuisines, and supermarkets make this both convenient and affordable. To illustrate, tropical fruits such as mangoes or pineapples are now available year-round in Europe, enriching diets with greater nutritional variety. Moreover, the global food trade strengthens intercultural understanding. For example, sushi from Japan or pasta from Italy has become part of everyday meals worldwide, fostering cultural appreciation. Furthermore, international food availability ensures food security by reducing dependence on domestic harvests. To substantiate, if a poor wheat harvest occurs locally, imports can stabilize supply and prevent price inflation. Therefore, international food access offers clear social and economic benefits.
On the contrary, this trend is not without significant disadvantages. As we all know, transporting food across continents requires large amounts of fuel, contributing to carbon emissions and climate change. For instance, air-freighted avocados or berries may have a larger environmental footprint than locally grown alternatives. In addition, supermarkets offering cheap imports often undermine local farmers. To demonstrate, small-scale producers may struggle to compete with lower-priced goods from abroad, leading to financial instability in rural communities. In the same manner, reliance on imported products can erode traditional food culture, such as indigenous grains or cooking methods, which risks cultural homogenization. Thus, the globalization of food supply carries environmental and social costs.
In view of the above discussion, it can be concluded that while the international availability of food in supermarkets provides consumers with diversity, cultural exchange, and greater food security, it also creates environmental challenges and threatens local producers. In my perspective, this development is positive overall, but governments should support local farming and encourage sustainable trade practices to balance both global and domestic needs.
Word Count: 308
This essay is Band 8+ because:
Task Response: Fully addresses both sides with examples (food security, culture, environment, local farmers).
Coherence and Cohesion: Logical flow with clear transitions ("To illustrate," "Furthermore," "On the contrary," "Thus").
Lexical Resource: Uses academic vocabulary (e.g., “enriching diets,” “food security,” “cultural homogenization,” “environmental footprint”).
Grammar Range and Accuracy: Complex sentences with precise control.