IELTS Band 7 Writing Samples & Essays (2026)
Want to know what a Band 7 IELTS essay looks like? This page provides authentic Band 7 writing samples for both Task 1 and Task 2, with detailed examiner commentary explaining exactly why each essay received this score. A Band 7 writer is described as a "good user" who "generally handles complex language well, understands detailed reasoning, occasional inaccuracies and misunderstandings".
Sample Task 2 Essay: Band 7
Topic: Some people believe that university students should be required to attend classes. Others believe that going to classes should be optional. Which view do you agree with? Use specific reasons to explain your answer.
Whether university attendance should be mandatory is a matter of ongoing debate. While some argue for compulsory class attendance, I firmly believe that making classes optional is the better approach, as it promotes autonomy and accommodates diverse learning styles.
The primary reason I support optional attendance is that university students are adults who should be responsible for their own education. Forcing them to attend every lecture treats them like school children and fails to prepare them for the independent decision-making required in professional life. When students choose to attend based on genuine interest, they tend to be more engaged and attentive.
Furthermore, different students learn in different ways. Some thrive in lecture environments, while others prefer self-directed study through textbooks, online resources, or study groups. A student who can master course material through independent reading should not be penalised for missing a lecture that covers the same content. Mandatory attendance assumes a one-size-fits-all approach to education that ignores individual learning preferences.
However, I acknowledge that some level of structure is necessary. Professors should make their classes valuable enough that students want to attend. Interactive seminars, practical demonstrations, and discussion-based sessions naturally attract higher attendance because they offer something that cannot be replicated through self-study.
In conclusion, while regular attendance is generally beneficial, making it mandatory is counterproductive. Universities should focus on improving teaching quality rather than enforcing attendance through penalties. Students who are given the freedom to manage their own time develop better self-discipline, which serves them well beyond graduation.
Word count: 238 words
Examiner Commentary:
- Task Response (7): Clear position maintained throughout. Both sides addressed with the candidate's view clearly stated. Ideas are relevant but could be developed further with more specific examples.
- Coherence & Cohesion (7): Well-organised with clear progression. Paragraphing is logical. Linking words used effectively (furthermore, however, in conclusion) but slightly mechanical.
- Lexical Resource (7): Good range of vocabulary (autonomy, counterproductive, accommodates). Some less common items used accurately. Minor word choice issues do not impede communication.
- Grammatical Range & Accuracy (7): Variety of complex structures used (When students choose..., A student who can...). Majority of sentences are error-free. Some minor errors present but do not reduce communication.