IELTS Academic Writing — Practice Test 3
Task 1: pie charts · Task 2: an advantages / disadvantages essay. Write both answers, get an indicative band estimate, then compare with three model answers (Band 9, 7 and 5–6) — each explained in Bangla — and grade yourself on the four official criteria. টাস্ক ১: পাই চার্ট · টাস্ক ২: সুবিধা/অসুবিধা রচনা।
How this works — কীভাবে দেবে
- You have 60 minutes: about 20 min on Task 1 (min. 150 words) and 40 min on Task 2 (min. 250 words). Task 2 counts double. টাস্ক ১-এ ~২০ মিনিট, টাস্ক ২-এ ~৪০ মিনিট।
- Write your own answer, then press “Estimate my band”. লিখে “Estimate my band” চাপো।
- The estimate is a rough computer guide based on length, structure and vocabulary — it cannot judge meaning or grammar accuracy. Use the model answers and checklist as your main guide. স্কোর আনুমানিক; মডেল উত্তর ও চেকলিস্টই মূল ভরসা।
- Hover the red-dashed words for meaning. Your writing is saved in this browser. লাল-ড্যাশ শব্দে মাউস রাখো; লেখা সেভ থাকে।
Writing Task 1
Spend about 20 minutes · Write at least 150 words · Pie charts
The two pie charts below show the main reasons people gave for visiting a city’s public library in 2010 and in 2020.
Summarise the information by selecting and reporting the main features, and make comparisons where relevant.
Main reasons for visiting the public library, 2010 vs 2020
💡 How to structure Task 1 + useful language · গঠন ও ভাষা
Plan: Introduction (paraphrase) → Overview (the biggest change + biggest category) → Body 1 (2010) → Body 2 (2020, with comparisons).
- Proportions:
accounted for,made up,represented,a half / a third / a quarter - Size:
by far the most common,a distant second,the smallest proportion - Change:
rose / fell to,by X percentage points,remained unchanged at - Compare:
whereas,compared with,the same figure as,respectively
✅ Show 3 model answers (Band 9 / 7 / 5–6) + Bangla explanations try your own first!
See how the same proportions are described more skilfully from Band 5 to Band 9. একই অনুপাত ব্যান্ড ৫ থেকে ৯-এ কীভাবে বর্ণিত হয় দেখো।
Band 9 182 words
The two pie charts compare the main reasons people gave for visiting a city’s public library in 2010 and 2020.
Overall, borrowing books remained an important reason throughout, but it became far less dominant, as using computers grew to become equally popular. Studying and attending events also accounted for a larger share of visits by 2020.
In 2010, borrowing books was by far the most common reason for a visit, accounting for exactly half of all visitors. Using the library’s computers came a distant second at 20%, followed by studying in a quiet space at 15%. Attending events and ‘other’ reasons made up the remaining 10% and 5% respectively.
By 2020, the picture had become much more balanced. The proportion of people borrowing books had fallen sharply to just 30%, the same figure as those using computers, which had risen by ten percentage points. Meanwhile, studying rose to 20% and attending events increased to 15%, while the proportion giving ‘other’ reasons remained unchanged at 5%.
Band 7 153 words
The two pie charts show the main reasons why people visited a public library in a city in 2010 and 2020.
Overall, in both years borrowing books was a popular reason, but it decreased a lot by 2020. At the same time, using computers became more popular.
In 2010, borrowing books was the biggest reason with 50%. Using computers was second with 20%, and studying was 15%. Attending events was 10% and other reasons were 5%.
In 2020, the reasons were more equal. Borrowing books went down to 30% and using computers went up to 30%, so they were the same. Studying increased to 20% and events increased to 15%. The other reasons stayed the same at 5%. So we can see that people used the library for more different reasons in 2020 than before.
Band 5–6 131 words
The pie chart show the reason of people visit the library in 2010 and 2020. There are five reason in the chart.
In 2010 the borrowing books is the most big reason, it is 50%. The using computer is 20% and studying is 15%. The events is 10% and other is 5% only.
In 2020 the reason become more equal. The borrowing books go down to 30% and using computer go up to 30%. So both is same now. Studying is 20% and events is 15%. The other is same 5%.
So many people borrow books but now they also use computer and do other things in the library.
| Criterion | Band 5–6 | Band 7 | Band 9 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overview | weak / not separated | clear | clear & insightful |
| Grammar | many errors | mostly correct | error-free, varied |
| Vocabulary | basic, repeated | adequate range | wide, precise |
| Length | below 150 (penalised) | meets 150+ | ideal 160–190 |
Writing Task 2
Spend about 40 minutes · Write at least 250 words · Advantages / disadvantages
Write about the following topic:
In some countries, many young people choose to work or travel for a year between finishing high school and starting university. Do the advantages of taking such a “gap year” outweigh the disadvantages?
Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience.
💡 How to structure Task 2 + useful language · গঠন ও ভাষা
Plan for an advantages/disadvantages essay: Introduction (paraphrase + state whether advantages outweigh) → Body 1 (the disadvantages) → Body 2 (the advantages, which you find stronger) → Conclusion (your verdict). কোন পক্ষ ভারী তা ভূমিকা ও উপসংহারে স্পষ্ট করো।
- Weighing up:
outweigh,the benefits are more significant,on balance - Advantages:
One major benefit is…,A further advantage is… - Disadvantages:
The main drawback is…,Admittedly,However, - Answer the question directly — “outweigh” or “do not outweigh” — don’t sit on the fence.
✅ Show 3 model essays (Band 9 / 7 / 5–6) + Bangla explanations try your own first!
Notice how the answer to “do they outweigh?” becomes clearer and better supported as the band rises. ব্যান্ড বাড়ার সাথে সিদ্ধান্ত ও যুক্তি কীভাবে স্পষ্ট হয় দেখো।
Band 9 286 words
In a number of countries, it has become common for young people to spend a year working or travelling before they begin university, a break widely known as a “gap year”. In my opinion, although this decision carries some risks, its benefits clearly outweigh its drawbacks.
There are, admittedly, some disadvantages to delaying university. The most obvious is that students lose a year of academic momentum; after twelve months away from study, some may find it difficult to return to books and examinations. In addition, a gap year can be expensive, and those who travel without a clear plan may simply waste both time and money.
Nevertheless, the advantages are far more significant. Firstly, a well-spent gap year helps young people to mature. By working to fund their travels or living independently abroad, they develop confidence, budgeting skills and self-reliance that a classroom cannot teach. A student who has supported themselves in a foreign country, for example, is likely to be far better prepared for the challenges of university life. Secondly, time away from formal education often gives students a clearer sense of direction. Many arrive at university unsure of what to study, whereas a year of real-world experience can reveal genuine interests and prevent costly changes of course later.
In conclusion, while a gap year does involve some financial cost and a temporary break from study, the personal growth and clearer motivation it provides are, in my view, well worth it. For most young people, therefore, the advantages of a gap year decisively outweigh the disadvantages.
Band 7 251 words
In some countries, many young people decide to take a year off after school to work or travel before they go to university. This is called a gap year. In my opinion, the advantages of a gap year are more important than the disadvantages.
There are some disadvantages of taking a gap year. Firstly, students take a break from studying for a whole year, so it can be difficult for them to start studying again. Secondly, travelling can be expensive, and if students do not plan well, they can waste their time and money.
However, I think the advantages are bigger. Firstly, a gap year helps young people to become more mature. When they work or live in another country alone, they learn how to be independent and how to manage money. These are important skills for university and for life. Secondly, a gap year can help students to choose the right subject. Many students are not sure what they want to study, but after they get some real experience, they understand their interests better.
For example, my cousin took a gap year and worked in a hospital. After that, she decided to study medicine, and now she is very happy with her choice.
In conclusion, although a gap year has some disadvantages like cost and a break from study, I believe the advantages, such as becoming mature and choosing the right subject, are more important.
Band 5–6 221 words
In many country young people take one year off after the school for work or travel before the university. This is called gap year. In my opinion the advantage of gap year is more than disadvantage.
There is some disadvantage of gap year. First is the students stop the study for one year, so it is difficult to start study again. Second is the travel is very expensive and if they don't plan good they waste the money and time.
But i think the advantage is more big. First is gap year help the young people to become mature. When they work or live alone in other country, they learn to be independent and manage the money. This skill is very important for the life. Second is gap year help to choose the subject. Many student don't know what they want to study but after some experience they understand their interest.
For example my cousin take gap year and work in a hospital. After that she decide to study medicine and now she is happy.
In conclusion, although gap year have some disadvantage like money and break from study, i believe the advantage like become mature is more important. So the students should take gap year.
| Criterion | Band 5–6 | Band 7 | Band 9 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Answering “outweigh?” | stated but simple | clear | clear & decisive |
| Development | ideas thin | both sides + example | fully developed |
| Grammar | frequent errors | mostly accurate | error-free, varied |
| Vocabulary | simple, repeated | good range | wide, precise |
Grade yourself — the 4 official criteria
Tick each statement that is true of your writing. The more ticks, the higher your likely band. Task 2 counts double. প্রতিটি সত্য বাক্যে টিক দাও।