IELTS Academic Writing Task 1: Global Electricity Production and Consumption
The Task:
The bar chart below shows the top ten countries for the production and consumption of electricity in 2014.
Summarise the information by selecting and reporting the main features, and make comparisons where relevant.
Write at least 150 words.
Task 1
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Band 9 Model Answer
The provided bar chart compares the amount of electrical power generated and consumed by the world’s top ten nations in the year 2014, measured in billions of kilowatt-hours (kWh).
Overall, it is highly apparent that China and the United States were the dominant leaders in both the production and consumption of electricity, vastly outpacing the rest of the world. Furthermore, nearly all the listed countries generated a surplus of electricity, with Germany being the sole exception where consumption exceeded production.
Looking closely at the two superpowers, China ranked first globally, producing an immense 5,398 billion kWh and consuming just slightly less at 5,322 billion kWh. The United States followed as a distant second, generating 4,099 billion kWh and utilizing 3,866 billion kWh. To put this into perspective, the combined electricity figures for these two nations were significantly higher than the totals of the other eight countries combined.
Turning to the remaining nations, Russia, Japan, and India occupied the third, fourth, and fifth positions. Russia’s figures hovered closely around the 1,050 billion kWh mark for both metrics, while Japan and India generated roughly 900 billion kWh but consumed noticeably less. The bottom five countries on the list—Canada, France, Brazil, Germany, and the Republic of Korea—each recorded production and consumption levels between approximately 450 and 600 billion kWh. Notably, while nine of the ten nations produced a surplus of energy, Germany stood out as the unique anomaly, consuming roughly 56 billion kWh more than it was able to generate (582.5 billion kWh consumed versus 526.6 billion kWh produced).
💡 Why this is a Band 9 Answer:
- Task Achievement: The answer flawlessly summarizes the chart, completely replacing the tedious, list-like repetition of the original draft. The overview highlights the most critical overarching trends: the dominance of the US and China, and the unique deficit situation in Germany.
- Coherence & Cohesion: Paragraphs are logically organized. One paragraph focuses exclusively on the two massive outliers (China and the US), while the next groups the middle and lower-tier countries together to make comparisons. Transition phrases are used naturally (Overall, Furthermore, Looking closely at, To put this into perspective, Turning to the remaining nations, Notably).
- Lexical Resource: Uses precise, advanced vocabulary appropriate for describing statistical data and energy markets (generated a surplus, vastly outpacing, dominant leaders, metrics, unique anomaly, deficit).
- Grammatical Range & Accuracy: Employs a superb mix of complex sentence structures flawlessly while maintaining highly accurate comparative phrasing (“To put this into perspective, the combined electricity figures for these two nations were significantly higher than…”).
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IELTS Academic Writing Task 2: History vs. STEM in Schools
The Task:
Some people say History is one of the most important school subjects. Other people think that, in today’s world, subjects like Science and Technology are more important than History.
Discuss both these views and give your own opinion.
Write at least 250 words.
Task 2
Band 9 Model Essay
In modern educational systems, a persistent debate exists regarding the prioritization of the academic curriculum. While some educators argue that the study of History is fundamental to understanding human society, others assert that Science and Technology are vastly more critical for preparing students for the demands of the contemporary world. In my opinion, although History provides an essential cultural and ethical foundation, STEM subjects (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) must take precedence, as they are the primary drivers of modern economic growth and human survival.
Those who passionately advocate for the prioritization of History argue that a society ignorant of its past is doomed to repeat its darkest mistakes. Studying historical conflicts, political movements, and societal collapses develops a student’s critical thinking and provides invaluable context for current geopolitical events. Furthermore, History is the cornerstone of cultural identity. By understanding the struggles and triumphs of their ancestors, young people develop a profound sense of civic duty and empathy for diverse populations. From this perspective, History is not merely the memorization of dates, but the ultimate guide for navigating complex human morality and political governance.
Conversely, proponents of Science and Technology emphasize absolute pragmatism. We currently live in an era entirely defined by rapid technological innovation. To thrive in the 21st-century job market, students must possess deep technical literacy, ranging from computer programming to biological sciences. Furthermore, the greatest existential threats facing humanity today—such as global climate change, terminal diseases, and food insecurity—will only be solved through advanced scientific intervention, not historical analysis. Therefore, prioritizing these subjects ensures that the next generation has the practical tools required to secure the future of the human race.
In my opinion, the ideal educational framework requires a balance of both disciplines; however, the pragmatic urgency of Science and Technology cannot be ignored. While History teaches us why we must build a better society, Science and Technology provide the actual blueprints and tools to construct it.
In conclusion, although the study of History remains crucial for moral development and cultural preservation, the practical, problem-solving nature of Science and Technology makes them the most vital subjects in today’s rapidly evolving, technology-driven world.
💡 Why this is a Band 9 Answer:
- Task Response: The essay perfectly addresses both views in the prompt. It thoroughly explains why some value History (preventing past mistakes, cultural identity) and vigorously defends why Science/Tech is considered more important (job market, solving existential threats like climate change).
- Coherence & Cohesion: The essay utilizes a highly effective four-paragraph structure. Transition phrases guide the reader effortlessly through the complex arguments (While some educators argue, Those who passionately advocate, Furthermore, Conversely, Therefore, In my opinion, In conclusion).
- Lexical Resource: Showcases an exceptional, sophisticated vocabulary suited for an educational discursive essay (prioritization, pragmatic urgency, technical literacy, existential threats, civic duty, fundamental foundation).
- Grammatical Range & Accuracy: Uses a wide variety of complex grammatical structures perfectly, creating a highly persuasive, authoritative, and academic tone.
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