IELTS Writing Task 2 for Nurses: Band 7–8 Sample & Checklist

IELTS Academic Writing Task 2 is a 250-word essay in about 40 minutes, worth two thirds of your Writing band. It is marked on four equally weighted criteria: Task Response, Coherence & Cohesion, Lexical Resource, and Grammatical Range & Accuracy.

Identify the essay type first

Common types are: opinion ("to what extent do you agree?"), discussion ("discuss both views and give your opinion"), advantages/disadvantages, problem/solution, and two-part questions. The most common band-capping mistake is not answering every part of the question.

A simple, high-scoring structure

1. Introduction — paraphrase the prompt + a thesis that answers it directly.
2. Body 1 — one main idea, with an explanation and an example.
3. Body 2 — a second main idea, developed the same way.
4. Conclusion — restate your position; add no new ideas.

Worked example

Prompt: Some people think governments should spend more on preventing illness rather than on treatment. To what extent do you agree or disagree?

Model response (about 270 words)

It is sometimes argued that public health budgets should prioritise prevention over treatment. I strongly agree that greater investment in prevention is sensible, because it reduces long-term costs and improves quality of life, although treatment services must not be neglected.

The most compelling reason to fund prevention is that it is usually cheaper than cure. Conditions such as type 2 diabetes and heart disease are closely linked to lifestyle, and relatively inexpensive measures — vaccination, screening and public education — can stop them developing. For example, a national programme that helps people stop smoking costs far less than the decades of hospital care required for lung disease. Money spent early therefore relieves pressure on stretched health systems.

Prevention also improves people's everyday lives, not just national finances. Someone who avoids a chronic illness keeps their independence and continues working, which benefits families and the wider economy. In this sense, prevention is an investment in a healthier and more productive population rather than simply a cost.

However, this does not mean treatment should be cut. People will always fall ill or be injured, and a society that underfunded hospitals in favour of prevention would fail those who need urgent care. The most effective approach is to shift the balance gradually towards prevention while protecting essential treatment services.

In conclusion, I agree that governments should invest more in preventing illness, as it saves money and improves lives, provided that treatment remains adequately funded. A health system that values both is the most sustainable.

Band checklist — self-assess your essay

• Task Response: Did I answer every part and state a clear position throughout?
• Coherence & Cohesion: Clear paragraphs, with linking used naturally?
• Lexical Resource: A range of precise vocabulary, with few repetitions?
• Grammar: A mix of simple and complex sentences, mostly accurate?
• Length: At least 250 words?

Verify before you book

IELTS band descriptors are set by the test providers. Always confirm current details on the official IELTS website.