IELTS Writing Task 2 Sample Essays - Band 7-9 Examples

In the digital age, technology has fundamentally transformed how humans interact with one another. While some argue that these changes have diminished the personal nature of communication, I partially agree with this view, as technology has both enhanced and hindered personal connections depending on how it is utilized.

On one hand, technology has indeed created barriers to meaningful personal interaction. Face-to-face conversations, which allow for nuanced emotional expression through body language and tone, are increasingly replaced by text messages and emails that lack these crucial non-verbal cues. Moreover, the prevalence of social media has fostered superficial relationships where people maintain hundreds of online "friends" but may struggle to form deep, authentic connections. The phenomenon of individuals sitting together while absorbed in their devices, rather than engaging with those physically present, exemplifies how technology can create emotional distance even in physical proximity.

However, technology has also revolutionized communication in profoundly positive ways. Video calling platforms enable families separated by vast distances to maintain visual contact and share important moments in real-time. Social media and messaging apps have reconnected old friends and allowed people with niche interests to find like-minded communities globally. During the COVID-19 pandemic, technology proved essential for maintaining personal relationships when physical meetings were impossible, demonstrating its capacity to preserve rather than diminish personal connections.

Furthermore, the quality of communication largely depends on individual choices rather than the technology itself. Those who use digital tools mindfullyscheduling regular video calls with loved ones, sharing meaningful content, and setting boundaries on device usagecan maintain deeply personal relationships. Conversely, even traditional face-to-face interactions can be impersonal if participants are disengaged or superficial.

In conclusion, while technology has introduced challenges to personal communication, particularly through the reduction of face-to-face interaction and the rise of superficial online relationships, it has simultaneously created unprecedented opportunities for maintaining and developing personal connections across distances. The key lies not in the technology itself but in how consciously and purposefully we choose to use it.

Word count: 338 words

The appropriate age for children to commence formal education remains a contentious issue in educational policy. While some advocate for early enrollment, others support a later start after age seven. This essay will examine both perspectives before presenting my own viewpoint.

Proponents of early formal education argue that young children possess remarkable learning capabilities that should be harnessed systematically. Research indicates that between ages three and six, children's brains are particularly receptive to language acquisition and mathematical concepts. Countries like Singapore and South Korea, which begin formal education early, consistently achieve high rankings in international academic assessments. Furthermore, early education can provide crucial socialization opportunities, teaching children essential skills such as cooperation, following instructions, and time management. For working parents, early schooling also offers reliable childcare while simultaneously advancing their children's academic development.

Conversely, those favoring a later start emphasize the importance of play-based learning and childhood development. The Finnish education system, renowned for its excellence, does not begin formal education until age seven, allowing younger children to learn through play, which research shows is crucial for developing creativity, problem-solving skills, and emotional intelligence. Child development experts argue that forcing young children into structured academic environments can cause unnecessary stress and potentially create negative associations with learning. Additionally, children who start formal education later often quickly catch up with their earlier-starting peers, suggesting that the perceived advantages of early education may be temporary.

In my opinion, the optimal approach lies in a middle ground that recognizes individual differences among children. While some children may thrive in structured educational settings from age five, others benefit from additional time for play-based development. Rather than adhering to a rigid age requirement, education systems should offer flexible entry points and diverse learning approaches that accommodate varying developmental readiness. This could include optional kindergarten programs that blend play with gentle academic introduction, allowing parents and educators to assess each child's readiness for formal schooling.

In conclusion, both early and later starts to formal education offer distinct advantages. The ideal solution involves creating flexible, child-centered systems that recognize developmental diversity rather than imposing uniform age requirements.

Word count: 355 words

Plastic pollution has emerged as one of the most pressing environmental challenges of our time, threatening marine ecosystems and human health globally. This essay will explore the root causes of this crisis and propose viable solutions to address it.

The proliferation of plastic pollution stems from multiple interconnected factors. Primarily, the convenience and low cost of plastic products have led to their widespread adoption across industries, from packaging to consumer goods. Single-use plastics, such as shopping bags, bottles, and food containers, are particularly problematic as they are discarded after brief use but persist in the environment for centuries. Additionally, inadequate waste management infrastructure, especially in developing nations, means that much plastic waste ends up in rivers and oceans rather than being properly recycled or disposed of. Consumer behavior also contributes significantly, with many people lacking awareness about the environmental impact of their plastic consumption or the importance of proper disposal.

Several measures can be implemented to combat this growing problem. Governments should introduce legislation banning or heavily taxing single-use plastics, as successfully demonstrated in countries like Rwanda and Kenya. Simultaneously, investment in recycling infrastructure and waste management systems is crucial, particularly in regions where such facilities are lacking. Industries must be incentivized to develop and adopt biodegradable alternatives to conventional plastics, such as materials derived from plant sources that decompose naturally. Public education campaigns can raise awareness about plastic pollution's consequences and promote behavioral changes, such as using reusable bags and bottles.

Moreover, international cooperation is essential since plastic pollution transcends national boundaries. Global agreements similar to the Paris Climate Accord could establish binding targets for plastic reduction and ocean cleanup. Extended producer responsibility programs, where manufacturers bear the cost of managing their products' end-of-life disposal, could incentivize companies to design more sustainable products. Community-level initiatives, such as beach cleanups and plastic-free movements, can also contribute to both immediate waste removal and long-term cultural change.

In conclusion, plastic pollution results from our dependence on convenient disposable products combined with inadequate waste management. Addressing this crisis requires coordinated action including legislative measures, infrastructure development, innovation in materials, and fundamental changes in consumer behavior. Only through such comprehensive approaches can we hope to protect our planet from the mounting threat of plastic waste.

Word count: 368 words

The shift towards remote work has accelerated dramatically in recent years, fundamentally altering traditional employment patterns. While this arrangement presents certain challenges, I believe the advantages substantially outweigh the disadvantages for both employees and employers.

The benefits of working from home are numerous and significant. Employees save considerable time and money by eliminating daily commutes, which can amount to several hours per day in major cities. This recovered time can be invested in personal development, family relationships, or additional rest, leading to improved work-life balance and mental health. Furthermore, remote work offers unprecedented flexibility, allowing individuals to create optimal working environments tailored to their preferences and to better manage personal responsibilities such as childcare or elderly care. From an employer's perspective, remote work reduces overhead costs associated with maintaining physical offices and enables access to a global talent pool unrestricted by geographical limitations. Studies have also shown that many remote workers report higher productivity levels due to fewer office distractions and the ability to work during their most productive hours.

However, remote work does present notable disadvantages. The lack of face-to-face interaction can hinder team cohesion and make collaborative projects more challenging. Some employees struggle with isolation and miss the social aspects of office life, which can negatively impact mental health and job satisfaction. The blurring of boundaries between work and personal life can lead to longer working hours and difficulty disconnecting from professional responsibilities. Additionally, not all homes are suitable for productive work, with issues such as inadequate space, poor internet connectivity, or family distractions potentially hampering performance. Career advancement may also suffer, as remote workers might have fewer opportunities for informal networking and may be overlooked for promotions in favor of more visible office-based colleagues.

Nevertheless, most disadvantages of remote work can be mitigated through proper management and technology. Regular video conferences can maintain team connections, co-working spaces can provide professional environments when needed, and clear boundaries can be established to separate work and personal time. As organizations continue to adapt and refine remote work policies, these challenges are becoming increasingly manageable.

In conclusion, while remote work presents genuine challenges, particularly regarding social isolation and work-life boundaries, the substantial benefits including flexibility, cost savings, and improved work-life balance clearly outweigh these drawbacks. As technology continues to evolve and organizations develop better remote work practices, the advantages will likely become even more pronounced.

Word count: 396 words