IELTS Writing — Agree / Disagree (Band 9) Template & Samples
Band 9 writing template, model vocabulary and three full sample answers for Task 2 (Agree or Disagree) — prepared for Leeds Academy students.
Why this page helps you
This single-page guide contains a concise paragraph-by-paragraph Band 9 template, high-scoring language and collocations, plus three complete sample essays (~260–300 words). Use the template to plan your answers and practise producing answers within 40 minutes.
Band 9 Template (Agree / Disagree)
- Introduction — Paraphrase the statement; clearly state your position (fully agree / fully disagree or partly agree).
- Paragraph 1 — Topic sentence stating your first main reason. Explain, give a development sentence and an example (real-world or hypothetical).
- Paragraph 2 — Topic sentence with second reason. Expand, link to evidence/impact, include a brief example.
- Optional Paragraph 3 — If necessary, present a counter-argument and explain why it is less important or why the original view still stands.
- Conclusion — Summarise your position clearly and briefly. Avoid new information.
Band 9 language & structure checklist
- Clear position throughout (use strong signposting: “I strongly/firmly disagree that…” ).
- Topic sentences that directly address the question.
- Range of cohesive devices and referencing (however, nevertheless, consequently, as a result).
- High-level vocabulary and collocations used naturally.
- Accurate grammar with complex sentences (conditionals, relative clauses, passive where appropriate).
Useful sentence stems
I strongly agree/disagree with the statement that ...
One compelling reason for this view is that ...
For instance, ...
Moreover, ...
Nevertheless, it is sometimes argued that ... however, ...
In conclusion, I maintain that ...
Model Answer 1 — Topic: Technology improves education (Agree)
Introduction: It is often claimed that advances in technology have had a overwhelmingly positive effect on education. I largely agree with this view because digital tools increase access to information and personalise learning, enabling students to progress at their own pace.
Paragraph 1: Firstly, the internet and educational platforms have democratised access to high-quality resources. Students from remote regions can now attend virtual lectures, follow MOOCs and consult online libraries that were previously unavailable to them. For example, many learners in rural areas of developing countries have completed certification courses from world-class universities, thereby improving their employment prospects.
Paragraph 2: Secondly, technology facilitates personalised learning. Adaptive software assesses a student’s strengths and weaknesses and offers tailored practice, which speeds up progress more effectively than one-size-fits-all classroom instruction. Consequently, weaker students receive extra practice in problem areas while advanced learners can move ahead, reducing boredom and dropout rates.
Conclusion: In conclusion, while technology cannot replace effective teaching completely, it substantially enhances educational access and individualised instruction; therefore, I agree that technological progress has improved education.
Model Answer 2 — Topic: Governments should pay for public transport (Disagree)
Introduction: Some contend that governments should shoulder the entire cost of public transport to ensure affordability. I disagree with this position because full public funding can lead to inefficiencies and places an excessive burden on taxpayers.
Paragraph 1: A primary reason for opposing total government funding is that it reduces incentives for cost control and innovation. When transport operators rely entirely on subsidies, they may neglect service quality and operational efficiency. For instance, systems that are heavily subsidised frequently experience delays and poor maintenance because there is little financial pressure to improve.
Paragraph 2: Moreover, universal government funding can be fiscally unsustainable, especially for countries with limited budgets. Allocating large sums to transport may divert resources from other critical areas like healthcare and education. A more balanced model — combining moderate subsidies with user fares and private partnerships — tends to deliver better services while remaining sustainable.
Conclusion: To sum up, although public transport should be affordable and supported where necessary, expecting governments to pay the full cost is impractical and may undermine service quality; hence I disagree with the view.
Model Answer 3 — Topic: Advertising should be banned on children’s TV (Partly agree)
Introduction: There is debate about whether advertising aimed at children should be prohibited. I partially agree: advertisements for unhealthy food and age-inappropriate products should be banned, but educational and public-service adverts can be beneficial.
Paragraph 1: Evidence shows that commercials for sugary snacks significantly influence children’s preferences, contributing to poor diets and childhood obesity. Banning such adverts during children’s programming would reduce unhealthy consumption and help parents maintain healthier diets for their kids.
Paragraph 2: Conversely, advertisements that promote literacy initiatives, vaccination campaigns or road safety can have a positive impact. These adverts raise awareness and support beneficial behaviours, so an outright ban on all advertising would remove a valuable channel for public education.
Conclusion: In conclusion, a selective ban that targets harmful advertising while allowing educational messages provides a reasonable compromise; therefore I partly agree with the proposal to ban adverts on children’s TV.
Practical tips to reach Band 9
- Plan for 5–8 minutes before writing: outline paragraphs and examples.
- Aim for 260–300 words; write clearly and avoid repetition.
- Use a range of complex sentences and accurate punctuation.
- Include one developed example per main paragraph (specific, relevant).
- Proofread quickly for grammar and vocabulary slips if time permits.