IELTS Band 9 Revision Guide
Exam Countdown
Task 1: Visual Information (20 minutes)
You need to describe visual information (graph, table, chart, diagram, or map) in at least 150 words in 20 minutes.
- Fully satisfy all requirements of the task
- Present a fully developed response with relevant, extended, and well-supported ideas
- Use cohesion in such a way that it attracts no attention
- Skillfully manage paragraphing
- Use a wide range of vocabulary with very natural and sophisticated control of lexical features
- Use a wide range of structures with full flexibility and accuracy
Task 2: Essay (40 minutes)
You need to write an essay in response to a point of view, argument, or problem in at least 250 words in 40 minutes.
- Fully address all parts of the task with a fully developed position
- Present relevant, fully extended ideas with well-supported arguments
- Use cohesion seamlessly with sophisticated organization
- Demonstrate complete control of paragraphing conventions
- Use a wide range of vocabulary with very natural and sophisticated lexical control
- Use a wide range of structures with complete flexibility and accuracy, even with complex structures
Writing Task 1: Visual Information Analysis
Task 1 Types
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Line
Graphs
Show changes or trends over time, often comparing multiple variables
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Bar
Charts
Compare quantities across different categories or time periods
-
Pie
Charts
Show proportions or percentages of a whole
-
Tables
Display structured data in rows and columns
-
Process
Diagrams
Illustrate steps in a process or how something works
-
Maps/Plans
Show geographical layouts, often comparing changes over time
Task 1 Assessment Criteria
Task Achievement (25%)
- All key features highlighted and well developed
- No irrelevant information included
- Clear overview of main trends/features
- Data accurately interpreted and presented
Coherence and Cohesion (25%)
- Logical progression of information and ideas
- Skillful use of cohesive devices
- Clear paragraphing with logical development
- Seamless flow between ideas and paragraphs
Lexical Resource (25%)
- Wide range of precise vocabulary
- Accurate use of collocation and word formation
- Perfect spelling and word choice
- Advanced vocabulary for data description
Grammatical Range and Accuracy (25%)
- Wide range of grammatical structures
- Perfect grammatical control
- Appropriate use of complex sentences
- Natural and flexible use of structures
Task 1 Framework Model
Introduction (1 sentence):
The [type of visual] [illustrates/shows/presents/depicts] [general description of what the visual shows].
Overview (2-3 sentences):
Overall, it is evident that [first main trend/pattern]. Additionally, [second main trend/pattern].
Body Paragraph 1 (3-4 sentences):
Regarding [first key feature], the data indicates that [specific detail]. [Additional specific detail with precise figures]. Meanwhile, [comparative detail showing relationship].
Body Paragraph 2 (3-4 sentences):
With respect to [second key feature], it can be observed that [specific detail]. [Additional specific detail with precise figures]. Interestingly, [noteworthy comparison or contrast].
Type-Specific Language for Task 1
Line Graphs
- increased/decreased sharply/dramatically/steadily
- saw a rapid/steep/gradual rise/fall
- reached a peak/plateau of [number]
- remained stable/constant at [number]
- fluctuated between [number] and [number]
"The consumption of renewable energy rose sharply from 10% in 2010 to 35% in 2020, before plateauing at around 37% for the following two years."
Bar Charts
- significantly higher/lower than
- far exceeded/fell short of
- constituted the largest/smallest proportion
- doubled/tripled/halved compared to
- stood at approximately [number]
"Coffee consumption in Finland significantly exceeded other countries, standing at 12 kg per capita annually, which was approximately double the figure for its nearest competitor, Sweden."
Pie Charts
- accounted for [percentage]
- represented just over/under [percentage]
- constituted the majority/minority at [percentage]
- comprised nearly/approximately [percentage]
- made up a negligible/substantial proportion
"Transportation accounted for 38% of carbon emissions, while energy production represented just over a quarter of the total at 26%, with manufacturing comprising approximately 21%."
Process Diagrams
- initially/to begin with/first
- subsequently/following this/afterward
- simultaneously/meanwhile/during this stage
- the next step involves/entails
- finally/ultimately/the process concludes with
"Initially, the raw materials are sorted and cleaned. Subsequently, they undergo a heating process at 200°C, while simultaneously being mixed with catalysts. The final stage involves cooling and packaging the finished product."
Band 9 Sample: Line Graph
Task Description:
The line graph below shows changes in the amount of time spent on different leisure activities in the UK from 1995 to 2005.
Summarise the information by selecting and reporting the main features, and make comparisons where relevant.
The line graph illustrates how the time spent on four different leisure activities by UK residents changed over a decade from 1995 to 2005.
Overall, it is evident that watching television remained consistently the most popular leisure activity throughout the period, despite experiencing a slight decline. Additionally, there was a significant surge in computer-based entertainment, while socializing and gardening showed downward trends.
Regarding television viewing, UK residents dedicated approximately 225 minutes per day to this activity in 1995, which gradually decreased to around 210 minutes by 2005. This stood in stark contrast to computer usage, which saw a dramatic increase from merely 25 minutes daily in 1995 to approximately 130 minutes a decade later, representing more than a five-fold rise.
With respect to socializing and gardening, both activities witnessed steady declines. The time spent socializing fell considerably from about 170 minutes per day in 1995 to roughly 115 minutes in 2005. Similarly, gardening decreased from approximately 130 minutes daily to just 80 minutes over the same period. Interestingly, by 2002, computer usage had already surpassed gardening in popularity, and by 2005, it had nearly overtaken socializing as the second most time-consuming leisure activity.
Writing Task 2: Essay Writing
Task 2 Essay Types
-
Opinion
Essays
Present your opinion on an issue
"Do you agree or disagree that..."
-
Discussion
Essays
Discuss both sides of an argument (may include your opinion)
"Discuss both views and give your opinion."
-
Advantages/Disadvantages
Essays
Analyze positive and negative aspects
"Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of..."
-
Problem/Solution
Essays
Identify problems and propose solutions
"What problems does X cause and how can these be solved?"
-
Double
Question Essays
Address two distinct but related questions
"Why is X happening? Is this a positive or negative trend?"
Task 2 Assessment Criteria
Task Response (25%)
- Fully addresses all parts of the task
- Presents a clear position throughout
- Fully develops all ideas with extended support
- Explores implications beyond the immediate context
Coherence and Cohesion (25%)
- Skillfully manages paragraphing
- Seamlessly uses a range of cohesive devices
- Creates a sophisticated logical structure
- Advances arguments with clear progression
Lexical Resource (25%)
- Uses wide range of vocabulary with flexibility and precision
- Skillfully employs uncommon items and idiomatic language
- Demonstrates sophisticated awareness of connotation
- Perfect spelling and word formation
Grammatical Range and Accuracy (25%)
- Uses varied and complex structures with complete flexibility
- Produces error-free sentences consistently
- Demonstrates sophisticated control of grammar and punctuation
- Exemplifies masterful sentence construction
Task 2 Framework Models
Opinion Essay Framework
Introduction (1 paragraph):
In contemporary society, [general statement about the topic]. There is considerable debate about whether [restate the question]. This essay will argue that [clear thesis statement with your position] because [brief mention of main points].
Body Paragraph 1 (1st main point):
The primary reason why [restate position] is that [first main point]. [Elaborate with specific details]. For instance, [concrete example]. This example demonstrates [explanation of how the example supports your point].
Body Paragraph 2 (2nd main point):
Furthermore, [second main point supporting your position]. [Develop this argument with explanation]. To illustrate, [relevant example]. The significance of this is [analysis of example's relevance].
Body Paragraph 3 (Opposing view & refutation):
Admittedly, proponents of the opposing view argue that [counterargument]. [Explain this position fairly]. However, this argument overlooks [weakness in counterargument]. When examined more closely, [rebuttal that strengthens your position].
Conclusion:
In conclusion, although [acknowledge complexity briefly], the evidence strongly suggests that [restate thesis]. [Summarize main points]. [Final thought or implication for the future].
Discussion Essay Framework
Introduction (1 paragraph):
[General statement about topic's importance]. There are divergent views on whether [restate the question]. While some people believe that [first view], others maintain that [second view]. This essay will examine both perspectives before reaching a conclusion.
Body Paragraph 1 (First view):
Those who support [first view] argue that [main argument for this view]. [Explanation with specific details]. For example, [concrete example supporting this view]. This demonstrates [analysis of example's significance].
Body Paragraph 2 (Second view):
Conversely, advocates of [second view] contend that [main argument for this view]. [Elaboration with evidence]. An illustrative example is [relevant example]. This shows [analysis of how this example supports the second view].
Body Paragraph 3 (Your opinion with reasoning):
After careful consideration of both perspectives, I believe that [state your position] because [primary reason for your view]. [Further explanation]. Moreover, [additional supporting point]. When examining real-world outcomes, [evidence that strengthens your position].
Conclusion:
In conclusion, while there are valid arguments on both sides of this debate, [restate your position]. [Synthesize main points from both perspectives]. [Final thought about implications or broader context].
Advantages/Disadvantages Essay Framework
Introduction (1 paragraph):
[Introduce the topic] has become increasingly [common/prevalent/significant] in today's society. This phenomenon presents both opportunities and challenges that warrant careful examination. This essay will analyze the key advantages and disadvantages of [topic].
Body Paragraph 1 (Advantages):
Regarding the benefits, one of the most significant advantages of [topic] is [first major advantage]. [Elaborate with specific details]. For instance, [concrete example]. Additionally, [topic] also provides [second advantage], which [explain significance].
Body Paragraph 2 (More advantages):
Furthermore, [topic] contributes to [third advantage]. [Explanation with evidence]. This is exemplified by [specific example], which demonstrates how [connecting example to advantage].
Body Paragraph 3 (Disadvantages):
Conversely, [topic] has several drawbacks that cannot be overlooked. The primary concern is [first major disadvantage]. [Develop this point with explanation]. For example, [concrete example]. Moreover, [topic] often leads to [second disadvantage], which [explain impact].
Conclusion:
In conclusion, [topic] offers notable benefits such as [summarize main advantages], but simultaneously presents challenges including [summarize main disadvantages]. [Final evaluation of whether advantages outweigh disadvantages or vice versa, if required]. [Final thought on implications or potential future developments].
Problem/Solution Essay Framework
Introduction (1 paragraph):
[Introduce topic] has emerged as a significant challenge in [relevant context]. This issue has caused [brief mention of impacts], necessitating effective solutions. This essay will examine the major problems associated with [topic] and propose viable remedies.
Body Paragraph 1 (Problem 1 and Solution):
One of the most pressing concerns regarding [topic] is [first major problem]. [Elaborate on the problem with specific details]. For instance, [example illustrating the problem]. To address this issue, [first solution] could be implemented. This approach would [explain how the solution addresses the problem], as evidenced by [example of success].
Body Paragraph 2 (Problem 2 and Solution):
Another significant challenge is [second major problem]. [Explanation with evidence]. This has resulted in [consequences], as seen in [specific example]. An effective solution would be to [second solution]. This strategy would [explain benefits] and could be strengthened by [additional measure].
Body Paragraph 3 (Problem 3 and Solution):
Finally, [topic] contributes to [third major problem]. [Develop this point with explanation]. The impact of this can be observed in [concrete example]. To mitigate this problem, [third solution] should be considered. This approach has proven effective in [example of successful implementation], demonstrating its potential to [expected outcome].
Conclusion:
In conclusion, [topic] presents several challenges including [summarize main problems]. However, through a combination of [summarize solutions], these issues can be effectively addressed. [Final thought on priorities or implementation]. Ultimately, [broader implication or forward-looking statement].
Double Question Essay Framework
Introduction (1 paragraph):
[Introduce the topic] has become a notable aspect of contemporary society. This raises important questions about [mention both questions]. This essay will examine the causes of [first question focus] and evaluate whether this trend is [second question focus].
Body Paragraph 1 (First question - Cause 1):
A primary reason for [topic] is [first cause]. [Elaborate with specific details]. For instance, [concrete example]. This factor has contributed significantly to [explain impact].
Body Paragraph 2 (First question - Cause 2):
Furthermore, [topic] can be attributed to [second cause]. [Explanation with evidence]. An illustrative example is [specific example], which demonstrates how [connecting example to cause].
Body Paragraph 3 (Second question - Positive aspects):
Regarding whether this trend is positive, there are several benefits worth noting. Primarily, [first positive aspect]. [Develop this point with explanation]. For example, [concrete example]. Additionally, [topic] has led to [second positive aspect], which [explain significance].
Body Paragraph 4 (Second question - Negative aspects):
However, this trend also presents notable drawbacks. The main concern is [first negative aspect]. [Elaborate with evidence]. This is exemplified by [specific example]. Moreover, [topic] has resulted in [second negative aspect], which [explain impact].
Conclusion:
In conclusion, [topic] stems primarily from [summarize main causes]. When evaluating this phenomenon, it appears to be [overall assessment of positive/negative/mixed] because [key reasoning]. [Final thought on implications or future outlook].
Band 9 Sample: Opinion Essay
Task Description:
Some people believe that in order to solve traffic and transportation problems, governments should discourage people from living in big cities. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience.
In contemporary society, metropolitan areas continue to face mounting challenges related to traffic congestion and inadequate transportation infrastructure. There is considerable debate about whether governments should actively discourage urban population growth as a solution to these problems. This essay will argue that discouraging people from living in major cities represents an oversimplified and ultimately ineffective approach to addressing transportation issues because it fails to recognize the complex nature of urban development and overlooks more targeted solutions.
The primary reason why discouraging urban settlement is not an optimal solution is that it fundamentally misunderstands the economic and social forces driving urbanization. People migrate to cities primarily for enhanced employment opportunities, superior educational institutions, and improved access to cultural and social amenities. For instance, studies consistently show that metropolitan areas typically offer 20-30% higher wages compared to rural regions, making them economically attractive despite transportation challenges. This example demonstrates that even significant traffic problems are unlikely to outweigh the substantial benefits that draw individuals to urban centers.
Furthermore, attempting to redirect population flows away from cities could potentially create more problems than it solves. Such policies might lead to unintended consequences including housing shortages in smaller communities, extended commute distances for those who work in cities but live elsewhere, and economic stagnation in urban areas deprived of necessary human capital. To illustrate, when South Korea attempted to reduce Seoul's population through restrictive policies in the 1970s, it resulted in extensive satellite communities with even longer commute times and more dispersed traffic patterns. The significance of this is that artificial constraints on urban growth often merely displace rather than solve transportation problems.
Admittedly, proponents of urban population control argue that fewer city residents would immediately translate to reduced traffic volume and less strain on public transportation. They point to examples like Beijing, where temporary population restrictions during the 2008 Olympics dramatically reduced congestion. However, this argument overlooks the fundamental issue that transportation problems stem primarily from inadequate infrastructure and planning rather than population size alone. When examined more closely, cities like Tokyo and Singapore have successfully accommodated massive populations while maintaining efficient transportation systems through technological innovation, strategic urban design, and robust investment in public transit.
In conclusion, although the idea of solving urban transportation issues by limiting city populations may seem intuitively appealing, the evidence strongly suggests that this approach is both impractical and ineffective. Rather than attempting to reverse natural urbanization trends, governments would be better served by focusing on sustainable urban planning, investing in sophisticated public transportation networks, implementing congestion pricing, and encouraging remote work options. Ultimately, the future of urban mobility lies not in restricting where people choose to live, but in transforming how cities accommodate the inevitable and potentially beneficial trend of urbanization.
Essential Writing Techniques for Band 9
Advanced Vocabulary
- Precise nouns: "urbanization" (not "more people in cities")
- Sophisticated verbs: "mitigate" (not "reduce")
- Academic phrases: "it can be argued that," "this raises the question of"
- Formal alternatives: "substantial" (not "big"), "beneficial" (not "good")
- Topic-specific terminology: "gentrification," "infrastructure"
Complex Structures
- Complex sentences: Use relative clauses and subordination
- Conditionals: "Had the policy been implemented earlier, the outcome might have been different."
- Passive voice: "It is widely acknowledged that..."
- Participle clauses: "Having examined the evidence, we can conclude..."
- Inversion: "Not only is this approach ineffective, but it is also costly."
Cohesion & Coherence
- Sophisticated linkers: "nevertheless," "consequently," "moreover"
- Reference words: "this approach," "such measures," "the aforementioned factors"
- Thematic progression: Begin sentences with information from previous sentences
- Logical paragraph structure: One main idea per paragraph with clear topic sentences
- Signposting: "Having examined X, let us now turn to Y..."
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