IELTS Writing Practice.
Below you will find two writing tests - one which is for the IELTS General test and the other an IELTS Academic test. These tests model actual test material very closely and are a great way to gain confidence and evaluate your level. You will also find model answers provided with feedback in accordance with the IELTS marking criteria. If you have any questions about this test, or would like further advice on how to tackle the writing test, get in touch.
General Writing Practice Test
Task 1.
You should spend about 20 minutes on this task.
You recently joined a local gym, but you're having trouble attending regularly due to unexpected changes in your work schedule.
Write a letter to the gym manager. In your letter
explain your situation
describe the problem with your current membership
ask about possible solutions or alternatives
Write at least 150 words.
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Dear Gym Manager,
I am writing regarding an issue with my recently acquired gym membership. My employer has unexpectedly introduced a rotational shift system, significantly altering my daily schedule. This sudden change has made it exceptionally difficult for me to maintain a consistent workout routine, as my available hours rarely coincide with the gym's operating times.
[Task Achievement: Introduces the purpose of the letter; Lexical Resource: "rotational shift system" demonstrates sophisticated vocabulary; Grammatical Range: Complex sentence structure]Consequently, I find myself unable to fully utilise my membership despite my strong commitment to fitness. I'm writing to inquire about potential solutions to this predicament. Are there any alternative membership types that might better accommodate a variable schedule? I would be particularly interested in learning about off-peak or flexible attendance options.
[Coherence & Cohesion: "Consequently" used as a cohesive device; Task Achievement: Begins to address the request for solutions; Lexical Resource: "off-peak" and "flexible attendance" show precise use of vocabulary.]Additionally, I'd like to explore the possibility of temporarily freezing my membership until my work situation stabilises. Alternatively, do you have partnerships with 24-hour fitness centres that I could access?
Coherence & Cohesion: "Additionally" used to introduce a new idea smoothly; Grammatical Range: Use of questions to vary sentence structure.]
I value your facility and am eager to find a mutually beneficial arrangement. I look forward to your suggestions on resolving this matter. [Lexical Resource: "mutually beneficial" demonstrates sophisticated language use]Task Achievement: Concludes by reinforcing the request for solutions]
Yours sincerely,
[Your Name] -
Dear Gym Manager,
I'm writing about a problem with my gym membership. [Task Achievement: Introduces the purpose, but could be more specific] I joined your gym last month, but now I'm having trouble using it regularly because of changes at work. [Coherence and Cohesion: Logical progression of ideas]
My boss has changed my work hours, and now they're different every week. [Lexical Resource: Simple explanation, could use more sophisticated vocabulary] This means I can't come to the gym at the same times as before. Sometimes I finish work too late to use the gym, and other times I'm working when the gym is open. [Task Achievement: Explains the situation, but could be more detailed]
Because of this, I'm not getting good value from my membership. [Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Correct use of present continuous tense] I'm wondering if there are any other options for me. [Task Achievement: Asks about solutions, but could be more specific] Could you tell me if you have any flexible memberships or off-peak passes? [Lexical Resource: Use of specific terms "flexible memberships" and "off-peak passes"]
Also, is it possible to pause my membership for a while until my work schedule settles down? [Coherence and Cohesion: "Also" used as a cohesive device] Or do you know of any 24-hour gyms I could use instead? [Task Achievement: Asks about alternatives]
I hope we can find a solution because I really want to keep exercising. [Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Complex sentence structure] Thank you for your help with this matter. [Task Achievement: Polite closing, appropriate tone]
Yours sincerely,
[Your Name] -
Dear Gym Manager
I am writing this letter to tell you about a problem I have. I joined your gym recently but now I can't go there much. My job has changed and its causing me trouble.
[Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Missing full stop after salutation; Task Achievement: Introduces purpose, but lacks specificity; Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Incorrect use of "its" instead of "it's"; Coherence & Cohesion: Basic organisation of ideas]The problem that my boss changed my work times. Now I work diferent hours every day. Sometimes I work in the morning, sometimes in the afternoon. It's very confusing. Because of this, I can't go to the gym at the same time every day like before.
[Grammatical Range & Accuracy: simple sentence structures, spelling error "diferent" and should be an “is” between “The problem” and “that my boss”; Lexical Resource: simple vocabulary, repetitive.]I paid for the gym membership but now I can't use it much. This is not good. I want to know if you can help me. Do you have any other type of membership that I can get? Maybe one where I can come at different times?
[Task Achievement: attempts to describe the problem, but lacks detail; Coherence & Cohesion: ideas are connected, but not fluently.]Also, I was thinking maybe I could stop my membership for some time until my job becomes normal again. Is this possible? Or maybe you know other gyms that are open all the time?
[Task Achievement: asks about solutions, but in a limited way; Lexical Resource: “Furthermore” would be better than “Also”; “gyms that are open all the time” should be "24-hour gyms"]I really like exersising and I don't want to stop. But my job is important too. I hope you understood my situation and can help me.
[Task Achievement: attempts to conclude, but adds unnecessary details; Grammatical Range and Accuracy: spelling error "exersising" and tense error “understood” should be “understand”.]
Thank you for your help. [Lexical Resource: “Yours faithfully / sincerely” would be more appropriate.]
From,
[Your Name]
Social Media User in the US 2019 - 2024
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The bar chart illustrates the evolution of user numbers for five prominent social media platforms in the United States from 2019 to 2024. Overall, a dynamic shift in the digital landscape is evident, with most platforms experiencing growth, albeit at varying rates, while one platform notably declined.
Facebook maintained its supremacy throughout the period, exhibiting steady but modest growth from 223 to 250 million users. In contrast, LinkedIn demonstrated the most robust expansion among established platforms, nearly doubling its user base from 160 to 230 million, ultimately surpassing Instagram. The latter showed consistent yet moderate growth, increasing from 111 to 138 million users.
Strikingly, TikTok emerged as a digital powerhouse, with its user base skyrocketing from a mere 33 million to an impressive 150 million, representing more than fourfold growth. This meteoric rise allowed TikTok to leapfrog Twitter, which, contrary to the general trend, experienced a significant decline, particularly post-2022, plummeting from its peak of 70 million to 50 million users by 2024.
In essence, the data underscores a paradigm shift in social media preferences, highlighting the rapid ascension of newer platforms and the potential vulnerability of established ones in this ever-evolving digital ecosystem. (194 words).
Feedback:Task Achievement: The response fully satisfies all aspects of the task, providing a clear overview of the trends and key features. It accurately reports the data, making relevant comparisons between platforms and highlighting significant changes over time. The information is well-selected, with a focus on the most important aspects of the chart.
Coherence and Cohesion: The response is cohesive and logically organised, with a clear progression of ideas. Paragraphing is appropriate, with each paragraph focusing on a distinct aspect of the data. Cohesive devices (e.g., "In contrast," "Strikingly," "In essence") are used skillfully and naturally to link ideas. The sequence of information flows smoothly from the general trend to specific platform details, concluding with a broader interpretation.
Lexical Resource: The vocabulary used is sophisticated, precise, and appropriate for the task. There's a wide range of lexical items, including:
Topic-specific terms: "social media platforms," "digital landscape," "user base"
Less common vocabulary: "supremacy," "meteoric rise," "paradigm shift"
Collocations: "dynamic shift," "digital powerhouse," "ever-evolving digital ecosystem" The language is natural and idiomatic, demonstrating flexibility in expression.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy: The response showcases a wide range of grammatical structures used accurately and appropriately. These include:
Complex sentences: "Strikingly, TikTok emerged as a digital powerhouse, with its user base skyrocketing from a mere 33 million to an impressive 150 million, representing more than fourfold growth."
Passive voice: "a dynamic shift in the digital landscape is evident"
Participle phrases: "ultimately surpassing Instagram"
Varied sentence structures, including both simple and compound-complex sentences
There are no noticeable errors, and the structures are well-controlled throughout.
Overall Assessment: This response demonstrates the characteristics of a Band 9 performance. It fully addresses all aspects of the task with clearly presented and highlighted key features. The information is skilfully organised with a clear progression of ideas and sophisticated use of cohesive devices. It uses a wide range of vocabulary with very natural and sophisticated control of lexical features. The response also demonstrates a wide range of grammatical structures with full flexibility and accuracy.
The nuanced interpretation of data, sophisticated language use, and seamless flow of ideas all contribute to positioning this as a top-band response. It goes beyond mere description to provide insightful analysis of the trends, which is a hallmark of the highest-scoring IELTS Writing Task 1 responses.
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The bar chart displays the user numbers, in millions, for five social media platforms in the United States from 2019 to 2024. Overall, most platforms showed growth during this period, while one experienced a decline.
Facebook remained the most popular platform throughout, increasing from 223 million users in 2019 to 250 million in 2024. LinkedIn demonstrated significant growth, nearly doubling its user base from 160 million to 230 million, overtaking Instagram by the end of the period. Instagram also grew steadily, reaching 138 million users by 2024.
TikTok showed the most dramatic increase, with its user numbers rising from 33 million in 2019 to 150 million in 2024, surpassing Twitter. In contrast, Twitter was the only platform to lose users, declining from 68 million in 2019 to 50 million by 2024.
In conclusion, the data reveals changes in social media usage, with newer platforms gaining popularity while some established ones faced challenges in maintaining their user base.
Feedback:Task Achievement: The response adequately covers the requirements of the task. It provides an overview of the main trends and highlights key features of the data. The content is relevant and accurate, with no significant omissions. The format is appropriate for an IELTS Task 1 response. Key features are selected and clearly highlighted, though they could be more fully illustrated or extended. For example, the specific growth rates or percentages could have been included for more detail. The data are appropriately categorised by platform, and main trends and differences are identified.
Coherence and Cohesion: Information and ideas are logically organised with a clear progression throughout the response. The structure moves from an overview to specific details about each platform, concluding with a summary of the trends. Cohesive devices are used (e.g., "Overall," "In contrast," "In conclusion") to link ideas, though there's room for more varied and sophisticated usage. The paragraphing is appropriate, with each paragraph focusing on a distinct aspect of the data.
Lexical Resource: The vocabulary used is sufficient to allow some flexibility and precision in expressing ideas. There's some use of less common items (e.g., "dramatic increase"), showing an ability to go beyond basic vocabulary. An awareness of style and collocation is evident in phrases like "user base" and "gaining popularity." There are no noticeable errors in spelling or word formation. However, the range of vocabulary could be expanded further to reach higher bands.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy: The response demonstrates a variety of sentence structures, including some complex ones (e.g., "LinkedIn demonstrated significant growth, nearly doubling its user base from 160 million to 230 million, overtaking Instagram by the end of the period."). Grammar and punctuation are generally well-controlled, with most sentences being error-free. There's a good mix of simple and compound sentences. No significant errors impede communication.
Overall Assessment: This response fits the criteria for a Band 7 performance. It successfully addresses all parts of the task, presenting the main trends clearly and accurately. The organisation is logical, and there's a clear progression of ideas. The vocabulary and grammatical structures used are sufficient for the task, with some attempts at more sophisticated language.
To improve and potentially reach a higher band, the response could:
Provide more detailed analysis of the data, including specific growth rates or percentages
Use a wider range of cohesive devices and more sophisticated vocabulary
Include more complex grammatical structures and idiomatic language
Offer more nuanced interpretations of the trends observed
Nevertheless, this response demonstrates a good command of the task requirements and language skills expected at Band 7 level.
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The bar chart shows the users of social media platforms in USA from 2019 to 2024. There are five platforms Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn and TikTok.
Facebook had the most users in all years. It had 223 million users in 2019 and 250 million in 2024. Twitter had less users, it went down from 68 million to 50 million. Instagram went up from 111 million to 138 million. LinkedIn also went up it had 160 million in 2019 and 230 million in 2024.
TikTok had a big change. It had only 33 million users in 2019 but in 2024 it had 150 million users. This was very big growth.
In conclusion, most platforms got more users expect Twitter. TikTok had the biggest change of all the platforms in the chart.
Feedback:Task Achievement:
The response generally addresses the task but lacks depth. Key features are mentioned but not adequately covered or illustrated. There's a tendency to focus on details without much analysis of overall trends. The format is somewhat inappropriate, lacking a clear introduction and overview. Some inaccuracies are present (e.g., "USA" instead of "United States").
Coherence and Cohesion:
There's a basic organisation, but it lacks logical progression. Sentences are not fluently linked, with abrupt transitions between ideas. Limited use of cohesive devices ("In conclusion" is the main one used). Some repetition is evident, particularly in sentence structures.
Lexical Resource:
Vocabulary is limited but minimally adequate for the task. Simple vocabulary is used repeatedly (e.g., "went up," "had"). There's a lack of flexibility in expression, with frequent simplifications. Some spelling errors are included ("expect" instead of "except").
Grammatical Range and Accuracy:
The range of structures is limited and repetitive. Mostly simple sentences are used, with a few attempts at complex sentences. There are grammatical errors that may cause some difficulty for the reader: Missing articles (e.g., "Facebook had the most users in all years" should be "in all the years") Incorrect verb forms (e.g., "LinkedIn also went up it had" should be "LinkedIn also went up; it had") Punctuation is faulty in places, particularly with comma usage.
This response demonstrates the characteristics of a Band 5 performance. It shows a basic understanding of the task but lacks the depth, coherence, vocabulary range, and grammatical accuracy required for higher bands. The errors and simplifications are noticeable but don't significantly impede overall understanding of the response.
Task 2.
You should spend about 40 minutes on this task.
Write about the following topic: "Some people believe that young adults should focus on gaining practical skills that lead to stable, high-paying jobs. Others argue that they should follow their passions and develop talents, even if those careers are less financially secure. To what extent do you agree or disagree with this view?"
Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience.
Write at least 250 words.
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In an ever-evolving global economy, young adults often face the dilemma of pursuing careers that either offer financial stability or align with their personal passions.
[Task Achievement: The introduction clearly establishes the topic and context, satisfying the task requirements by presenting the dilemma faced by young adults.]
While both arguments hold merit, I am convinced that a balanced approach, where practical considerations are weighed alongside personal fulfilment, is the most prudent course of action.
[Task Achievement: The writer clearly states their position, which will be supported throughout the essay.]
On one hand, financial stability is undeniably important, especially as the cost of living continues to rise in many parts of the world.
[Coherence & Cohesion: The phrase "On one hand" effectively introduces a contrasting viewpoint, demonstrating good coherence.]
Opting for a career path solely based on passion could potentially lead to precarious financial situations, particularly if that field lacks demand or competitive salaries.
[Lexical Resource: The use of terms like "precarious financial situations" and "lacks demand" showcases advanced vocabulary.]
A high-paying career, by contrast, can provide not only immediate financial security but also long-term benefits such as savings, pensions, and investments, all of which contribute to a stable and comfortable future.
[Grammatical Range & Accuracy: The sentence structure is complex and varied, demonstrating a strong command of English grammar.]
However, it would be short-sighted to dismiss the value of passion in one’s career.
[Coherence & Cohesion: The transition using "However" signals a shift in the argument smoothly.]
Numerous studies indicate that individuals who pursue careers that resonate with their interests tend to be more engaged and perform better in their roles.
[Task Achievement: This sentence effectively supports the argument for pursuing passion.]
Passion-driven careers foster a sense of purpose and fulfilment, which cannot be easily replicated in jobs chosen purely for their financial rewards.
[Lexical Resource: The phrase "foster a sense of purpose and fulfilment" is sophisticated and impactful.]
Furthermore, passion often breeds creativity and innovation, qualities that are increasingly valued in today’s dynamic workplaces.
[Grammatical Range & Accuracy: The use of varied sentence structures demonstrates grammatical proficiency.]
Conversely, a career chosen solely for monetary reasons can lead to disillusionment or burnout, as the lack of personal satisfaction may outweigh the financial rewards over time.
[Coherence & Cohesion: The word "Conversely" introduces the contrasting argument effectively, maintaining the flow of ideas.]
In conclusion, while financial considerations are undeniably important, young adults should not disregard the role of passion in career choice.
[Task Achievement: The conclusion summarises the main points and reiterates the balanced approach, effectively wrapping up the argument.]
A nuanced approach, one that incorporates both practical financial planning and personal fulfilment, is more likely to result in long-term professional success and personal satisfaction.
[Lexical Resource: Terms like "nuanced approach" and "long-term professional success" demonstrate advanced vocabulary and clarity of expression.]
Overall Evaluation:
Task Achievement: The response fully addresses the prompt, providing a balanced argument and clear position throughout.
Coherence & Cohesion: The essay is logically structured, with smooth transitions between points that enhance readability.
Lexical Resource: A wide range of sophisticated vocabulary is used accurately, contributing to the clarity and sophistication of the argument.
Grammatical Range & Accuracy: The writer demonstrates a high level of grammatical control, using a variety of complex structures with few to no errors.
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In today’s world, young adults face the significant decision of whether to pursue careers that offer financial stability or those that align with their passions. While both aspects are crucial, I believe that prioritising a career based on personal interest is generally more beneficial in the long term.
On one hand, it is undeniable that a high-paying job can provide essential financial security. Many young people are burdened with various expenses, including housing, healthcare, and student loans. For instance, individuals who choose careers in fields such as finance or technology often enjoy lucrative salaries, enabling them to maintain a comfortable lifestyle and save for the future. This financial security can alleviate stress and create opportunities for personal growth and investment.
However, it is equally important to consider the impact of job satisfaction on overall well-being. A career driven solely by financial motives can lead to feelings of dissatisfaction and burnout. Numerous studies suggest that individuals who engage in work they are passionate about tend to be more motivated and creative, which can enhance their job performance. For example, artists and educators may earn less than their counterparts in corporate sectors, yet their fulfilment and joy in their work can lead to a richer life experience. Therefore, pursuing a career that ignites passion can result in greater happiness, even if it means sacrificing a higher salary.
In conclusion, while financial stability is undoubtedly important, young adults should prioritise careers that they love. By finding a balance between passion and practical considerations, they can achieve not only professional success but also personal satisfaction and well-being in the long run. Ultimately, a fulfilling career can provide both emotional rewards and the potential for financial stability.
Annotation for Band 7 Criteria:
Task Achievement: The essay appropriately addresses the prompt, presenting a clear position on the importance of pursuing passion alongside financial stability.
Coherence & Cohesion: Ideas are logically organised, with clear progression throughout the response. Cohesive devices such as "On one hand" and "However" are used effectively, though a few transitions could be smoother.
Lexical Resource: A good range of vocabulary is employed, including some less common phrases like "financial security" and "burnout." The language is generally precise, although some phrases could be more varied to avoid repetition.
Grammatical Range & Accuracy: The essay demonstrates a mix of complex and simple sentence structures, with a generally high level of grammatical accuracy. A few minor errors may be present, but they do not hinder overall communication.
Punctuation and Spelling: Punctuation is mostly accurate, contributing to clarity. Spelling errors are rare and do not detract from the overall message.
This version meets the criteria for a Band 7, showing a clear position and coherent argument while maintaining a good level of vocabulary and grammatical accuracy.
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Young adults today have to decide if they want a job that pays well or one that they love. Both sides are important but I think it is better to find a job that makes you happy.
[GRAMMATICAL RANGE AND ACCURACY: Missing comma after "important"; TASK ACHIEVEMENT: Introduces the topic and states a position, but lacks nuance; COHERENCE AND COHESION: Basic introduction, but abrupt transition to opinion.]
First, a high paying job is good because it helps pay the bills. Many young people must to worry about things like rent, food, and other costs. If they choose a job just because they like it, they might not make enough money. For example, jobs in finance or technology usualy pay better than jobs in art or music.
[GRAMMATICAL RANGE AND ACCURACY: hyphen needed between “high” and “paying”; “must to” should be “have to”; spelling error "usualy"; LEXICAL RESOURCE: simple vocabulary, e.g., "good," "things"; COHERENCE AND COHESION: Attempt at paragraph organisation, but ideas not fully developed; TASK ACHIEVEMENT: attempts to provide an example, but lacks depth.]
On the opposite side, doing a job that you love is also important. If someone works in a job they don't like, they might feel sad and tired. People who love there jobs often do better and are more creative. It can be hard to be happy when you are working just for the money.
[COHERENCE AND COHESION: Basic use of linking phrase “on the opposite side”; GRAMMATICAL RANGE AND ACCURACY: incorrect use of "there" instead of "their"; LEXICAL RESOURCE: limited range of expressions, e.g., “sad and tired”; TASK ACHIEVEMENT: attempts to present an opposing view but with limited development.]
In conclusion, while having money is important, I beleive it is better to find a job that you enjoy. A job that makes you happy can lead to a better life overall, even if the paying is not as high. Young people should try to find this balance when chosing a career.
[GRAMMATICAL RANGE AND ACCURACY: spelling errors "beleive" and “chosing”; LEXICAL RESOURCE: awkward phrasing, “the paying” instead of “the pay”; TASK ACHIEVEMENT: attempts a balanced conclusion but lacks sophistication.]
Task 2.
You should spend about 40 minutes on this task.
Write about the following topic: “Some people believe that living in a big city offers the best opportunities for a successful career. Others argue that a quieter life in a small town or rural area leads to greater overall satisfaction and well-being. Discuss both these views and give your own opinion.”
Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience.
Write at least 250 words.
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The debate between urban and rural living continues to intensify, particularly regarding career prospects and overall well-being. This essay will examine both viewpoints before offering a balanced perspective on this multifaceted issue.
Proponents of city life emphasise the abundant professional opportunities in urban centres. Large cities, with their concentration of diverse industries and multinational corporations, provide fertile ground for career advancement. The networking possibilities in such environments are unparalleled, allowing individuals to forge valuable connections. Additionally, cities typically boast superior infrastructure, enhancing productivity and work-life balance.
Conversely, advocates of small-town or rural living argue that less populated areas offer a superior quality of life. The slower pace and stronger community bonds can lead to reduced stress levels and improved mental health. Lower living costs often translate to a higher standard of living, with the possibility of owning larger homes and enjoying more disposable income. Proximity to nature and cleaner air can also contribute to better physical health and overall well-being.
In my view, the ideal solution lies in striking a balance between these lifestyles. Whilst cities offer exceptional career prospects, particularly early in one's professional journey, the long-term benefits of a more relaxed environment should not be overlooked. Individuals can maximise their potential by leveraging urban opportunities during formative career years before transitioning to smaller communities.
The rise of remote work has further blurred the lines between urban and rural living, allowing many to enjoy the best of both worlds. This shift enables individuals to pursue high-powered careers from more serene surroundings, effectively combining professional success with personal fulfilment.
In conclusion, adapting one's living situation to align with evolving personal and professional goals is key to achieving a truly successful and satisfying life. (283 words).
Feedback:
Task Response: 9 The essay fully addresses the prompt, exploring both viewpoints on city and rural living in depth. It presents a clear and well-developed position that directly answers the question. The ideas are relevant, fully extended, and well-supported with examples and explanations. The conclusion offers a nuanced perspective that synthesises both viewpoints.Coherence and Cohesion: 9 The essay flows seamlessly, with ideas logically organised and connected. Cohesive devices are used effectively without drawing attention to themselves. Paragraphing is skillfully managed, with each paragraph focusing on a distinct aspect of the argument. The introduction and conclusion frame the essay well, and transitions between ideas are smooth and natural.
Lexical Resource: 9 The essay demonstrates a wide range of vocabulary used accurately and appropriately. Sophisticated lexical items are employed naturally, such as "multifaceted issue," "fertile ground," "unparalleled," and "disposable income." There's precise use of language throughout, with no noticeable errors in spelling or word formation.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy: 9 The essay showcases a wide range of grammatical structures used with full flexibility and control. Complex sentences are handled with ease, and there's a good mix of sentence types. Punctuation is used appropriately throughout. There are no noticeable grammatical errors, and the few minor errors (if any) have no impact on communication.
Overall, this essay meets the criteria for a Band 9 score across all four marking categories. It demonstrates a high level of language proficiency, critical thinking, and essay writing skills. The concise nature of the revised version (approximately 280 words) shows an ability to express complex ideas efficiently, which is particularly valuable in the time-constrained environment of the IELTS test.
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The choice between living in a big city or a small town has significant implications for one's career and overall happiness. While some argue that urban areas offer better professional opportunities, others believe that rural settings provide a more satisfying life. This essay will discuss both viewpoints and present my opinion.
Large cities undoubtedly provide numerous career advantages. They are home to major companies and diverse industries, offering a wide range of job options. Moreover, cities often have better networking opportunities, allowing professionals to connect with influential people in their field. The presence of advanced infrastructure and technology in urban areas can also enhance work productivity.
On the other hand, small towns and rural areas can lead to greater well-being. The slower pace of life in these places often results in less stress and a stronger sense of community. People in rural areas typically enjoy cleaner air and easier access to nature, which can positively impact physical and mental health. Additionally, the lower cost of living in small towns can provide a higher quality of life, with more affordable housing and daily expenses.
In my view, both environments have their merits, and the best choice depends on individual priorities. While cities may be ideal for career-focused individuals, especially in the early stages of their professional lives, rural areas can offer a more balanced lifestyle. It's worth noting that with the rise of remote work, it's becoming increasingly possible to enjoy the career benefits of city life while living in a more relaxed rural setting.
In conclusion, there's no one-size-fits-all answer to this dilemma. The key is to carefully consider personal goals and values when deciding between urban and rural living. (280 words).
Feedback:
Task Response: The essay addresses the main parts of the prompt and presents a clear position. Main ideas are extended and supported, though there's some room for more specific examples or data to avoid over-generalisation.Coherence and Cohesion: The response is logically organised with a clear progression of ideas. Cohesive devices are used, though there might be some room for improvement in their variety. Paragraphing is effective, supporting the overall coherence.
Lexical Resource: The vocabulary used is sufficient and allows for some flexibility. There's evidence of less common items (e.g., "implications," "undoubtedly," "dilemma") and an awareness of style. No significant errors in spelling or word formation are present.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy: The essay uses a variety of complex structures with generally good control. There are error-free sentences, and the few errors present don't impede communication. There's room for more sophisticated structures to elevate it further.
Overall, this essay meets the criteria for a Band 7 response. It effectively addresses the question while demonstrating good language skills, though there's still some room for improvement to reach the highest bands.
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Living in big citys or small towns is a big choice for people. Some say big citys are better for jobs, but others think small towns make people more happy. I will talk about both ideas and give my oppinion.
Big citys have lots of jobs. There are many companys and different types of work. People can find good jobs and make more money in citys. Also, citys have many people, so you can meet new friends and make connections for your job. The buildings in citys are big and modern, which is good for working.
But small towns are more quiet and peacefull. People in small towns are not so busy and stressed like in citys. The air is cleaner and there are more trees and nature. This can make people feel better and more healthy. Houses in small towns are cheaper, so people can buy bigger homes and save money.
I think both places have good things. Citys are good for finding jobs and making money. But small towns are better for relaxing and being happy. It depends on what a person wants in there life. Some people like busy life and some like quiet life.
In conclution, people should choose where to live based on what they want. If they want a good job, they should go to a city. If they want a peaceful life, they should live in a small town. Its important to think about what makes you happy when you decide where to live. (251 words)
Feedback:Task Response: The main parts of the prompt are addressed, but the development is limited. The writer expresses a position, but it lacks depth. Main ideas are put forward but not sufficiently developed, with some repetition.
Coherence and Cohesion: There's a basic organization, but it's not always logical. Cohesive devices are limited and sometimes inaccurate (e.g., "In conclution"). Paragraphing is present but could be more effective. Sentences are not always fluently linked.
Lexical Resource: The vocabulary is limited but adequate for the task. Simple vocabulary is used, with frequent repetitions (e.g., "good", "better"). There are noticeable spelling errors ("citys", "oppinion", "peacefull", "conclution") and word formation issues ("there life" instead of "their life").
Grammatical Range and Accuracy: The range of structures is limited and repetitive. There are attempts at complex sentences, but they often have errors. Simple sentences are more accurate. There are grammatical errors (e.g., "Its important" missing an apostrophe, "companys" instead of "companies") and punctuation issues.
This essay demonstrates the characteristics of a Band 5 response, showing basic competence in addressing the task but with notable limitations in language use and development of ideas.
Academic Writing Practice Test
Task 1.
You should spend about 20 minutes on this task.
The bar chart shows the number of users (in millions) of different social media platforms in the United States between 2019 and 2024.
Summarise the information by selecting and reporting the main features, and make comparisons where relevant.
Write at least 150 words.