31 october 2026 IELTS Writing Review
Set 1:
1. ACADEMIC WRITING TASK 1 – COMBINATION CHART
Question:
The chart below shows the consumption of ice cream and cake in a country between 2010 and 2025, and the total consumption of both items (in kilograms per person per year).
Summarise the information by selecting and reporting the main features, and make comparisons where relevant.
Sample Answer (Band 8 – Approximately 180 words)
The given chart illustrates changes in the annual per-capita consumption of two desserts, namely ice cream and cake, alongside their combined figures in a particular nation between 2010 and 2025.
At a glance, the overall intake of both products followed a consistent upward trajectory throughout the period. Furthermore, cake remained the more popular choice in every recorded year, although the gap between the two categories gradually narrowed.
To start with, ice cream consumption stood at 6 kg per person in 2010, compared with 9 kg for cake. Over the following five years, these figures climbed modestly to 7 kg and 10 kg respectively. By 2020, the former had reached 9 kg, while the latter registered 11 kg. This upward movement continued in 2025, when the respective amounts peaked at 11 kg and 12 kg.
Turning to the combined figures, total consumption initially stood at 15 kg per person in 2010. It subsequently rose to 17 kg in 2015 before reaching 20 kg in 2020. By the end of the period, this measurement had climbed further to 23 kg, representing an overall increase of 8 kg. Interestingly, the difference between the two dessert categories narrowed from 3 kg to just 1 kg.
---
2. GENERAL TRAINING WRITING TASK 1 – SEMI-FORMAL COMPLAINT LETTER
Question:
You are living in a flat and have been experiencing a strong and unpleasant smell coming from a neighbour's house.
Write a letter to the flat representative. In your letter:
- Describe the problem and how it is affecting you.
- Provide any relevant details (e.g. when it usually occurs).
- Ask for their help in resolving the issue.
Sample Answer (Band 8 – Approximately 175 words)
Dear Mr. Thompson,
I hope you are doing well! I am writing to bring an unpleasant issue in my residential building to your attention, as I have been experiencing a persistent foul odour originating from one of the neighbouring apartments.
The smell is particularly strong in the evenings and appears to enter my flat through the ventilation system and balcony. Unfortunately, this has made it extremely uncomfortable to spend time indoors. On several occasions, I have had to keep my windows closed despite the warm weather. Moreover, the unpleasant atmosphere has begun to affect my sleep and daily routine.
I suspect that the problem may be related to improperly stored rubbish or inadequate cleaning arrangements in the nearby property. Although I cannot confirm the exact cause, I have noticed that the situation has become more frequent over the past two weeks.
Could you kindly investigate this matter and speak to the concerned occupants? I would also appreciate it if appropriate cleaning or maintenance measures could be arranged to prevent the issue from recurring.
Thank you for your attention. I look forward to your assistance.
Kind regards,
Anshu Parijat
---
3. ACADEMIC WRITING TASK 2 – ADVANTAGES OUTWEIGH DISADVANTAGES
Question:
Nowadays, many people do not live in joint families anymore and prefer to live in nuclear families.
Do the advantages of this trend outweigh the disadvantages?
Sample Answer (Band 8 – Approximately 275 words)
Controversy is as to whether living in smaller household units offers greater benefits than residing with several generations under one roof. In this treatise, I will deliberate on the positive aspects of independent domestic arrangements and also rationalise why I believe their advantages outweigh the associated drawbacks.
Focusing first on the positive aspects, greater personal freedom is a major benefit of this arrangement. As couples can make household decisions independently, they are less likely to experience disagreements arising from differing opinions or lifestyles. For instance, young parents can establish their own routines and raise their children according to their preferred values without constant interference from older relatives. Building on this, improved financial management is another strength worth mentioning. Since fewer individuals share the same accommodation, couples can allocate their earnings according to their immediate requirements and long-term objectives. This can also encourage greater responsibility and self-reliance.
On the other hand, limited family support is one significant concern. When older relatives reside elsewhere, young parents may struggle to balance professional responsibilities with childcare. Another concern that deserves attention is social isolation, particularly among senior citizens who may miss regular interaction with younger generations. Rather than enjoying daily companionship, they might experience loneliness and emotional difficulties. A pertinent case in point is an elderly individual living alone who may have nobody available to assist with routine activities or unexpected emergencies.
In conclusion, although separate residential arrangements can reduce everyday family assistance and increase isolation among older relatives, I firmly believe that the advantages outweigh these concerns. Greater independence, privacy and financial control make this lifestyle a beneficial choice for many modern couples.
Set 2:
1\. Academic Writing Task 1 — Map (Band 8)
Question:
The maps show the layout of an airport in 1990 and the changes made to it by 2020.
Summarise the information by selecting and reporting the main features, and make comparisons where relevant.
Sample Answer (approximately 180 words)
The given maps illustrate the structural changes that took place at an airport over a 30-year period, from 1990 to 2020.
Overall, the airport underwent considerable modernisation, with its terminal being expanded and additional parking and passenger facilities being introduced. However, the runway and control tower remained in their original locations.
Looking first at the major developments, the terminal building, which was relatively small in 1990, was considerably enlarged by 2020. Furthermore, a shopping area was constructed to the left of the terminal, while three aircraft gates were added along its upper side. The original car park situated directly below the terminal was retained, although a separate multilevel parking facility was established on the eastern side of the airport.
Turning to the remaining features, the runway continued to occupy the northern section of the site, with no noticeable changes to its position or layout. Similarly, the control tower remained on the eastern side of the terminal. Another significant modification was the introduction of a roundabout on the southern access road, replacing the previously straight road arrangement. Several green areas were also retained around the airport.
### 2\. Academic Writing Task 2 — Positive or Negative Development (Band 8)
Question:
Youth today often show less respect for elders, arguing that they are simply exercising their freedom, prioritising their sensitivity and protecting their privacy.
Is this a positive or negative development?
Synonym bank — Question vocabulary control
* Youth today → younger generations / modern-day adolescents
* Respect for elders → regard for older people / respect towards senior citizens
* Freedom → personal autonomy / individual independence
* Sensitivity → emotional awareness / personal feelings
* Privacy → personal boundaries / private affairs
* Negative development → undesirable trend / unfavourable social change
Sample Answer (approximately 275 words)
The growing tendency among younger generations to disregard senior citizens has become increasingly noticeable in contemporary society. Although personal freedom and individual boundaries are important, I believe this is an overall perilous trend because it weakens family relationships and undermines traditional values and I will justify it with examples.
Weakening family bonds is one of the most significant consequences of this. Since some young individuals consider advice from older family members an interference in their personal affairs, they may respond disrespectfully instead of appreciating their experience, resulting in unnecessary conflicts and emotional distance within families. For instance, young adults might dismiss their parents' suggestions regarding career choices or relationships simply because they believe their personal freedom should remain unquestioned. This leads to strained relations and lack of support in need from loved ones.
Eventhough prioritising personal independence and emotional boundaries allows younger individuals to develop confidence and make their own decisions, this benefit is relatively insignificant as losing valuable guidance from experienced individuals is serious drawback. As senior citizens possess considerable practical knowledge gained through decades of experience, disregarding their opinions can deprive younger generations of important life lessons, thereby creating a growing gap between generations. For example, young people who refuse to consider their grandparents' advice about financial management may overlook valuable lessons that could help them avoid unnecessary financial difficulties.
In conclusion, I firmly believe that declining respect for older generations is a dark scenario because its long-term social consequences substantially outweigh any perceived benefits of unrestricted personal independence.
### 3\. General Training Writing Task 1 — Semi-formal Letter (Band 8)
Question:
You would like to invite your tuition teacher to your graduation ceremony.
Write a letter to your tuition teacher. In your letter:
* Invite them to attend the graduation ceremony.
* Provide the date, time and venue of the event.
* Explain why their presence would be meaningful to you.
Sample Answer (approximately 175 words)
Dear Mr. Thompson,
I hope you are doing well. I am writing to invite you to my upcoming graduation ceremony, which is scheduled to take place on Saturday, 21 November, at 10 a.m. at the university auditorium.
It would be a great pleasure to have you attend this special occasion. The ceremony will include the presentation of certificates, speeches by faculty members and a small celebration afterwards. I would be delighted if you could join us and share this memorable day with my family and me.
Your presence would mean a great deal to me because your guidance and encouragement played a significant role in my academic journey. I particularly remember how you helped me overcome difficulties in mathematics and motivated me to remain consistent with my studies. I genuinely believe that reaching this milestone would not have been possible without your support.
Please let me know whether you will be available to attend. I sincerely hope you can make it.
Yours sincerely,
Anshu Parijat
