A detailed guide to this IELTS Writing Task 2 essay type, with structure templates, useful vocabulary, and techniques to achieve Band 7+.
Originally published April 2018. Last reviewed 3 July 2026.
In this post, we will look at an agree/disagree essay example from the IELTS writing task 2 test. Students often ask if the questions are repeated year after year and the answer is no, but the topics are. There are so many questions written each year, you may find your practice answering various questions on different topics. For example, you could write essays to answer questions about education or the environment, which benefits you because you learn vocabulary associated with those topics and develop ideas that can help you in your writing test.
Practising writing IELTS task 2 essays on a range of topics is a great way to learn new vocabulary for those topics, but also to practice your essay structures. You begin to develop your ideas around those topics, thinking of examples and giving your opinions.
If you would like to purchase a 31 page PDF download that is easy to read and print out please take a look at the bookshop >
If you would like to learn how to structure an agree/disagree essay please click the button below >
Pupils can accomplish more in school if they are praised rather than reprimanded. In my opinion, I strongly agree with rewarding students because this can motivate them. Firstly, this essay will discuss the advantages in recognising student achievement and secondly, how a reward system can affect student learning.
On the one hand, praising students and recognising their achievements, whether to the class or whole school can install enthusiasm and motivation in the student to progress further. The students may push themselves, to do more and achieve higher because they know that it brings rewards, either in the form of praise from a teacher or in other rewards, like school visits. For instance, The Department of Education in the UK in 2017 reported that 98% of public school teachers often used reward systems to motivate their students in the class.
On the other hand, having a reward system in place can bring about competition between students, to get higher grades than their peers. This can motivate learners to study more and participate in class, in order to get whatever reward is on offer. If the student can gain an accolade for their project or from participating in school activities, they are more likely to work harder. For instance, a school in Sheffield in the UK offered a reward to a group of students who participated in the 2017 international science fair, promising a visit from a well-known speaker for their next lecture if they won first prize.
In my opinion, I strongly believe that rewarding students is far better than punishing them. This is a very effective tool in gaining the trust of the students and motivating them to learn. They are more likely to be an active member of the class when they know a reward is possible. For example, in my own experience, a school teacher I had used chocolate and candy rewards in class, during activities that required whole class participation. This greatly excited the students as they all wanted a treat to enjoy in class.
In conclusion, learning should be fun and punishments can be demotivating at times, this can scar a student for a long time. Schools should definitely introduce praise and reward giving in exchange for increased student participation and motivation.
(Word count – 376 / Band score 8)
Instructor Feedback on IELTS Agree/Disagree Essay Sample: Education
Task Achievement – The essay provides an answer to the question asked, supported by relevant examples.
Coherence and Cohesion – The answer has been divided into clear logical paragraphs and each main body paragraph only has one main idea. There are cohesive links between the main body paragraphs.
Lexical Resource – There is evidence of a wide range of vocabulary, with no errors in the text.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy – The answer has no grammatical errors. The sentences have a wide range of structures.
We hope you found this post helpful in helping you to study for the IELTS Test. Let us know in the comments or on the Facebook page if you have any questions. The best way to keep up to date with posts like this is to like us on Facebook, and then follow us onInstagramand Pinterest. We offer essay correction services, mock exams, and online courses. If you need help preparing for the IELTS Test, join the IELTS Achieve Academy and see how we can help you achieve your desired band score faster.
A detailed guide to this IELTS Writing Task 2 essay type, with structure templates, useful vocabulary, and techniques to achieve Band 7+.
Originally published April 2018. Last reviewed 3 July 2026.
In this post, we will look at an agree/disagree essay example from the IELTS writing task 2 test. Students often ask if the questions are repeated year after year and the answer is no, but the topics are. There are so many questions written each year, you may find your practice answering various questions on different topics. For example, you could write essays to answer questions about education or the environment, which benefits you because you learn vocabulary associated with those topics and develop ideas that can help you in your writing test.
Practising writing IELTS task 2 essays on a range of topics is a great way to learn new vocabulary for those topics, but also to practice your essay structures. You begin to develop your ideas around those topics, thinking of examples and giving your opinions.
If you would like to purchase a 31 page PDF download that is easy to read and print out please take a look at the bookshop >
If you would like to learn how to structure an agree/disagree essay please click the button below >
It is believed by some that the price of a service or an item is an essential factor to consider before deciding to purchase it. This essay believes that people should take into consideration the cost before deciding to buy or not. Firstly, this essay will discuss the benefits of considering the price before making a purchase and secondly, how wanting expensive items can lead to crippling debts.
On the one hand, people should be given enough time to think about the price of something before acquiring it. They need to consider if they can afford it as this can give them problems in the future. They need to think about their monthly expenses as well as their overall salary, to see if they can afford what they want, and making sure they do not get into debt. For example, a survey by the Business Mirror Philippines in 2010 revealed that 8 out of 10 Filipinos preferred to save the money needed before buying a new cellphone, rather than using a credit card because they were afraid of having monthly debts.
On the other hand, over the last few decades, the rise of credit card debt has been escalating. More and more people are tempted to buy products without considering the price due to the pressure from advertisements, peer pressures and the ready access to credit cards. There are a lot of luxury items that have been purchased using credit cards, which in return has lured many individuals into debt. For instance, a study by the Metrobank of the Philippines reported that 99% of credit card applications came from minimum wage earners who wanted a credit card to purchase high-end products.
In conclusion, I agree that people should plan first before making a decision to buy expensive products or services for this could only give them problems in the future if they cannot afford it.
(Word count – 314 / Band score – 8)
Instructor Feedback on IELTS Agree/Disagree Essay Sample: Consumerism
Task Achievement – The essay provides an answer to the question asked, supported by relevant examples.
Coherence and Cohesion – The answer has been divided into clear logical paragraphs and each main body paragraph only has one main idea. There are cohesive links between the main body paragraphs.
Lexical Resource – There is evidence of a wide range of vocabulary, with no errors in the text.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy – The answer has no grammatical errors. The sentences have a wide range of structures.
We hope you found this post helpful in helping you to study for the IELTS Test. Let us know in the comments or on the Facebook page if you have any questions. The best way to keep up to date with posts like this is to like us on Facebook, and then follow us onInstagramand Pinterest. We offer essay correction services, mock exams, and online courses. If you need help preparing for the IELTS Test, join the IELTS Achieve Academy and see how we can help you achieve your desired band score faster.
A detailed guide to this IELTS Writing Task 2 essay type, with structure templates, useful vocabulary, and techniques to achieve Band 7+.
Originally published April 2018. Last reviewed 3 July 2026.
In this post, we will look at an agree/disagree essay example: Environment When designing a building, some people think that the intended use of the building should be taken into account as important rather than the outward appearance. from the IELTS writing task 2 test.
Students often ask if the questions are repeated year after year and the answer is no, but the topics are. There are so many questions written each year, you may find your practice answering various questions on different topics. For example, you could write essays to answer questions about education or the environment, which benefits you because you learn vocabulary associated with those topics and develop ideas that can help you in your writing test. Practising writing IELTS task 2 essays on a range of topics is a great way to learn new vocabulary for those topics, but also to practice your essay structures. You begin to develop your ideas around those topics, thinking of examples and giving your opinions.
If you would like to purchase a 31 page PDF download that is easy to read and print out please take a look at the bookshop >
Take a look at the IELTS Agree/Disagree Essay example below:
Environment
When designing a building, some people think that the intended use of the building should be taken into account as important rather than the outward appearance. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
Take a look at the model answer.
Many people believe that when drawing up plans for a building the maximum use should be taken into consideration rather than its façade. This essay strongly agrees that building structures should maximize the area given in order to please clients, but at the same time, should also have an attractive frontage. Firstly, the essay will discuss why it is important to utilize the space in a building and secondly, how having an appealing outward design can improve the beauty of the structure and help it to integrate into its surroundings.
On the one hand, architects normally maximise the use of the space they are tasked with, in order to please clients and ensure they get the design they want. Depending on what the intended use of the structure is, the plans will reflect how to best use all of the space, so that the client or occupants are happy with their spot, whether it is a new home, office or school. For example, a documentary filmed by the BBC in 2018, called ‘The World’s Most Extraordinary Homes’ showed how architects utilize space after many meetings with their clients in order to create unique living spaces.
On the other hand, the outside of a building can also be turned into something amazing, depending on how the building is situated. Newly erected structures can be made extraordinary by design or can be seamlessly integrated into the surrounding area. Many new designs are opting for simple outward appearances, so that they may use various materials to fit into their environment or to become energy efficient. For instance, in the channel 4 program ‘Grand Designs’ many newly designed buildings are slotted into their surrounding environments using natural materials, or made environmentally friendly with the addition of solar panels.
In conclusion, I agree that both having a very efficient use of space and a beautiful façade is very important in order for the building to attain its maximum potential.
(Word count – 324 / Band score 8)
Instructor Feedback on IELTS Agree/Disagree Essay: Environment: Environment.
Task Achievement – The essay provides an answer to the question asked, supported by relevant examples.
Coherence and Cohesion – The answer has been divided into clear logical paragraphs and each main body paragraph only has one main idea. There are cohesive links between the main body paragraphs.
Lexical Resource – There is evidence of a wide range of vocabulary, with no errors in the text.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy – The answer has no grammatical errors. The sentences have a wide range of structures.
We hope you found this post helpful in helping you to study for the IELTS Test. Let us know in the comments or on the Facebook page if you have any questions. The best way to keep up to date with posts like this is to like us on Facebook, and then follow us onInstagramand Pinterest. We offer essay correction services, mock exams, and online courses. If you need help preparing for the IELTS Test, join the IELTS Achieve Academy and see how we can help you achieve your desired band score faster.
A detailed guide to this IELTS Writing Task 2 essay type, with structure templates, useful vocabulary, and techniques to achieve Band 7+.
Originally published April 2018. Last reviewed 3 July 2026.
In this post, we will look at an agree/disagree essay example from the IELTS writing task 2 test. Students often ask if the questions are repeated year after year and the answer is no, but the topics are. There are so many questions written each year, you may find your practice answering various questions on different topics. For example, you could write essays to answer questions about education or the environment, which benefits you because you learn vocabulary associated with those topics and develop ideas that can help you in your writing test.
Practising writing IELTS task 2 essays on a range of topics is a great way to learn new vocabulary for those topics, but also to practice your essay structures. You begin to develop your ideas around those topics, thinking of examples, and giving your opinions.
If you would like to purchase a 31 page PDF download that is easy to read and print out please take a look at the bookshop >
If you would like to learn how to structure an agree/disagree essay please click the button below >
At the present time, the younger generation idolizes celebrities, not only for their acting accomplishments but also for their fashion sense and wealthy lifestyles. They are also influenced by the behaviour of celebrities and this may lead to troubling situations. I strongly agree that many teens admire famous people who can be a bad influence. Firstly, this essay will discuss how a certain individual can become famous instantly without proper training. Secondly, it will discuss how well-known people can affect our younger generation.
On the one hand, reality TV can make an ordinary person turn into a famous celebrity in an instant. This is happening all over the world since the TV networks are adapting different types of reality TV shows. This can be seen from dating games, modelling contests or even in singing competitions and as soon as the shows have ended, the winner will be an instant celebrity. Instead of planning to work hard for the job they want, many young people see instant fame through reality shows as a way of getting money and recognition. For instance, DLSU from the Philippines developed a survey in 2017 that revealed 95% of their students wanted to become a celebrity by joining a reality TV contest, rather than learning through acting workshops.
On the other hand, a sudden change of lifestyle can sometimes make or break you; this can be seen through most of the instant celebrities. They want to retain their famous status and that is why they would do unlawful acts, to create publicity. Therefore, younger people through Instagram, Twitter and Facebook are following them; eventually, mimicking them because they think that this is normal acceptable behaviour. For example, a survey, conducted by the London Police in June 2017 showed that youth crime including lewd behaviour, drinking underage and violent acts had increased by 40% since 2016. Many of these young people were influenced by the behaviour they witnessed from celebrities in the media acting out.
In conclusion, I strongly agree that celebrities can sometimes be a bad influence among our younger generation however, I also believe that celebrities have a wider duty to the public and especially to their younger followers to practice good behaviour and set a good example.
(Word count – 372 / Band score 8)
Instructor Feedback on IELTS Agree/Disagree Essay Sample: Society
Task Achievement – The essay provides an answer to the question asked, supported by relevant examples.
Coherence and Cohesion – The answer has been divided into clear logical paragraphs and each main body paragraph only has one main idea. There are cohesive links between the main body paragraphs.
Lexical Resource – There is evidence of a wide range of vocabulary, with no errors in the text.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy – The answer has no grammatical errors. The sentences have a wide range of structures.
We hope you found this post helpful in helping you to study for the IELTS Test. Let us know in the comments or on the Facebook page if you have any questions. The best way to keep up to date with posts like this is to like us on Facebook, and then follow us onInstagramand Pinterest. We offer essay correction services, mock exams, and online courses. If you need help preparing for the IELTS Test, join the IELTS Achieve Academy and see how we can help you achieve your desired band score faster.
A detailed guide to this IELTS Writing Task 2 essay type, with structure templates, useful vocabulary, and techniques to achieve Band 7+.
Originally published April 2018. Last reviewed 3 July 2026.
In this post, we will look at an agree/disagree essay example from the IELTS writing task 2 test. Students often ask if the questions are repeated year after year and the answer is no, but the topics are. There are so many questions written each year, you may find your practice answering various questions on different topics. For example, you could write essays to answer questions about education or the environment, which benefits you because you learn vocabulary associated with those topics and develop ideas that can help you in your writing test.
Practicing writing IELTS task 2 essays on a range of topics is a great way to learn new vocabulary for those topics, but also to practice your essay structures. You begin to develop your ideas around those topics, thinking of examples and giving your opinions.
If you would like to purchase a 31 page PDF download that is easy to read and print out please take a look at the bookshop >
If you would like to learn how to structure an agree/disagree essay please click the button below >
Over the years, many people considered learning to read, being able to write and having knowledge of solving mathematical problems as the foundations of education, however, some people believe that learning to use a computer should be added to the said list. In my opinion, I strongly agree that it would be very beneficial for all to include computer skills in the framework of our education. Firstly, this essay will discuss that with the advancement of our technology it is inevitable that everyone should learn how to use a computer. Secondly, it will discuss the fact that almost all jobs nowadays involve the use of technology.
On the one hand, computers have become a huge part of our everyday lives as almost everything can be done with just one click of a button. Having skills in computing can help a student to navigate the Internet and that aids them in researching answers for their homework. Computers can replace thousands of books and this eases the burden of bringing a lot of books to school. For example, in the past, if you needed school supplies, you would go to a supermarket or a department store but now, just by using your computer or cell phone you may opt to go shopping online in the convenience of your home, by just using apps like LAZADA and OLX.
On the other hand, almost every job needs a computer in one way or another in order to complete everyday tasks. Therefore, knowing how to use a computer or tablet is a basic skill that most workplaces will require their employees to have. Computers are also used to perform groundbreaking services in some workplaces, like hospitals and private clinics. For instance, doctors use this technology so that they can perform surgeries and get accurate results. LASIX technology has helped thousands of people to bring their vision back to normal, this would be near to impossible without the use of highly advanced computer programs.
In conclusion, adding computer skills into our education system is vital towards the road of advancement in technology. I strongly agree that learning skills like this will benefit not only the individual but also the progress of any country.
(Word count – 365 / Band score 8)
Task Achievement – The essay provides an answer to the question asked, supported by relevant examples.
Coherence and Cohesion – The answer has been divided into clear logical paragraphs and each main body paragraph only has one main idea. There are cohesive links between the main body paragraphs.
Lexical Resource – There is evidence of a wide range of vocabulary, with no errors in the text.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy – The answer has no grammatical errors. The sentences have a wide range of structures.
We hope you found this post helpful in helping you to study for the IELTS Test. Let us know in the comments or on the Facebook page if you have any questions. The best way to keep up to date with posts like this is to like us on Facebook, and then follow us onInstagramand Pinterest. We offer essay correction services, mock exams, and online courses. If you need help preparing for the IELTS Test, join the IELTS Achieve Academy and see how we can help you achieve your desired band score faster.
Step-by-step guide to answering this type of IELTS Writing Task 1 question. Covers structure, key language, and band-scoring criteria.
Originally published February 2018. Last reviewed 3 July 2026.
In this post, we will look at a formal letter example Credit card.
A formal letter is written when you need to write to a company or organisation where you do not know the person to whom you are addressing. Sometimes these letters are addressed to a person of importance, who you do not know, in which case the person’s name and the title are used – ‘Dear Prime Minister May….’
A formal greeting: Dear Sir or Madam, Dear Sirs, Dear HR Manager. When signing off the letter, ‘Yours truly’, ‘Sincerely yours’ and ‘Yours faithfully’ would be used for semi-formal or formal letters.
If you would like more information on how to write a formal letter please click this button below:
You ordered a new credit card from the bank about 14 days ago and still have not received it. You are not happy about this. Write a letter to the bank. In your letter say:
Why you are writing to them.
Ask why you have waited so long for the new card
Ask the bank manager what he will do about this matter.
Take a look at the model answer: Formal Letter- Credit Card
Dear Sir,
I am writing to complain about the service that I have received from your bank. About 14 days ago I ordered a new credit card online and it has still not arrived. I have called the helpline and have not received any answer to where the credit card is at present. Please email or phone to inform me of when I can be expecting this new card and to explain why I have waited so long. The card would have been sent via recorded mail, therefore as a priority, it should have arrived within 2 days of your bank sending it. I would also like to know what actions you will be taking to ensure that this situation is rectified, counting on the fact that my new credit card may have been stolen for fraudulent purposes or lost in the mail system. I also want to know that you intend to have this card cancelled and a new one sent out to me as soon as possible. I have been a user of this bank since 1995 and this is the first time I have complained about any services. I await your response.
Yours sincerely, Ben Jones
This letter covers the three main points in the task. It has been clearly organised with each key point being written about in a separate paragraph.
Paragraph 1 – Explains why he is writing to the bank
Paragraph 2 – Details of why he has waited so long for the credit card
Paragraph 3 – States what he wants them to do
The tone of the letter is formal and therefore appropriate as it is being sent to a person you do not know from a business. The language used makes sure the letter is polite (Dear Sir or Madam……I am aware that……I await your response……Yours faithfully).
There is also evidence of a range of sentence structures, no grammatical or spelling errors.
Step-by-step guide to answering this type of IELTS Writing Task 1 question. Covers structure, key language, and band-scoring criteria.
Originally published February 2018. Last reviewed 3 July 2026.
In this post, we will look at a Semi-formal letter example: You want to drop a course at University
A semi-formal letter is written to someone that you know by name and with whom you have a professional or business relationship with, for instance; your teacher, accountant, landlord, etc. The surname should be used when addressing them – Dear Mrs.Thomas, Dear Mr Jones.
A semi-formal greeting: Dear Mr Hopkins, Dear Mrs Thomas
When signing off the letter, ‘Yours truly’, ‘Sincerely yours’ and ‘Yours faithfully’ would be used for semi-formal or formal letters. In semi-formal letters, you can also use – ‘With best wishes’ and ‘With regards’.
If you want to see more information about how to write a semi-formal letter please view this post >>
Semi-Formal Letter: You want to drop a course at University
You are finding your course load very heavy at University. Write a letter to your faculty manager. In your letter:
Explain why you are struggling with the course load
Ask to drop a module
Ask for extra help with time management.
Take a look at the model answer: Semi-Formal Letter
Dear Professor Morris,
I am writing to inform you that I am finding the course load difficult this year and therefore my grades have been suffering. I find that I do not have enough time to work on all of the required modules and have become very stressed as a result. I formally request to withdraw from one module: Literary works from 1910-1930 (LIT 220). The main reason I would like to leave that module is that there is so much to cover and with the other courses I am unable to commit fully to this. I feel as though I am too stretched over many subjects to be able to do well in everything. I study for at least 40 hours per week and this is not enough to boost my grades in all areas. I would also like to request help from you in organising my time, as I find that I have a study schedule but my grades have slipped recently. Any advice that you could give me would be really appreciated, in order for me to get back up to 90% or over for each assignment. I apologise for wanting to leave the course halfway into the term, but for my grades and health, I feel strongly that this is the right choice. Thank you for your time and consideration, if you need to have a meeting with me you can email me – Jenny12@gmail.com or call me – 298-4567. I look forward to hearing from you soon.
Sincerely yours, Jenny Smith
Instructor Feedback on Semi-Formal Letter: You want to drop a course at University
This letter covers the three main points in the task. It has been clearly organised with each key point being written about in a separate paragraph.
Paragraph 1 – Explains why she is struggling with the course load
Paragraph 2 – Details of the module she wants to drop
Paragraph 3 – Asks for help with time management
The tone of the letter is polite and therefore appropriate as it is being sent to a teacher (I am writing to you to request…..I can assure you….please contact me at the earliest opportunity). There is also evidence of a range of sentence structures, no grammatical or spelling errors.
Step-by-step guide to answering this type of IELTS Writing Task 1 question. Covers structure, key language, and band-scoring criteria.
Originally published February 2018. Last reviewed 3 July 2026.
In this example, we will look at an informal letter example.
An informal letter is the type of letter you would write to a friend or family member. First names are used, or family terms, for example; Dear mum, Dear Uncle Tom, Dear Dad, etc.
An informal greeting > Dear Sarah, My dear friend, Dear Aunt Clare
When signing off the letter, you can use – ‘With best wishes’ and ‘With regards’. ‘Hope to see you soon!’ is a very informal way to close the letter.
For more infor mation on the letter structure, please visit this post on how to write an informal letter >
How are you doing? It’s been a while since we have seen each other. I have great news to share with you, I got a job in London and will be moving there on the 20th June. As you know, I am not familiar with the city and would love it if you could help me to find somewhere to stay. The company have offered to assist me by booking a hotel for the first week of my arrival but after that, I will need a permanent residence.
I would prefer to live close to my workplace, to save on the daily commute. It would also be convenient if it was situated near a tube station and local high street or shopping area. I know that this will be expensive as it is in central London, but I don’t mind sharing a house or apartment with others.
I would be happy to share my living space with other professionals, or if it would be possible to live on my own in a studio apartment. My budget is around £800 per month, I hope that it will be possible to find something at that price, in a central location.
Please get in touch and let me know if you can help me to find something.
I look forward to seeing you again soon when I come to London.
With regards,
Jenny
This letter covers the three main points in the task about the accommodation.
It has been clearly organised with each key point being written about in a separate paragraph.
Paragraph 1 – Asks the friend for help in finding somewhere to stay.
Paragraph 2 – Tells the friend where she would like to live.
Paragraph 3 – Describes the type of place she is looking for.
The tone of the letter is informal and therefore appropriate as it is being sent to a friend (Hope you are doing well…..have a good catch up….see you soon!)
There is also evidence of a range of sentence structures, no grammatical or spelling errors.
We hope you found this post useful in helping you to study for the IELTS Test. If you have any questions please let us know in the comments below or on the Facebook page.
The best way to keep up to date with posts like this is to like us on Facebook, then follow us on Instagram and Pinterest.
If you need help preparing for the IELTS Test, join the IELTS Achieve Academy and see how we can assist you to achieve your desired band score. We offer an essay correction service, mock exams and online courses.
Comprehensive guide covering essential IELTS preparation strategies and techniques to help you achieve your target band score.
Originally published February 2018. Last reviewed 3 July 2026.
About Lena’s IELTS Journey
Lena, a nurse from Poland, needed to achieve a specific IELTS band score for professional registration and visa purposes. Like many healthcare professionals, Lena faced the challenge of demonstrating English language proficiency while maintaining a demanding work schedule.
The Challenge
Healthcare professionals seeking to work internationally typically need an IELTS overall band score of 7.0, with no individual component below 6.5 for nursing registration, or 7.0 in each component for medical registration in countries like the UK and Australia. This is a high standard that requires focused, strategic preparation.
Key Strategies That Helped
Focused practice on weaker skills: Identifying and targeting specific skill gaps rather than generic study
Using professional context: Leveraging medical and healthcare vocabulary already known from work
Consistent daily practice: Even 30-60 minutes of targeted daily practice builds steady improvement
Professional feedback: Getting expert evaluation on writing and speaking to understand examiner expectations
Advice for Other Healthcare Professionals
If you are a nurse or healthcare worker preparing for IELTS, focus on the academic register required for professional contexts. Practise writing reports, describing processes, and explaining medical procedures clearly — these skills directly transfer to IELTS Writing and Speaking tasks.
Originally published on IELTS Achieve. Last reviewed 3 July 2026.
Comprehensive guide covering essential IELTS preparation strategies and techniques to help you achieve your target band score.
Originally published February 2018. Last reviewed 3 July 2026.
About Mae’s IELTS Journey
Mae, a nurse from the Philippines, needed to achieve a specific IELTS band score for professional registration and visa purposes. Like many healthcare professionals, Mae faced the challenge of demonstrating English language proficiency while maintaining a demanding work schedule.
The Challenge
Healthcare professionals seeking to work internationally typically need an IELTS overall band score of 7.0, with no individual component below 6.5 for nursing registration, or 7.0 in each component for medical registration in countries like the UK and Australia. This is a high standard that requires focused, strategic preparation.
Key Strategies That Helped
Focused practice on weaker skills: Identifying and targeting specific skill gaps rather than generic study
Using professional context: Leveraging medical and healthcare vocabulary already known from work
Consistent daily practice: Even 30-60 minutes of targeted daily practice builds steady improvement
Professional feedback: Getting expert evaluation on writing and speaking to understand examiner expectations
Advice for Other Healthcare Professionals
If you are a nurse or healthcare worker preparing for IELTS, focus on the academic register required for professional contexts. Practise writing reports, describing processes, and explaining medical procedures clearly — these skills directly transfer to IELTS Writing and Speaking tasks.
Originally published on IELTS Achieve. Last reviewed 3 July 2026.