26 OCTOBER 2026 — IELTS EXAM WRITING REVIEW
BAND 8 SAMPLE ANSWERS
1. ACADEMIC WRITING TASK 1 — PROCESS DIAGRAM
Question: The diagram illustrates how a natural pearl forms inside an oyster. Summarise the information by selecting and reporting the main features.
Sample Answer (approximately 175 words)
The given illustration presents the stages through which a natural pearl develops within an oyster, beginning with the entry of a foreign particle and ending with the formation of a complete pearl.
Overall, the process comprises six principal stages. It starts when an external substance enters the shell and concludes after successive layers of nacre have accumulated around it, producing a smooth, rounded object.
At the outset, a foreign particle, such as a grain of sand, enters the oyster. Subsequently, the mantle tissue encloses the intruding substance, trapping it inside the shell. Following this, the surrounding tissue begins secreting nacre, a material consisting of calcium carbonate and organic substances, which gradually covers the particle.
In the subsequent stages, multiple layers of this substance are deposited around the enclosed object over a period of time. As the accumulation continues, the covering becomes increasingly thick and gradually develops into a smooth, spherical structure. Eventually, after sufficient layers have formed, a fully developed natural pearl emerges inside the oyster.
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2. ACADEMIC WRITING TASK 2 — DISCUSS BOTH VIEWS AND GIVE YOUR OPINION
Question: Some people believe that success in life depends mainly on hard work, while others think luck and family background are more important.
Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
Sample Answer (approximately 270 words)
Controversy is as to whether personal determination and consistent effort lead to achievement or favourable circumstances and family connections play a more significant role. The main propaganda of the forthcoming paragraphs is to put forth both sides of the argument comprehensibly and elaborate why I support the perspective that sustained effort is the principal contributor to accomplishment, with examples.
Starting with the first notion, the first and foremost point is that perseverance enables individuals to develop valuable skills and overcome obstacles. When people dedicate themselves to their objectives, which consequently improves their competence and experience, they become better equipped to handle challenges and achieve long-term progress. Competitive examinations, for example, often reward candidates who practise consistently and learn from their mistakes. Another point to note down is that dedication builds resilience. If individuals remain committed despite setbacks, they can identify their weaknesses and gradually improve their performance, increasing their likelihood of achieving their ambitions.
Contradicting the above justifications, favourable circumstances and family resources can provide considerable advantages. Rather than beginning with limited opportunities, those from affluent households may receive superior education, financial assistance and influential professional connections. In conjunction with this, fortunate circumstances can accelerate progress. Not only does an unexpected opportunity help someone advance professionally, but it also allows them to access resources that might otherwise remain unavailable. For instance, a young entrepreneur with family funding may establish a business more easily than an equally capable individual who struggles to secure initial capital.
In conclusion, even though family advantages and fortunate circumstances can accelerate progress, I am inclined towards supporting the view that consistent effort contributes more substantially to lasting achievement due to its role in developing competence, resilience and independence.
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3. GENERAL TRAINING WRITING TASK 1 — FORMAL EMAIL
Question: You work part-time at a grocery store. Next week’s schedule was posted only two days before the first shift, and you had already arranged childcare.
Email the store manager. In your email:
- Explain which shift you cannot work and why.
- Describe how short notice affects part-time staff.
- Suggest a practical way to handle this shift and future schedules.
Sample Answer (approximately 175 words)
Dear Manager,
I am writing regarding next week’s work rota, which was circulated only two days before the first scheduled shift. Unfortunately, this late notification has created a difficulty with my existing childcare arrangements.
I am unable to work the Tuesday evening shift because I have already arranged for my child to be looked after during my previously confirmed hours. As the revised timetable was shared at very short notice, I have been unable to find an alternative caregiver. Consequently, attending the assigned shift would be difficult without disrupting these arrangements.
Furthermore, late schedule announcements can create considerable inconvenience for part-time employees, many of whom balance employment with family responsibilities, studies or other commitments. Such uncertainty makes it challenging to organise personal obligations and may affect staff availability.
I would appreciate it if another team member could cover Tuesday evening, or if I could exchange this duty for a mutually convenient shift later in the week. For future rotas, I suggest publishing the schedule at least one week in advance and notifying employees promptly whenever changes are necessary.
Thank you for considering my request. I look forward to your response and hope we can find a suitable arrangement.
Yours sincerely,
Sam Curren
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