IELTS Opinion Writing Samples Band 8

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Teenage motorists appear in accident statistics far more often than any other group, and some governments have responded by proposing that nobody should hold a licence before the age of twenty-one. While I accept that older drivers tend to be safer, I largely disagree with this view, because the problem lies in inexperience rather than youth itself, and better training would protect the public more fairly.
Parents and teachers have long disagreed about whether a classroom should feel like a race or a team. While some argue that rivalry pushes the young to achieve their best, others believe that learning to work together prepares them far better for adult life. This essay will examine both positions before arguing that cooperation should come first, with competition used only in small doses.
Every year, governments must decide whether to widen the roads that drivers want or to invest in the buses and trains that most of them do not use. While I accept that new highways help in rural areas, I largely agree that public transport deserves the greater share of spending, because it carries more people at lower cost and causes far less harm to cities.
In almost every economy, a tiny minority of executives, athletes and entrepreneurs earn in a month what most citizens earn in a lifetime. While some regard these rewards as a healthy sign of ambition, others argue that the state should impose a legal ceiling on pay. This essay will examine both positions before arguing that a cap would do more harm than good, and that heavy taxation is the wiser response.
Many schools and universities use final examinations to measure students' academic performance. Some people believe that this method is ineffective and should be replaced with continuous assessment. I completely agree because regular assessment shows students' abilities over time and allows a wider range of skills to be evaluated.
Whether academic subjects are beneficial remains a subject of considerable debate. While some people argue that traditional school disciplines are essential for students’ development, others believe that health, nutrition and life skills are more valuable in everyday life. This essay will examine both perspectives before explaining why I find a balanced approach more convincing.
Many countries compete to host major sporting events, while others argue that the costs outweigh the benefits. This essay will discuss both views, but I believe that hosting such events is worthwhile if they are carefully planned.
In modern society, an efficient transportation system is essential for economic growth and public well-being. While some people argue that governments should invest more heavily in public transport than in road construction, others believe that new roads are equally necessary. I largely agree with the former view because improving public transport can ease traffic congestion, minimise air pollution, and make daily travel more affordable.
Some people argue that governments should prioritise roads and motorways over public transport such as railways and trams. I strongly disagree, because investment in public transport offers far greater long-term benefits for society.
It is often argued that providing more places for physical activity is the most effective way to improve public health, as this would encourage more people to exercise. Others, including myself, disagree, arguing that maintaining a healthy diet and raising awareness of healthy lifestyles can have a greater impact than simply increasing access to sports facilities.
The widespread use of computers and smartphones has raised concerns about their impact on young people's reading and writing abilities. Although excessive dependence on these devices can weaken independent literacy skills, I largely disagree that their increasing use is inherently harmful because they provide young people with greater access to information and opportunities to develop these skills.
It is often claimed that computers have made people’s lives easier because of their convenience, while others believe that they have created more complexity and pressure by making people constantly accessible and enabling fraud to occur more frequently. However, I believe that their benefits outweigh these disadvantages.
Some people believe that it is preferable to have friends who share similar views and interests, while others argue that friendships are more beneficial when people are willing to disagree with one another. Although having things in common can make it easier to form a friendship, I believe that occasional disagreement is equally valuable because it allows friends to give honest advice and develop greater trust.
It is often argued that the widespread use of computers and mobile phones has weakened young people's reading and writing skills. I completely disagree with this view because digital technology provides access to a wide range of reading materials and gives young people more opportunities to practise written communication.
It is argued that governments should use public funding to provide computer training for people aged 65 and above. I strongly agree with this proposal because digital skills can help older citizens access essential services independently and maintain valuable social connections with family and friends.
Some people believe that teenagers should study a wide range of school subjects, while others argue that they should focus on the subjects they are good at or find interesting. In my view, both sides are partly true. All students should study core subjects such as maths and language, but they should be free to choose the rest.
It is argued whether the primary purpose of museums is to educate visitors or whether they can also provide entertainment. I believe that museums are multifunctional, as people may visit them for different purposes depending on their interests.
There is a debate over the primary advantage of international alliances, with some arguing that its greatest benefit is environmental protection, while others believe that its main contribution is to global commerce and economic growth. I agree with the latter view.
Due to its detrimental effects on health, it is debated whether the government or individuals should be responsible for limiting excessive sugar intake. Although the state has powerful tools to address this issue, I believe that people should primarily depend on themselves, as they are the main beneficiaries of maintaining good health.
There is a debate over whether allowing children to watch television has negative or positive effects on them. Although it can distract young people from important tasks and make them more introverted, I believe they can learn valuable lessons from programmes, while also remaining safe when their parents are busy. Therefore, its benefits outweigh its drawbacks.
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