Reading a band 7 essay is one of the fastest ways to see what examiners want. Below is a full Task 2 answer written by BandIQ to band 7 standard, followed by a breakdown of why it reaches band 7 on each of the four criteria, and what would push it to band 8.
The question
Some people believe that university education should be free for every student. Others think students should pay for their own studies. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
Write at least 250 words. Spend about 40 minutes.
Band 7 sample answer (263 words)
Whether governments or students should pay for university is a question many countries are debating. While there are good reasons for asking students to contribute, I believe that higher education should be largely free, because the benefits reach the whole of society.
Those who support tuition fees argue that students are the main beneficiaries of a degree. Graduates usually earn more over their careers, so it seems fair that they, rather than taxpayers who did not attend university, cover the cost. Fees may also make students more careful about their choices, since someone who is paying is less likely to enrol in a course they have little interest in. In addition, charging fees allows universities to raise money for better facilities without increasing taxes.
However, I find the arguments for free education more convincing. The most important is fairness: when degrees are expensive, talented young people from poorer families are often discouraged from applying, and this wastes ability that the economy needs. Furthermore, the advantages of a well-educated population are not limited to graduates. Society as a whole gains from trained doctors, engineers and teachers, and these graduates later repay the investment through the higher taxes they pay. Countries such as Germany, where university is largely free, show that this model can work in practice.
In conclusion, although asking students to pay has some logic, especially as graduates tend to earn more, I believe free university education is the better policy. It gives every capable student the same opportunity, and the cost is recovered over time through a more skilled and productive workforce.
Written by BandIQ as a teaching example. The band is our estimate using the public band descriptors, not an official IELTS mark.
Why this essay reaches band 7
| Criterion | What the essay does |
|---|---|
| Task Response | Discusses both views in separate paragraphs and gives a clear opinion in the introduction, repeated in the conclusion. Each main idea is extended with a reason or example (Germany). |
| Coherence and Cohesion | One clear idea per paragraph. Linking is varied (while, however, furthermore, in addition) and also uses referencing (this, these graduates) so it does not feel mechanical. |
| Lexical Resource | Some less common, accurate vocabulary: main beneficiaries, contribute, wastes ability, recovered over time, productive workforce. No spelling errors. |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | A mix of complex sentences (relative clauses, when and since clauses, a passive) and most sentences are error-free. |
What would make it band 8
- More specific support. The fairness argument is strong but general. A band 8 answer might explain how fees discourage poorer students, for example the fear of long-term debt.
- A sharper counter-argument. Briefly answering the "graduates earn more" point (for example, that graduates already repay through higher taxes) shows more developed reasoning.
- Even more precise vocabulary, used naturally rather than memorised.
The structure you can reuse
- Introduction (2 sentences): paraphrase the question, then give your opinion.
- Body 1: the view you disagree with, with 2 or 3 developed reasons.
- Body 2: the view you agree with, with your strongest reason first and an example.
- Conclusion (1–2 sentences): restate your opinion and the main reason.
Try it now: write your own answer to the question above in 40 minutes, then paste it into the free BandIQ Band Check to see your estimated band for each criterion.
Frequently asked questions
How many words should a band 7 Task 2 essay be?
At least 250 words. Most band 7 essays are around 260 to 300 words. Writing much more often adds mistakes without adding marks.
How many paragraphs should a Task 2 essay have?
Usually four: an introduction, two body paragraphs and a conclusion. Five paragraphs can also work if each one has a clear purpose.
Can I memorise a band 7 essay?
No. Examiners mark down memorised language that does not answer the exact question. Learn the structure and practise using it on new questions.
Is this an official IELTS sample?
No. It is a teaching example written by BandIQ, with our estimate of the band based on the public band descriptors.