In this tutorial Robert, an ex-IELTS examiner reviews a band 9 task 2 essay.

You will learn:

What the examiner is looking out for 

The criteria used to award band 9 in IELTS writing task 2

A paragraph-by-paragraph review of the sample band 9 essay

What you need to do to reach band 9 level

Read the question below: 

Some people believe that professionals such as doctors and engineers should be required to work in the country where they did their training. Others believe they should be free to work in another country if they wish. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.

What the examiner is looking out for 

This is a classic “discuss both views” essay, ideally suited to a 4-paragraph answer: 

Introduction, where we paraphrase the task and state our point of view. 

Two paragraphs, each devoted to the two sides of the argument

Finally, a conclusion. 

The best and fairest way to grade an IELTS essay is to read it at least twice. The first time to obtain a good overall impression of all four categories namely:

Task Response

Cohesion and Coherence

Lexical Resource 

Grammatical Range and Accuracy (GRA)

The second time in detail while noting and grading each part using the writing test descriptors. 

The criteria used to award band 9 in IELTS writing task 2

* Grammatical Range and Accuracy (GRA)

Working in reverse, let’s start with GRA. A Band 9 in GRA states that sentences are essentially error-free, and structured in suitable mixes of the complex and less complex. Verb tenses should be used appropriately and some good examples of, say, conditionals, modal verbs and passives. 

* Lexical Resource 

Lexical range shows that the writer has a wide and deep vocabulary with proficient use of collocations and the use of some idiomatic phrases. 

* Cohesion and Coherence

A Band 9 in cohesion and coherence is when linking words like although and however are used appropriately but never overused.

* Task Response

Task response is measured by the number of ideas and how they are put together. In paragraphs 2 and 3, points are made and supported. 

 

A paragraph-by-paragraph review of Band 9 Task 2 essay

Let’s take this essay example paragraph by paragraph, adding comments with regard to each category, and looking at strong points that are worth mentioning.

Paragraph 1:

Should domestically trained specialists in areas such as medicine and engineering be obliged to pursue their careers in their homeland or should they be given the choice of working abroad? In this essay, I shall discuss both sides of this controversial issue before going on to state why I tend to agree with the need for them to remain in their countries at least in the short-term. 

Review

A very strong opening paragraph, paraphrasing the task and then outlining the writer’s views. What makes it a Band 9? Well, the use of the question form in the first sentence is impressive instead of the more common IELTS essay opening of writing a statement. There is also a clear point of view. Vocabulary and cohesion are very well-handled through synonyms: trained specialists for professionals; homeland for their countries; this controversial issue for the two opposing views, to mention just the more obvious features. Both sentences are complex and contain what many consider to be more advanced structures: passives should be obliged to; use of the gerund after the preposition, before going on.

Paragraph 2:

Those in favour of making graduates from these highly skilled professions stay and work in...