The writing section of IELTS feels fierce. Many learners panic when they see the words evaluate or discuss. However, a Band 9 response does not rely on luck. It relies on clarity, structure, and language precision.
If your goal is band 9, this guide will help you through two sample tasks. We will then tear them apart section by section. Consider this your bonus IELTS coaching in Abu Dhabi.
Task 1: Academic (Line Graph Description)
Prompt:
The line graph shows the percentage of households in three countries with internet access between 2000 and 2020. Summarise the data by selecting and reporting the main features and making comparisons where relevant.
Band 9 Sample Answer (≈200 words)
The graph highlights shifts in internet access across Nation A, Nation B, and Nation C from 2000 to 2020. Nation A begins the period at roughly 10%. Growth catches speed in the mid-2000s. The figure reaches nearly 95% by 2020. This climb outpaces its early standing.
Nation B starts higher at about 25%. A steady climb unfolds over two decades. The rate lands at roughly 90% by the final year. The gap between Nations A and B narrows and nearly vanishes at the end of the timeline.
Nation C displays the slowest rise. It begins at a mere 5%, and progress moves at a modest pace until 2010. The trend then leaps upward, bringing the final figure close to 80%. This still trails behind the other two.
Overall, connectivity soars in all three countries. Nation A shows the greatest leap, whereas nation C remains the least connected, though it closes part of the gap by 2020.
Step-by-Step Breakdown
Step 1: Introduction
One sentence sets context in a direct and clean manner.
Step 2: Overview
The second part highlights broad trends. For example, the mention of “soars” and “climb” helps the reader see a big picture with energy. That earns marks.
Step 3: Body Detail
Each nation receives its own spotlight, as the writer uses numbers and changes. Sentence length also ranges from short to medium.
Step 4: Comparison
The answer compares rises and points out who leads and who lags. This fulfills task requirements.
Step 5: Lexical Control
Words like modest, climb, trail, narrow add variety. No dull repetition of “increase.”
Step 6: Grammar Accuracy
Short sentences prevent run-on chaos.
Task 2: General or Academic Task 2 (Opinion Essay)
Prompt:
Some people believe that governments should invest more in public transport rather than in building new roads. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
Band 9 Sample Answer (≈300 words)
Public transport commands attention in many cities. Some argue that authorities should invest more in buses, trains, and trams. New roads seem less urgent to these citizens. I support increased funding for public transit.
A strong transport network reduces pollution. Fewer cars means cleaner air. A commuter on a train produces far less carbon than a commuter in a private vehicle. The impact on urban health feels profound. Governments that back sustainable systems show social responsibility.
Public transit also eases crowding. When individuals rely on buses or trams, traffic jams shrink. A new road may relieve pressure for a short span, but cars flock to fresh lanes quickly. Gridlock returns with a vengeance. But a reliable transit line remains useful for decades.
Costs play a major role. Maintaining roads drains budgets, and fuel prices also rise. Transit passes, on the other hand, save money for daily travellers. That sense of relief builds trust in civic planning. Urgent needs include accessible stations and wider service coverage.
Some critics claim roads support industry and deliveries. They have a partial point. Freight trucks need routes to function well. But freight corridors differ from commuter routes. Investments in transit do not remove support for goods transport. Balanced planning can exist without constant road expansion.
Better funding for public transport shapes healthier cities. Roads hold value, yet they should not dominate budgets. Thoughtful policy that favours transit over endless asphalt leads to efficient growth. I remain confident that this direction delivers lasting benefits.
Step-by-Step Breakdown
Step 1: Hook and Position
The opening sparks interest but stays direct. The writer states an opinion with no hesitation.
Step 2: First Body Paragraph
The focus stays on the environment. Each sentence stands alone, and the reader grasps one idea at a time. Clarity wins big points.
Step 3: Second Body Paragraph
Traffic and longevity of solutions step into view. The tone stays assertive, avoiding mushy statements.
Step 4: Cost and Practicality
Money matters. The paragraph explains value with punchy sentences.
Step 5: Counterpoint
A Band 9 essay also addresses the other side, so the writer acknowledges freight needs. The reply feels balanced, not defensive.
Step 6: Conclusion
The essay ends with courage. It does not restate the introduction word for word. It packs one final punch.
Step 7: Vocabulary Style
Words like vengeance, relief, dominate, and corridors add zing. The language does not sound recycled.
Step 8: Grammar Precision
No droning strings of clauses. Short structure. Confident punctuation.
How to Recreate This Level
You can mimic a Band 9 tone with training. Try these actions:
- Summarise a chart using only short lines.
- Swap common verbs with punchy alternatives.
- Practice opinion writing in chunks of two or three sentences per paragraph.
- Throw in a brief rebuttal to the opposing view.
- Avoid the word very. Pick precise adjectives instead.
What to Avoid
Even tiny errors can nibble at your score.
- Do not write sentences joined by “and” or “but” if both halves can stand alone.
- Do not repeat “increase” five times.
- Do not waste space on filler like “In today’s world” or “It is a known fact.”
- Do not drift off topic with your examples.
Final Word
Band 9 does not require magic. It requires control. These samples prove that strong work does not hide behind long sentences. Sharp language and bold structure command higher marks. Read them, break them, and copy their rhythm. Then produce your own masterpiece with grit and flair.
For additional support, join the coaching of English Wise. You will get to learn many more techniques to ace your IELTS test.
