The IELTS exam continues to evolve, and January 2026 test-takers in Australia have reported new Writing questions that strongly test clarityEasy to understand, relevance, and idea developmentExpanding and explaining ideas fully rather than memorised structuresPre-learned fixed patterns.
In this blog, we'll break down both Writing tasks, provide band-7.5+ level model answers, and add teacher's notes explaining why these answers work and how examiners evaluate them.
IELTS Writing Task 1 – Letter (General Training)
Question Overview
You have been listening to a podcast regularly and want to give feedback to the podcast manager.
You must:
Explain when you started listening
Describe why you enjoy it and listen regularly
Suggest ways to improve the podcast
Minimum words: 150
Tone: Semi-formal
No addresses required
Band 7.5+ Sample Answer
Dear Sir or Madam,
I am writing to share my feedback on your podcast, which I have been listening to regularlyConsistently, on a routine basis for the past eight months. I discovered it last year while searching for informative contentEducational and useful material related to personal development and communication skills.
One of the main reasons I enjoy this podcast is the clarity with which complex ideasDifficult or sophisticated concepts are explained. The speakers use practical examplesReal, applicable illustrations, real-life experiencesActual situations from life, and a conversational toneFriendly, informal speaking style, which makes each episode both engaging and easy to understand. Moreover, the topics are highly relevant toConnected to, applicable to modern lifestyles, and I often find myself looking forward to new episodes during my daily commuteRegular journey to work.
That said, I believe there are a few areas where the podcast could be further improvedMade even better. Firstly, adding short summaries at the beginning of each episode would help listeners understand what to expect. Secondly, inviting more guest speakers from diverse professional backgroundsVarious career fields could provide fresh perspectivesNew viewpoints. Lastly, improving the audio quality in a few episodes would enhance the overall listening experienceComplete enjoyment of listening.
Thank you for creating such valuable contentUseful and meaningful material. I hope you find these suggestions helpful.
Yours faithfully,
Rahul Sharma
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Teacher's Notes – Task 1
Why this answer scores well:
Task Achievement: All three bullet points are clearly addressed with balanced detailEqual amount of information.
Tone & Style: Appropriate semi-formal tonePolite but not overly formal throughout (no slang, no over-formality).
Coherence & Cohesion: Logical paragraphing:
— Para 1: Introduction + when started
— Para 2: Reasons for enjoyment
— Para 3: Suggestions
— Para 4: Polite closing
Lexical Resource: Natural vocabulary like engaging, relevant, diverse perspectivesVarious viewpoints — not memorised phrasesPre-learned fixed expressions.
Grammar Range: Accurate use of complex sentencesSentences with multiple clauses without risk-taking errors.
Examiner Tip: Suggestions must sound realistic and constructive, not complaints.
IELTS Writing Task 2 – Essay
Question
Some people believe that children in the past had an easier life, while others think that life is easier for children today.
Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
Essay Type: Discussion + Opinion
Recommended words: 250–290
Band 8 Model Answer
There is an ongoing debateContinuing discussion about whether children in the past enjoyed a simpler life or whether modern children have greater advantages. While both perspectives have merit, I believe that life is generally easier for children today due to improved facilities and opportunities.
On the one hand, supporters of the past argue that children previously experienced less pressure. Academic competitionCompetition in education was limited, and expectations from parents and society were comparatively lowerLower when compared. Many children spent their time playing outdoors, developing social skillsAbilities to interact with others naturally, and enjoying a slower pace of lifeLess rushed lifestyle without constant exposure to technology or academic stressPressure from studies.
On the other hand, children today benefit from significant advancementsImportant improvements that make life more comfortable and secure. Access to quality education, healthcare, and technology has improved dramatically. Modern tools allow children to learn creatively, explore global knowledgeInformation from around the world, and communicate effortlessly. Additionally, child safety laws and awareness about mental health provide better protection and support than in the past.
In my opinion, despite facing higher academic pressureStress from educational demands, children today enjoy an easier life overall. The availability of resources, opportunities for skill developmentBuilding abilities and talents, and improved living standardsQuality of life conditions outweigh the disadvantages. With proper guidance, modern challenges can be managed effectivelyHandled successfully.
In conclusion, although children in the past may have lived with fewer expectations, today's children are better equipped to grow, learn, and succeed in a rapidly changing worldQuickly evolving society.
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Teacher's Notes – Task 2
Why this essay scores Band 7.5–8:
Clear Position: Opinion is clearly stated and consistently supported.
Balanced Discussion: Both views explained fairly — no extreme bias.
Idea Development: Each paragraph has:
— Topic sentence
— Explanation
— Logical flow
Cohesion: Effective use of connectors: On the one hand, On the other hand, In my opinion, In conclusion
Lexical Control: Natural phrases like academic pressureStress from studies, living standardsQuality of life, rapidly changing worldQuickly evolving society
Grammar Accuracy: Complex sentencesSentences with multiple clauses used safely — not forced.
Examiner Warning: Do NOT over-generaliseMake too broad statements (e.g., "all children are stressed today"). Balance is key.
Final Teacher Advice for January 2026 Candidates
Focus on idea clarityClear expression of thoughts, not fancy words
Avoid memorised templatesPre-learned fixed structures — examiners spot them easily
Write like an educated human, not a robot
Answer exactly what is asked — nothing extra, nothing missing
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