IELTS Writing Task 2 Band 8 Sample Essays (Latest 2025 Topics & Model Answers)

IELTS Academic Reading Practice Test Passage 1: The Power of Sleep in Cognitive Function You should spend about 20 minutes on Questions 1–13, which are based on the Reading Passage below. Sleep is a biological necessity, and its importance in maintaining physical health is well established. However, recent research has also highlighted its essential role in cognitive functions such as learning, memory, and decision-making. Studies suggest that sleep is not simply a passive state but an active process during which the brain performs critical tasks that influence daily functioning. During sleep, the brain consolidates information gathered during the day. This process involves transferring short-term memories into long-term storage, often through a phase of sleep called rapid eye movement (REM). It is during REM sleep that dreams most commonly occur, and the brain demonstrates activity patterns similar to those of wakefulness. Neuroscientists argue that this phase is crucial for emotional regulation and creativity, allowing people to make novel connections between ideas and emotions. Non-REM sleep, particularly the deep sleep stage known as slow-wave sleep, also plays a role in cognitive restoration. This phase is characterized by slow brain waves and minimal consciousness. It is during this time that the brain flushes out waste products accumulated during the day, such as beta-amyloid — a protein linked to Alzheimer’s disease. Some researchers believe that disruptions in deep sleep may contribute to neurodegenerative conditions over time. Sleep deprivation, even for a single night, can impair concentration, reduce reaction time, and affect judgment. In more severe cases, chronic sleep deprivation has been linked to mood disorders such as depression and anxiety. Furthermore, a lack of sleep affects the prefrontal cortex, a part of the brain responsible for complex behavior and decision-making, making individuals more impulsive and less capable of logical thinking. Despite the importance of sleep, modern lifestyles often discourage healthy sleep habits. The proliferation of screens, longer work hours, and the 24/7 nature of modern society have all contributed to widespread sleep deficiency. Blue light emitted by smartphones and laptops suppresses melatonin production, the hormone that regulates sleep, making it harder for people to fall asleep at night. In response, experts recommend good “sleep hygiene,” which includes maintaining a consistent bedtime, reducing screen exposure before bed, and avoiding caffeine in the evening. Some schools and workplaces have begun adjusting schedules to allow for later start times, particularly for adolescents, who are biologically predisposed to sleep later and longer than adults. As research continues to uncover the links between sleep and cognitive health, it is becoming increasingly clear that prioritizing sleep is not just a matter of comfort, but of necessity for mental well-being and effective functioning in daily life. Questions 1–13 Choose the correct letter, A, B, C, or D. What does the passage suggest about REM sleep? A. It is the least important sleep phase B. It helps eliminate harmful brain chemicals C. It contributes to memory consolidation and creativity D. It only occurs during deep sleep According to the passage, why is slow-wave sleep significant? A. It involves rapid brain activity B. It triggers dreaming and emotional responses C. It helps clean the brain and supports mental restoration D. It increases the body's energy levels What is implied about beta-amyloid in the passage? A. It supports cognitive function B. It may be harmful if not cleared from the brain C. It is beneficial during sleep D. It is produced only during deep sleep Which part of the brain is affected by lack of sleep? A. The brainstem B. The hippocampus C. The cerebellum D. The prefrontal cortex What effect does sleep deprivation have on decision-making? A. It improves creative thinking B. It slows down memory formation C. It reduces logical thinking and increases impulsivity D. It enhances reaction time What role does melatonin play in sleep? A. It keeps the brain active at night B. It regulates the body’s sleep-wake cycle C. It increases energy levels in the morning D. It helps in digesting food Why is screen exposure before bedtime harmful? A. It tires the eyes and causes headaches B. It stimulates hunger and overeating C. It suppresses melatonin, making sleep difficult D. It increases deep sleep duration What change have some institutions made in response to sleep research? A. Reduced screen usage during the day B. Shortened the workweek C. Delayed start times to allow for more sleep D. Increased physical activity before bed What is the main purpose of "sleep hygiene"? A. To increase daily productivity B. To create conditions for quality sleep C. To train people to sleep less D. To encourage dreaming According to the passage, adolescents: A. Sleep less than adults by nature B. Struggle with sleep because of stress C. Need less sleep due to biological changes D. Naturally need later and longer sleep What modern lifestyle trend negatively impacts sleep? A. Eating fast food late at night B. Working indoors all day C. Using digital screens late at night D. Traveling between time zones Which of the following is NOT mentioned as a consequence of sleep deprivation? A. Weakened immune system B. Slower reaction times C. Mood disorders D. Poor concentration What is the overall message of the passage? A. Dreams are essential for learning B. Sleep is only important for children and teenagers C. Sleep is vital for mental health and should be prioritized D. Sleep patterns have not changed over time Passage 2: The Disappearing Art of Handwriting [Passage text continues here...] Questions 14–27 Choose the correct letter, A, B, C, or D. Why is handwriting considered beneficial for children’s learning? A. It improves keyboarding skills B. It helps with memory and motor skills C. It shortens learning time D. It is easier than typing What do some schools prioritize over handwriting? A. Artistic expression B. Cultural history C. Digital communication skills D. Public speaking What does the passage suggest about cursive writing? A. It has no measurable educational benefit B. It improves creativity more than typing C. It helps with spelling and reading D. It’s required in modern schools Why do critics believe handwriting should be preserved? A. It is easier to teach than typing B. It reflects individual personality C. It improves computer skills D. It replaces reading What point is made about historical documents? A. They are mainly digital now B. They are difficult to read C. They offer insight into the past D. They are rarely used in schools According to the passage, how does handwriting affect the brain? A. It activates logical reasoning B. It delays cognitive development C. It stimulates emotional and creative regions D. It slows reading skills Why do some creative professionals prefer handwriting? A. It helps them work faster B. It limits distractions from devices C. It connects them emotionally to their work D. It eliminates errors What is the purpose of school programs encouraging pen pals? A. To replace electronic communication B. To develop grammar skills C. To preserve the habit of handwriting D. To teach foreign languages What is the general attitude toward efforts to preserve handwriting? A. They are highly successful B. They are viewed as unnecessary C. They are supported by all schools D. They are mostly symbolic The passage compares handwriting and typing mainly in terms of: A. Cost and availability B. Brain engagement and memory C. Writing speed and accuracy D. Age groups and preferences Which of the following is NOT mentioned as a benefit of handwriting? A. Better emotional connection B. Stronger brain development C. Faster writing speed D. Unique personal style The author’s tone in the passage is: A. Strongly opposed to typing B. Completely nostalgic C. Balanced and thoughtful D. Unconcerned and casual What is implied about the future of handwriting? A. It will disappear completely B. It may remain relevant for certain purposes C. It will replace typing D. It is required by law The main purpose of the passage is to: A. Promote the use of typing B. Explain the decline of handwriting and its possible consequences C. Teach cursive writing techniques D. Compare ancient and modern writing styles Passage 3: Coral Reefs – Rainforests of the Sea [Passage text continues here...] Questions 28–30 Choose the correct letter, A, B, C, or D. Why are coral reefs called “rainforests of the sea”? A. They are made of plants B. They provide food for humans C. They support an incredible range of marine life D. They are found in the same regions as rainforests What do coral polyps rely on for nutrients? A. Salt in the water B. Algae living inside them C. Fish waste D. Marine plankton What is the main cause of coral bleaching? A. Ocean pollution B. Too much sunlight C. Rising sea temperatures D. Human fishing practices