IELTS Writing Task 2 Sample Answer: Model Essay With Analysis
The question
Some people believe unpaid community service should be a compulsory part of high school programmes. To what extent do you agree or disagree? This is an opinion essay. Note that the answer below is an original model written for study at roughly the level of a high band; it is not an official scored sample.
Model essay
It is often argued that unpaid community service should be compulsory for high school students. While I accept that compulsion has drawbacks, I largely agree with this view because the benefits for both students and society outweigh them.
The main advantage of mandatory service is that it develops practical skills that classrooms rarely teach. A student who spends several hours a month helping at a care home, for instance, learns communication, responsibility and empathy through direct experience. These qualities are valued by employers and universities, yet they are difficult to assess in an exam. Moreover, community projects expose young people to different social groups, which can reduce prejudice and strengthen their sense of belonging to a neighbourhood.
Critics, however, point out that forcing teenagers to volunteer may make them resent the activity, and that students already face heavy academic pressure. This concern is valid, but it can be addressed through careful design. If schools allow students to choose from a range of projects and limit the requirement to a few hours per term, the workload becomes manageable, and students are more likely to find activities that interest them. Such flexible programmes may even encourage participants to continue helping after the requirement ends.
In conclusion, although compulsory service raises questions about motivation and workload, a flexible programme can deliver real benefits. For this reason, I believe that schools should include community service in their curriculum.
Analysis by criterion
Task Response: the essay states a clear position in the introduction, develops two main ideas and acknowledges the opposing view before responding to it. Coherence and Cohesion: each paragraph has a single focus. Linking words such as 'moreover', 'however' and 'for this reason' show relationships, and 'this concern' refers back to the previous sentence. Lexical Resource: phrases such as 'mandatory service', 'sense of belonging' and 'manageable workload' are precise and natural. Grammatical Range and Accuracy: the essay mixes simple and complex sentences, including conditionals, relative clauses and a participle structure.
What to learn from it
Notice that the essay is about 260 words, which meets the minimum without padding. The examples are general and believable, and the conclusion repeats the position without adding a new idea. Do not memorise this essay: examiners are trained to spot memorised responses. Instead, study how each paragraph makes a point, explains it and gives an example, then write your own response to a new question on the IELTS Writing practice page. See also our guide to Task 2 essay structure.
Frequently asked questions
Is this essay an official Band 7 sample?
No. It is an original model for study and does not carry an official score.
Can I copy parts of a sample answer?
No. Learn the structure and vocabulary, but write your own ideas in your own words.
How many words should my essay have?
At least 250. Aim for 260 to 290.