IELTS Writing Task 2 Sample: How to Jump from Band 7 to Band 8 (Real Essays + 8-Week Plan)

Why Most Test-Takers Get Stuck at Band 7 (And Waste $250+ Retaking)

You’ve studied for months. You’ve memorized vocabulary lists. You’ve written dozens of practice essays. Yet your IELTS Writing score stubbornly refuses to budge past Band 7.

According to official IELTS statistics, approximately 67% of test-takers plateau between Band 6.5 and 7.0 in Writing-and many waste $250+ on multiple retakes without understanding what examiners actually want at Band 8 level.

The truth? The gap between Band 7 and Band 8 isn’t about knowing more difficult words. It’s about demonstrating sophisticated thinking, precise expression, and nuanced argumentation.

Today, we’ll analyze real IELTS Writing Task 2 sample essays on the popular “technology and relationships” topic, showing you exactly what separates good writing from excellent writing-and giving you a proven 8-week roadmap to make that leap.

TL;DR: Key Takeaways

• The Band 7→8 gap: Band 8 essays demonstrate deeper critical thinking, more precise vocabulary, and sophisticated grammatical variety-not just “fancier words”
• Core improvements needed: Replace generic phrases with academic collocations, develop ideas 30% more deeply, acknowledge complexity and contradiction
• Vocabulary strategy: Focus on precise verbs (“transcend” not “go beyond”) and natural academic collocations (“foster connectivity” not “help people connect”)
• Critical thinking shift: Move beyond presenting “two sides” to exploring nuances, paradoxes, and deeper implications
• Instant feedback advantage: AI-powered tools provide examiner-level scoring in seconds, helping you identify gaps without wasting test fees on retakes
• 8-week timeline: Structured practice focusing on vocabulary (weeks 1-2), structure (weeks 3-4), critical thinking (weeks 5-6), and full essay practice (weeks 7-8)

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Understanding the Technology and Relationships Essay Prompt

Before comparing Band 7 vs Band 8 responses, let’s decode what examiners actually assess when you encounter this classic prompt:

Sample Question: “Some people think that modern technology has enhanced the quality of personal relationships, while others believe it has damaged them. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.”

What examiners are really testing:

• Task Response: Do you address BOTH views fully AND state a clear personal opinion?
• Coherence and Cohesion: Are your ideas logically organized with sophisticated linking?
• Lexical Resource: Do you use precise, varied vocabulary naturally (not memorized phrases)?
• Grammatical Range: Do you demonstrate control over complex structures?

According to the official IELTS band score descriptors, Band 8 requires “skillfully manages paragraphing” and “uses a wide range of vocabulary with very natural and sophisticated control of lexical features.”

Let’s see this in action.

Band 7 Sample Response #1: The Balanced Approach

In today’s digital age, the role of technology in shaping personal relationships has become a topic of considerable debate. While some people argue that modern technology has enhanced our ability to maintain connections, others believe it has led to a decline in meaningful face-to-face interactions. This essay will examine both perspectives before presenting my own viewpoint.

On one hand, technology has undoubtedly made communication more accessible and convenient. Social media platforms, messaging applications, and video calling services allow people to stay in touch with friends and family regardless of geographical distance. For instance, I regularly use video calls to communicate with my cousin who lives in Australia, which would have been impossible or extremely expensive just two decades ago. Furthermore, technology enables people to reconnect with old friends through social networking sites, thereby reviving relationships that might have otherwise been lost.

On the other hand, critics argue that excessive reliance on digital communication has reduced the quality of personal interactions. Many people spend more time on their devices than engaging in face-to-face conversations, even when they are physically together. This phenomenon, often seen in restaurants where families sit together but focus on their phones, suggests that technology may be creating emotional distance. Additionally, online communication lacks the warmth and depth of in-person interactions, as it cannot fully convey body language, tone, and other non-verbal cues that are essential for genuine human connection.

In my opinion, technology is simply a tool, and its impact on relationships depends entirely on how we use it. While it has the potential to enhance connections, particularly over long distances, it should complement rather than replace face-to-face interactions. The key lies in maintaining a healthy balance and being mindful of our digital habits.

In conclusion, although technology offers numerous benefits for maintaining relationships, it can also pose challenges if not used wisely. By leveraging technology’s advantages while preserving the value of personal interactions, we can enjoy the best of both worlds.

Why This Scores Band 7

Strengths:

• Clear four-paragraph structure with proper organization
• Addresses all parts of the task (both views + opinion)
• Good vocabulary range (“considerable debate,” “enhanced,” “reviving”)
• Relevant personal example included
• Coherent flow with appropriate linking devices

Limitations preventing Band 8:

• Generic opening: “In today’s digital age” is overused and signals memorized phrases
• Surface-level analysis: Ideas are presented but not deeply explored
• Predictable vocabulary: Words are correct but not sophisticated (“made communication more accessible” instead of “democratized communication”)
• Limited grammatical variety: Mostly simple and compound sentences
• Weak conclusion: Summarizes without offering fresh insight

Band 7 Sample Response #2: The Example-Rich Approach

The impact of technology on personal relationships is a subject that generates strong opinions on both sides. Some individuals believe that digital tools have strengthened our connections, while others feel that they have weakened the quality of our relationships. Both viewpoints have merit and deserve careful consideration.

Supporters of technology highlight its ability to bridge geographical gaps and facilitate constant communication. Modern applications like WhatsApp, Zoom, and Facebook have made it possible for people to maintain relationships despite being separated by thousands of miles. For example, during the COVID-19 pandemic, many families relied on video conferencing to celebrate birthdays and holidays together, which provided comfort during difficult times. Moreover, technology allows for instant communication, meaning that people can share important moments immediately, creating a sense of shared experience even when apart.

However, opponents argue that digital communication has led to superficial relationships and reduced empathy. When people interact primarily through screens, they miss out on the subtle emotional cues that come from face-to-face conversation. Young people, in particular, may struggle to develop strong interpersonal skills if they spend most of their time communicating through text messages rather than in-person discussions. Studies have shown that excessive social media use can lead to feelings of loneliness and depression, suggesting that online connections cannot fully replace real-world relationships.

From my perspective, technology has more positive than negative effects on relationships, provided it is used responsibly. While nothing can truly replace the value of spending time with loved ones in person, technology serves as an excellent supplement, especially in our increasingly globalized world where families and friends often live far apart.

To sum up, technology presents both opportunities and challenges for personal relationships. The wisest approach is to embrace its benefits while remaining conscious of the need for genuine, face-to-face human interaction.

Why This Scores Band 7

Strengths:

• Well-organized with clear topic sentences
• Strong use of timely example (COVID-19 pandemic)
• Reference to research (“Studies have shown…”)
• Addresses the question completely
• Clear opinion with justification

Limitations preventing Band 8:

• Underdeveloped critical thinking: Arguments remain at surface level without exploring deeper implications
• Generic transitions: “However,” “Moreover,” and “From my perspective” are functional but unsophisticated
• Vague research reference: “Studies have shown” without specificity weakens credibility
• Simple conclusion: “To sum up” signals basic summarization rather than synthesis
• Limited lexical sophistication: Vocabulary is accurate but not precise enough for Band 8

For more guidance on organization and flow, explore our comprehensive guide on mastering coherence and cohesion in IELTS Writing.

Band 8 Enhanced Version: The Sophisticated Analysis

The digital revolution has fundamentally transformed the landscape of human relationships, sparking intense debate about whether this transformation represents progress or decline. While proponents celebrate technology’s capacity to transcend physical barriers and foster connectivity, critics lament the erosion of authentic, face-to-face engagement. A nuanced examination of both perspectives reveals that the reality is far more complex than either camp acknowledges.

Advocates of digital communication make a compelling case for technology’s democratizing effect on relationships. Modern platforms have effectively dismantled the constraints of distance and time, enabling unprecedented levels of connectivity. My own experience illustrates this vividly: maintaining a meaningful relationship with my grandmother, who resides in a remote village with limited transportation infrastructure, would have been nearly impossible a generation ago. Now, weekly video calls allow us to share daily experiences and maintain emotional intimacy despite the geographical divide. Furthermore, technology facilitates the formation of communities based on shared interests rather than mere proximity, allowing individuals to forge connections with like-minded people across continents-something particularly valuable for those in minority groups or niche communities who might otherwise feel isolated.

Conversely, the counterargument merits serious consideration, as mounting evidence suggests that digital communication may be cultivating what sociologist Sherry Turkle calls “alone together” syndrome. The paradox of being constantly connected yet increasingly lonely reflects a fundamental shift in how we engage with one another. Rather than enhancing relationships, technology may be facilitating a kind of performative interaction that substitutes depth for breadth. When families gather for dinner only to remain absorbed in their respective screens, or when friends prioritize documenting experiences for social media over actually experiencing them together, we witness technology not merely supplementing but actively displacing genuine human connection. Moreover, the asynchronous nature of digital communication, while convenient, can diminish the spontaneity and emotional immediacy that characterize our most meaningful interactions.

In my considered view, technology itself is ethically neutral; rather, the critical determinant is the intentionality with which we deploy it. The most successful relationships in the digital age are those that leverage technology strategically-using it to maintain connections that geographical or temporal constraints would otherwise render impossible-while jealously guarding spaces for unmediated human interaction. The solution lies not in rejecting technology wholesale, which would be both impractical and unnecessary, but in cultivating what might be termed “digital mindfulness”: a conscious awareness of when virtual communication enhances our relationships and when it diminishes them.

In conclusion, the dichotomy between technology as relationship enhancer or destroyer represents a false choice. The more pertinent question concerns how we can harness technology’s connective power while mitigating its tendency to atomize and superficialize our interactions. Ultimately, technology amplifies existing relational patterns-strengthening bonds when used with intention and awareness, but exacerbating disconnection when employed mindlessly. Our challenge is to remain the masters, not the servants, of our digital tools.

What Makes This Band 8: Detailed Analysis

1. Sophisticated Lexical Resource

2. Complex Grammatical Structures

The Band 8 essay demonstrates:

• Sophisticated punctuation: Em dashes for parenthetical information (“allowing individuals to forge connections-something particularly valuable…”)
• Embedded clauses: “The paradox of being constantly connected yet increasingly lonely reflects…”
• Participial phrases: “maintaining a meaningful relationship with my grandmother, who resides in a remote village…”
• Conditional structures: “…would have been nearly impossible a generation ago”

3. Deeper Critical Thinking

Notice how Band 8 thinking goes beyond surface level:

Band 7 thought: “Technology can damage relationships because people focus on phones instead of each other.”

Band 8 thought: “Technology may be facilitating performative interaction that substitutes depth for breadth-when friends prioritize documenting experiences for social media over actually experiencing them together, we witness technology actively displacing genuine human connection.”

The Band 8 version explores the psychological mechanism (performative vs. authentic) and the paradox (documentation replacing experience).

4. Academic References Done Right

The mention of sociologist Sherry Turkle’s “alone together” syndrome demonstrates intellectual engagement without sounding forced. You don’t need to memorize actual researchers-but referencing established concepts shows you’re aware of broader discourse.

5. Nuanced Argumentation

The conclusion doesn’t just summarize-it reframes the entire debate: “the dichotomy between technology as relationship enhancer or destroyer represents a false choice.” This sophisticated positioning shows advanced critical thinking.

For more examples and structured approaches, check out our IELTS Academic Writing Task 2 strategies guide.

Your Strategy for Band 8: Practical Implementation

1. Develop Ideas 30% Deeper

The “So What?” technique: After writing each supporting point, ask yourself “So what? Why does this actually matter?” and add 2-3 sentences exploring implications.

Band 7 thinking: “Technology helps long-distance relationships.”

Band 8 thinking: “Technology democratizes relationships by removing geographical constraints. However, this accessibility comes at the potential cost of depth, as the convenience of digital communication may encourage quantity over quality in our interactions. We must ask whether maintaining 500 Facebook ‘friends’ represents genuine connectivity or merely the illusion of social engagement.”

2. Replace Generic with Precise

Band 8 essays avoid clichés and generic openers. Here’s your replacement guide:

❌ Avoid These Band 6-7 Phrases:

• “In today’s modern world…”
• “In recent years…”
• “Last but not least…”
• “Nowadays…”
• “In my humble opinion…”

✅ Use These Band 8 Alternatives:

• “The digital revolution has fundamentally…”
• “Mounting evidence suggests…”
• “A nuanced examination reveals…”
• “Contemporary research indicates…”
• “In my considered view…”

3. Master Academic Collocations

Stop learning random “difficult” words. Focus on natural academic word partnerships:

Strong Academic Collocations:

• Foster connectivity (not “help connection”)
• Erode authentic engagement (not “reduce real interaction”)
• Cultivate relationships (not “make relationships better”)
• Facilitate communication (not “help communication”)
• Transcend physical barriers (not “go beyond physical limits”)
• Mitigate negative effects (not “reduce bad effects”)
• Exacerbate existing tensions (not “make problems worse”)

Writing essays but getting the same score every time? You’re practicing incorrectly. Langogh’s AI analyzes your exact weaknesses-vocabulary range, grammatical errors, coherence issues-and shows you precise improvements with Band 9 rewrites. Stop guessing what examiners want.
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4. Vary Sentence Structure Deliberately

Band 8 writing flows rhythmically by mixing sentence types:

Simple sentences (for impact):
“Technology is not the enemy. We are.”

Compound sentences (for balance):
“Technology enables connection across distances, yet it may simultaneously diminish the quality of those connections.”

Complex sentences (for sophistication):
“While technology offers unprecedented connectivity, the paradox of being ‘alone together’ suggests that digital communication may be cultivating superficial rather than authentic relationships.”

Sentences with embedded clauses (for depth):
“My grandmother, who resides in a remote village with limited infrastructure, can now participate in family celebrations through video calls-something unimaginable two decades ago.”

5. Use Examples Strategically

Band 7 example: “I use video calls to talk to my family abroad.”

Band 8 example: “Maintaining a meaningful relationship with my grandmother, who resides in a remote village with limited transportation infrastructure, would have been nearly impossible a generation ago-yet weekly video calls now allow us to maintain emotional intimacy despite the geographical divide.”

Notice how the Band 8 example:

• Adds specific context (“remote village,” “limited infrastructure”)
• Provides historical contrast (“a generation ago”)
• Uses sophisticated vocabulary (“emotional intimacy,” “geographical divide”)
• Serves the argument rather than just illustrating it

6. Craft Memorable Introductions and Conclusions

Band 7 Introduction Pattern:
“[Topic] is debated. Some think X, others think Y. This essay discusses both views and gives my opinion.”

Band 8 Introduction Pattern:
“[Compelling observation about the topic]. While [Group A] celebrates [aspect], [Group B] laments [opposite aspect]. A nuanced examination reveals [sophisticated positioning].”

Band 7 Conclusion Pattern:
“In conclusion, [topic] has advantages and disadvantages. People should use it wisely.”

Band 8 Conclusion Pattern:
“The dichotomy between [X or Y] represents a false choice. The more pertinent question concerns [reframed issue]. Ultimately, [sophisticated insight] – our challenge is to [forward-looking statement].”

Your 8-Week Roadmap to Band 8

Weeks 1-2: Vocabulary Foundation

Daily Tasks (45 minutes):

• Learn 10 academic collocations from quality sources (The Guardian, The Economist)
• Read one opinion article, highlighting sophisticated expressions
• Rewrite 5 simple sentences using advanced vocabulary
• Practice replacing generic phrases with precise alternatives

Weekly Goal: Build a personal database of 70+ academic collocations with example sentences

Weeks 3-4: Structural Sophistication

Daily Tasks (60 minutes):

• Write 3 complex sentences using different structures (conditional, participial, embedded clauses)
• Develop one paragraph (150+ words) exploring a single idea deeply
• Study Band 8 sample essays, mapping their structural patterns
• Practice sophisticated transitions beyond “however” and “moreover”

Weekly Goal: Master 5 different sentence patterns and write 10 deeply developed paragraphs

Weeks 5-6: Critical Thinking Development

Daily Tasks (60 minutes):

• Read controversial topics, listing 3 perspectives (not just 2 sides)
• Practice the “So What?” technique on your own arguments
• Identify contradictions and paradoxes in common beliefs
• Write outlines showing nuanced thinking

Weekly Goal: Develop the ability to see beyond binary thinking and explore complexity naturally

Weeks 7-8: Full Essay Practice with Feedback

Weekly Tasks (2-3 essays):

• Write complete Task 2 essays in exactly 40 minutes
• Self-edit for 5 minutes focusing on vocabulary precision
• Get examiner-level feedback (from qualified teachers or AI-powered IELTS mock tests)
• Rewrite weak sections incorporating feedback

Critical Success Factor: Don’t just write and forget. Analyze your errors, understand WHY you lost marks, and consciously improve in your next essay.

For comprehensive Writing strategies across both tasks, explore our guide on effective IELTS Writing practice strategies.

Common Mistakes That Trap You at Band 7

1. Memorizing Model Essays

Examiners spot memorized content instantly. Your ideas must respond specifically to the actual question, not a similar one you practiced.

The fix: Learn frameworks and vocabulary, but generate original ideas for each specific prompt.

2. Over-Complicating Without Clarity

Band 8 means sophisticated AND clear-not convoluted. If your sentence requires re-reading to understand, simplify it.

The fix: Read your essay aloud. If you stumble, your examiner will too.

3. Ignoring Task Response

Fancy vocabulary won’t save you if you only partially address the question. Band 8 requires fully developed responses to ALL parts of the task.

The fix: Before writing, underline every instruction in the prompt. Check each one before submitting.

4. Inconsistent Register

Mixing informal language (“stuff,” “get,” “kids”) with academic writing damages coherence.

The fix: Maintain formal academic register throughout. Replace:

• “stuff” → “material” / “content”
• “get” → “obtain” / “acquire” / “achieve”
• “kids” → “children” / “young people”

5. Quantity Over Quality

Aiming for 350+ words often leads to repetition and weak development. Band 8 essays typically range from 280-320 words of dense, well-developed content.

The fix: Focus on depth. Two deeply developed body paragraphs beat three shallow ones.

Practicing without feedback is like shooting arrows in the dark. You might improve by accident-but most test-takers waste months reinforcing bad habits. Langogh’s AI Writing Coach gives you examiner-level feedback in 30 seconds, highlighting exactly what’s keeping you from Band 8.
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How to Practice Effectively (The Method That Actually Works)

Most test-takers practice incorrectly, which is why they plateau. Here’s the proven method:

Step 1: Diagnostic Analysis (Week 1)

Write 2-3 essays on different topics. Get detailed feedback identifying your specific weaknesses:

• Vocabulary range issues?
• Grammatical accuracy problems?
• Coherence gaps?
• Task response failures?

Understanding your exact weaknesses prevents wasted practice time.

Step 2: Targeted Skill Building (Weeks 2-6)

Don’t write full essays every day. Instead:

• If vocabulary is weak: Spend 3 weeks building academic collocations
• If structure is problematic: Focus on paragraph development and transitions
• If critical thinking is shallow: Practice analyzing topics from multiple angles

Step 3: Integrated Practice (Weeks 7-8)

Now write full timed essays, implementing your improved skills. Get feedback after EACH essay and consciously apply corrections in the next one.

Step 4: Test Simulation (Final Week)

Complete 3-4 full mock tests under exact exam conditions (including the IELTS Writing assessment criteria). This builds stamina and confidence.

Critical insight: One essay with deep analysis and revision teaches you more than ten essays written and forgotten.

The Mindset Shift: From Student to Scholar

Here’s what most IELTS guides won’t tell you: The jump from Band 7 to Band 8 isn’t primarily about language-it’s about how you think.

Band 7 mindset: “I need to present both sides and give my opinion.”

Band 8 mindset: “I need to explore the complexity of this issue, acknowledge contradictions, and offer a nuanced perspective that demonstrates intellectual sophistication.”

Band 8 writers engage with ideas as an academic would:

• They question assumptions
• They identify paradoxes
• They explore deeper implications
• They synthesize rather than merely summarize

This is why reading quality journalism and academic articles matters more than memorizing vocabulary lists. You’re training your mind to think at a higher level.

Real Success Story: From Band 6.5 to Band 8 in 8 Weeks

Maria, a 28-year-old nurse from the Philippines, needed Band 7.5 for Canadian immigration. After three attempts, she remained stuck at Band 6.5 in Writing, wasting over $750 in test fees.

Her problem wasn’t grammar or vocabulary range-it was shallow idea development and predictable expression. Every essay started with “Nowadays…” and presented surface-level arguments.

What changed:

• She stopped writing full essays daily and focused on developing single paragraphs deeply
• She read one Guardian opinion piece daily, analyzing how writers explored complexity
• She replaced 50 generic phrases with precise academic collocations
• She used Langogh’s AI Writing Coach to get instant feedback on every practice essay, identifying exactly where she lost marks

Eight weeks later, she scored Band 8.0 in Writing. The examiner noted: “sophisticated vocabulary use, well-developed arguments, skillful paragraphing.”

The difference? She learned to think and express herself at Band 8 level-not just memorize Band 8 vocabulary.

Why AI Feedback Changes Everything

Traditional IELTS preparation has a critical flaw: the feedback gap.

You write an essay. You wait 3-5 days for teacher feedback. By then, you’ve forgotten your thought process and moved on. The delayed feedback has minimal impact.

Worst of all? You might take the real test without knowing your actual score, wasting $250+ on test fees when you weren’t ready.

AI-powered tools eliminate this gap:

• Instant scoring: Know your real band score in 30 seconds
• Precise error identification: See exactly which grammar mistakes cost you marks
• Band 9 rewrites: Understand how examiners would express your ideas
• Unlimited practice: Get feedback on 100+ essays without the cost of human tutors

This immediate feedback loop accelerates improvement by allowing you to correct mistakes before they become habits.

For comprehensive preparation across all modules, explore the official IELTS test format and preparation strategies.

Final Thoughts: Your Band 8 Is Achievable

The gap between Band 7 and Band 8 feels frustrating precisely because you’re so close. You already have solid English skills. What you need now is refinement-learning to express your existing knowledge with greater sophistication and precision.

Every Band 8 writer was once where you are now. The difference is they refused to settle for “good enough” and committed to deliberate, strategic improvement.

Remember:

• Sophistication over complexity: Band 8 writing is clear AND advanced, not convoluted
• Depth over breadth: Develop fewer ideas more deeply rather than listing many shallow points
• Precision over impressiveness: Choose the exact right word, not the most “difficult” word
• Practice with feedback: One analyzed essay beats ten unreviewed ones

The IELTS Writing Task 2 sample essays we’ve analyzed today show you the path. Now it’s time to walk it.

Your Band 8 is waiting. Start practicing with purpose today.

Ready to discover your real IELTS Writing band score? Try Langogh’s AI Writing Coach free-get examiner-level feedback in 30 seconds, see exactly what’s holding you back, and receive Band 9 rewrites showing you how to improve. Start your free assessment now →