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User-written IELTS example

Writing Academic Task 2 Band 9.0 Example

Original task prompt, user essay, band score, and related examples in the same report workspace.

305 words AcademicTask 2
Task 2

Illustrative target band for this original model answer.

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Ideas to explore

  • Skills-based assistance, such as teacher training or vocational education, can build local capacity beyond the duration of a grant.
  • Health, water and agricultural partnerships can target essential services and practical needs, especially when local communities help set priorities.
  • Financial support can remain valuable during emergencies and infrastructure projects when it is transparent, accountable and coordinated with other forms of assistance.

Suggested structure

  1. Introduce the issue and state a qualified position on whether non-financial assistance should be prioritised.
  2. Explain how practical or technical support can address underlying causes of poverty, using specific examples.
  3. Acknowledge why financial aid is still needed, such as emergencies or infrastructure.
  4. Conclude by presenting a balanced approach and linking it to sustainable poverty reduction.
Useful vocabulary & examples
locally led support
assistance planned or guided by the people and institutions it is intended to help

Locally led support is more likely to reflect a community's priorities.

technical expertise
specialised knowledge or practical skills in a particular area

Sharing technical expertise can help strengthen public health services.

transparent and accountable funding
financial assistance whose use is open to scrutiny and for which responsible parties can be held answerable

Transparent and accountable funding can reduce the risk of aid being poorly targeted.

underlying causes of poverty
deeper conditions that contribute to poverty, rather than its immediate symptoms

Vocational education may address some underlying causes of poverty by expanding access to skills.

Task Prompt

Rich countries often give money to poorer countries, but it does not solve poverty. Therefore, developed countries should give other types of help to the poor countries rather than financial aid. To what extent do you agree or disagree?

User Essay Analysis

Review the public answer with report-style highlights.

Band 9.0

In contemporary times, affluent nations often extend financial aid to poorer countries in an attempt to alleviate poverty; however, this approach proves ineffective in addressing the root causes of destitution. Consequently, it is imperative for advanced economies to explore alternative forms of assistance for impoverished nations, rather than solely relying on monetary aid. I wholeheartedly agree that practical, long-term support should take priority over financial transfers, although funding can still be valuable in emergencies and when it is managed effectively.

One reason money alone may fail is that poverty is often linked to a shortage of education, healthcare and employment opportunities. A government may receive substantial aid, but this will not necessarily create lasting improvements if people lack the skills to find work or essential services are inaccessible. Developed countries could therefore support teacher training, vocational programmes and public-health services. They could also share technical expertise to help improve local infrastructure and strengthen the institutions responsible for delivering services.

Moreover, assistance is more likely to be effective when it enables poorer countries to become economically self-sufficient. For example, richer nations can offer fairer access to their markets, help small businesses develop and provide training in sustainable farming. Such measures can create livelihoods and increase local capacity, rather than leaving communities dependent on repeated donations. These programmes should be designed in partnership with local communities, so that support responds to their actual needs.

This does not mean that financial aid should be abandoned. It can be essential after natural disasters or during severe food shortages, and funding can also help pay for education and healthcare. The key is to make it transparent and connect it to a clear, locally agreed purpose. Overall, I strongly agree that developed countries should broaden their assistance beyond money, since practical cooperation can address the conditions that keep people in poverty.

Targeted Improvement Tips

1
Qualify the opening claim about aid being ineffective, then maintain that distinction throughout: money alone may be insufficient, but well-targeted funding can help.
2
Develop one practical proposal with a clear chain of reasoning—for example, explain how vocational training can improve employability and support household income.
3
Link each alternative to the prompt’s central issue by stating how it builds long-term capacity or reduces dependence on repeated assistance.

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