“IELTS Writing Band 9” is the goal many IELTS test-takers aim for, signifying excellent English writing skills, nearly native-level proficiency. However, achieving this band score isn’t easy; it requires effort, effective study methods, and smart test-taking strategies. This article will provide a comprehensive overview of IELTS Writing Band 9, covering sample essays, vocabulary, scoring criteria, tips for high scores, and essential study materials.
1. IELTS Writing Band 9 Sample Essays
To better understand the requirements for a Band 9 score, let’s analyze two sample essays, one for Task 1 and one for Task 2.
a) Task 1: Band 9 Sample Essay
Essay Prompt: “The graph below shows the number of students choosing different subjects in a university in three different years. Summarize the information by selecting and reporting the main features, and make comparisons where relevant.”
(Assume the graph includes subjects like: Science, Arts, Business, Engineering, and years: 2000, 2010, 2020)
Sample Essay:
The line graph illustrates the fluctuating trends in student enrollment for five different academic disciplines at a particular university across a twenty-year period, spanning from 2000 to 2020.
Overall, it is readily apparent that while Science and Business experienced substantial growth in popularity, Arts witnessed a gradual decline. Engineering showed a more volatile pattern, while a new subject, Computer Science, emerged in 2010 and demonstrated rapid growth.
In the year 2000, Science dominated the enrollment figures, with approximately 500 students choosing it as their field of study. This figure experienced a steady and pronounced increase over the two decades, culminating in a peak of roughly 800 students in 2020. Business, starting at a lower point of around 300 students in 2000, exhibited a similar upward trajectory, reaching approximately 700 students by 2020.
Conversely, Arts began as the second most popular subject in 2000 with around 400 students. However, its popularity waned considerably over time, plummeting to a mere 200 students by 2020. Engineering, on the other hand, displayed a more erratic trend. Beginning with 250 students in 2000, it surged to 400 in 2010 before dipping to 350 in 2020.
The introduction of Computer Science in 2010 marked a significant development. Starting from scratch, it quickly gained traction, attracting approximately 300 students by 2020, showcasing its burgeoning relevance in the contemporary academic landscape.
In conclusion, the graph highlights the dynamic shifts in student preferences over the twenty-year period. The burgeoning popularity of Science, Business, and the newly introduced Computer Science underscores the growing importance of STEM and business-related fields in higher education, while the decline of Arts suggests a potential shift in student interests and career aspirations.
ECE is offering you 2 excellent resources for IELTS Writing Task 1:
b) Task 2: Band 9 Sample Essay
Essay Prompt: “Some people believe that it is best to accept a bad situation, such as an unsatisfactory job or shortage of money. Others argue that it is better to try and improve such situations. Discuss both these views and give your own opinion.“
(Some people believe that it is best to accept a bad situation, such as an unsatisfactory job or shortage of money. Others argue that it is better to try and improve such situations. Discuss both these views and give your own opinion.)
Sample Essay:
The dilemma of whether to passively accept adverse circumstances or actively strive for their amelioration is a recurring theme in human existence. While some individuals advocate for resignation in the face of adversity, such as an unfulfilling job or financial constraints, others champion the pursuit of improvement. This essay will delve into both perspectives before presenting a nuanced personal stance.
Proponents of acceptance often cite the virtue of contentment and the potential futility of resistance. They argue that accepting one’s lot, even if imperfect, can foster inner peace and prevent unnecessary stress. For instance, remaining in a stable, albeit uninspiring, job can provide financial security and avoid the risks associated with pursuing a more desirable career path. Similarly, adapting to a modest lifestyle when faced with a shortage of funds can be seen as a pragmatic approach, promoting a simpler, potentially more fulfilling existence. This philosophy finds resonance in stoic principles, emphasizing acceptance of what we cannot control.
Conversely, advocates for proactive improvement highlight the potential for personal growth and the importance of striving for a better life. They believe that accepting a suboptimal situation can lead to stagnation and missed opportunities. Pursuing a career change, for example, might entail temporary hardships, but it could ultimately result in greater job satisfaction and personal fulfillment. Similarly, addressing financial difficulties through proactive measures like budgeting, seeking additional income, or acquiring new skills can lead to long-term financial stability and improved quality of life. This perspective aligns with the notion of self-efficacy, emphasizing the individual’s capacity to shape their own destiny.
In my view, the optimal approach lies in a judicious balance between acceptance and proactive improvement. While acknowledging the reality of challenging circumstances is essential, it should not preclude the pursuit of betterment. A pragmatic approach involves discerning which aspects of a situation are within one’s control and which are not. In instances of genuine powerlessness, such as enduring a severe illness, acceptance may indeed be the most sensible course. However, in situations where agency exists, such as an unfulfilling career or financial constraints, a proactive and solution-oriented mindset is crucial. This might involve accepting the current situation temporarily while simultaneously formulating a plan for gradual improvement.
In conclusion, the debate between accepting adversity and striving for improvement is complex and multifaceted. While acceptance can foster contentment and stability, it should not stifle the pursuit of a more fulfilling life. A balanced approach that combines acceptance with a proactive drive for improvement, tailored to the specific circumstances, is arguably the most conducive to long-term well-being and personal growth.
2. Vocabulary for IELTS Writing Band 9
Using rich, precise, and appropriate vocabulary is crucial for achieving a high band score. Here is some vocabulary commonly used in IELTS Writing Band 9 essays:
- Academic Vocabulary: culminate, burgeoning, volatile, fluctuate, trajectory, conversely, albeit, amelioration, stagnation, futility, pragmatic, nuanced, judicious, preclude, discern, conducive.
| No. | Word | Phonetics | Meaning | Example |
| 1 | Culminate | /ˈkʌlmɪneɪt/ | To reach a point of highest development or achievement; to end with… |
The festival will culminate in a spectacular fireworks display.
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| 2 | Burgeoning | /ˈbɜːdʒənɪŋ/ | Developing or growing rapidly; flourishing |
The burgeoning population of the city is putting a strain on its resources.
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| 3 | Volatile | /ˈvɒlətaɪl/ | Liable to change rapidly and unpredictably, especially for the worse; unstable |
The stock market has been particularly volatile in recent months.
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| 4 | Fluctuate | /ˈflʌktʃueɪt/ | To rise and fall irregularly in number or amount; to vary |
Oil prices have fluctuated wildly over the past few weeks.
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| 5 | Trajectory | /trəˈdʒektəri/ | The path followed by a projectile or object moving under the action of given forces; the course of development |
The company’s sales are on an upward trajectory.
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| 6 | Conversely | /ˈkɒnvɜːsli/ | In contrast; on the other hand |
Some people enjoy city life. Conversely, others prefer the tranquility of the countryside.
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| 7 | Albeit | /ɔːlˈbiːɪt/ | Although; even though |
He finally agreed, albeit reluctantly, to help us.
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| 8 | Amelioration | /əˌmiːliəˈreɪʃn/ | The act of making something better; improvement |
The new policies aim to bring about a significant amelioration in the living conditions of the poor.
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| 9 | Stagnation | /stæɡˈneɪʃn/ | The state of being stagnant; lack of activity or development |
The economy is suffering from a period of stagnation.
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| 10 | Futility | /fjuːˈtɪləti/ | Pointlessness or uselessness |
They tried to argue with her, but they realized the futility of their attempts.
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| 11 | Pragmatic | /præɡˈmætɪk/ | Dealing with things sensibly and realistically in a way that is based on practical rather than theoretical considerations |
We need to take a pragmatic approach to solving this problem.
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| 12 | Nuanced | /ˈnjuːɑːnst/ | Having or showing subtle shades of meaning or expression |
Her latest novel is a nuanced portrayal of the complexities of human relationships.
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| 13 | Judicious | /dʒuˈdɪʃəs/ | Having, showing, or done with good judgment or sense |
We should make judicious use of the resources available to us.
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| 14 | Preclude | /prɪˈkluːd/ | Prevent from happening; make impossible |
Lack of time precludes any further discussion.
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| 15 | Discern | /dɪˈsɜːn/ | Perceive or recognize; distinguish |
It can be difficult to discern the truth from the lies.
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| 16 | Conducive | /kənˈdjuːsɪv/ | Making a certain situation or outcome likely or possible |
A quiet and peaceful environment is conducive to studying.
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- Linking Words/Phrases: Furthermore, Moreover, However, Conversely, In contrast, On the other hand, Similarly, In addition, Therefore, Consequently, Thus, Hence, In conclusion, To sum up, Overall, It is evident that, Notably, Significantly, In essence.
| No. | Word | Phonetics | Meaning | Example |
| 17 | Furthermore | /ˈfɜːðəˌmɔː(r)/ | In addition; moreover |
The house is beautiful. Furthermore, it’s in a great location.
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| 18 | Moreover | /mɔːrˈəʊvə(r)/ | Furthermore; in addition |
The report is badly written. Moreover, it’s inaccurate.
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| 19 | However | /haʊˈevə(r)/ | But; nevertheless |
He was feeling unwell. However, he decided to go to work.
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| 20 | In contrast | /ɪn ˈkɒntræst/ | Used to emphasize a difference between two things |
Their economy has expanded rapidly. In contrast, ours has remained stagnant.
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| 21 | On the other hand | /ɒn ðə ˈʌðə hænd/ | Used to introduce a contrasting point of view |
Living in the city is exciting. On the other hand, it can be very expensive.
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| 22 | Similarly | /ˈsɪmələli/ | In the same way; likewise |
Exercise is important for your physical health. Similarly, it’s beneficial for your mental well-being.
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| 23 | In addition | /ɪn əˈdɪʃn/ | Also; furthermore |
In addition to his salary, he also receives a bonus.
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| 24 | Therefore | /ˈðeəfɔː(r)/ | For that reason; consequently |
He was late for work. Therefore, he missed the meeting.
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| 25 | Consequently | /ˈkɒnsɪkwəntli/ | As a result |
She didn’t study for the exam. Consequently, she failed.
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| 26 | Thus | /ðʌs/ | Therefore; hence |
The cost of raw materials has increased. Thus, the price of the finished product will also rise.
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| 27 | Hence | /hens/ | Therefore; for this reason |
He is not satisfied with the service. Hence, he is demanding a refund.
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| 28 | In conclusion | /ɪn kənˈkluːʒn/ | To summarize; to end |
In conclusion, I believe that the government should invest more in education.
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| 29 | To sum up | /tuː sʌm ʌp/ | To summarize briefly |
To sum up, the main advantages of the plan are its simplicity and low cost.
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| 30 | Overall | /ˌəʊvərˈɔːl/ | Taking everything into account; in general |
Overall, the project was a success.
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| 31 | It is evident that | /ɪt ɪz ˈevɪdənt ðæt/ | It is clear that |
It is evident that the new policy has had a positive impact.
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| 32 | Notably | /ˈnəʊtəbli/ | Especially; remarkably |
The company has expanded rapidly, most notably in Asia.
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| 33 | Significantly | /sɪɡˈnɪfɪkəntli/ | To a large or important extent |
The number of students applying to the university has increased significantly.
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| 34 | In essence | /ɪn ˈesns/ | Basically; fundamentally |
In essence, the problem is a lack of communication.
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- Phrases for expressing opinion: In my view, From my perspective, I am of the opinion that, It is my firm belief that, I contend that, I am inclined to believe that, As far as I am concerned.
| No. | Phrase | Phonetics | Meaning | Example |
| 35 | In my view | /ɪn maɪ vjuː/ | In my opinion |
In my view, the government should do more to protect the environment.
|
| 36 | From my perspective | /frɒm maɪ pəˈspektɪv/ | From my point of view |
From my perspective, the benefits outweigh the risks.
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| 37 | I am of the opinion that | /aɪ æm ɒv ðə əˈpɪnjən ðæt/ | I believe that |
I am of the opinion that everyone should have access to healthcare.
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| 38 | It is my firm belief that | /ɪt ɪz maɪ fɜːm bɪˈliːf ðæt/ | I strongly believe that |
It is my firm belief that education is the key to success.
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| 39 | I contend that | /aɪ kənˈtend ðæt/ | I argue that |
I contend that the proposed changes are unnecessary.
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| 40 | I am inclined to believe that | /aɪ æm ɪnˈklaɪnd tuː bɪˈli
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