Free IELTS Writing guides

Practical, no-fluff guides to lift your IELTS Writing band — then check your own essay against the official descriptors, free.

Why you're stuck at Band 6.5 — and the exact fixes
The 3–4 small, repeated habits that cap your band, and how to fix each one.
Band 6 vs Band 7: the real difference
Criterion by criterion, with examples — it's not about fancier words.
How IELTS Writing is marked: the 4 criteria explained
What each criterion really means, and how your band is worked out.
Task 2 technology essay: Band 9 sample + how to write it
A full model answer on technology, plus the method to plan your own.
Task 2 environment essay: Band 9 sample + how to write it
A full model answer on the environment, plus the "discuss both views" method.
Task 2 education essay: Band 9 sample + how to write it
A full model answer on education, plus the "agree or disagree" method.
Task 2 crime essay: Band 9 sample + how to write it
A full model answer on crime & punishment, plus the "discuss both views" method.
Task 2 health essay: Band 9 sample + how to write it
A full model answer on health/obesity, plus the "causes and solutions" method.

Honest IELTS guides — how marking really works

Is your IELTS Writing score inflated?
Five signs a practice score is lying to you — and how to sanity-check it before exam day.
Why most free IELTS checkers are inaccurate
How they really work, why they over-score, and a quick test to expose any of them.
What honest IELTS feedback looks like
Flattery teaches you nothing. The three things real feedback has to give you.
AI vs a human IELTS examiner
Where a tool genuinely matches a human marker — and where it honestly can't.
Why your IELTS Writing band isn't improving
Writing more essays isn't the answer. The feedback loop that actually moves the band.
Task Response: the criterion capping your band
A quarter of your score, and the part most tools skip. How to stop losing it.

Band 9 model answers by topic

Government & Crime

Technology & Transport

Education

Environment

Health & Lifestyle

Work & Money

Globalisation & Culture

Media & Advertising

Science & Research

Society & Family

Tourism & Travel

Urbanisation & Housing

Animals & Wildlife

Arts & Heritage

Money & Consumerism

Language & Communication

Sport & Leisure

Work & Careers

Environment & Energy

Food & Agriculture

Health & Medicine

Parenting & Children

Government & Politics

Technology & Society

Employment & The Workplace

Society & Equality

Education & Schools

Lifestyle & Wellbeing

Transport & Infrastructure

Youth & Society

Technology

Check your real IELTS Writing band — free
Paste an essay, get an honest band and the exact edits to lift it.