Prompt:
Some people believe that unpaid community service should be a compulsory part of high school programs (e.g., working for a charity, improving the neighbourhood).
To what extent do you agree or disagree?

Model Answer (Band 8.5 | Word Count: 284)

There is ongoing debate about whether unpaid community service should be a mandatory component of high school education. While some argue that students should focus solely on academics, I strongly agree that involving them in voluntary work benefits both the individuals and society at large.

To begin with, integrating community service into school programs promotes personal growth and responsibility. Teenagers often lead structured lives centered on academics and recreation, but participating in charitable activities such as helping the elderly or cleaning local parks exposes them to real-world problems. This helps cultivate empathy, teamwork, and a sense of civic duty—qualities that traditional classroom education may not fully develop.

Moreover, community involvement can enhance students’ future opportunities. Many universities and employers value candidates with demonstrated social commitment. By taking part in organized volunteer work, students can build leadership skills, expand their networks, and strengthen their personal statements or résumés. These experiences offer long-term advantages, especially in a competitive academic and job market.

Critics may argue that mandatory service adds pressure to already overwhelmed students. However, if well-structured and limited in hours, such programs need not interfere with academic performance. In fact, they can serve as a meaningful break from routine, promoting mental well-being and a stronger connection with the local environment.

In conclusion, requiring high school students to engage in unpaid community service is a highly beneficial policy. It nurtures responsible citizens, strengthens character, and supports students' personal and professional development. Therefore, I fully support the integration of such programs into the educational system.

Prompt:
In many countries, people do not recycle their waste materials as much as they should.
Why do you think this is the case? What can be done to solve this problem?

Despite growing environmental awareness, many people in various countries still fail to recycle their waste materials consistently. This can be attributed to two main factors: a lack of accessible recycling systems and insufficient public understanding of how and why recycling matters. Fortunately, both problems are solvable through practical reform and education.

Firstly, recycling is often viewed as inconvenient. In many towns and suburban areas, especially in developing nations, local authorities fail to provide residents with separate bins or regular pickup services. As a result, people default to discarding all waste in general trash. For example, in parts of Southeast Asia, over 60% of urban households report no curbside recycling access. Moreover, when recycling stations do exist, they are often poorly maintained or improperly labeled, discouraging use.

Secondly, public awareness about recycling standards is often limited. Many individuals do not know how to separate materials properly or which items are accepted. For instance, food-soiled containers and mixed-material packaging often contaminate recycling bins, rendering entire batches unusable. To resolve this, governments should introduce media-based educational campaigns, integrate recycling awareness into school curricula, and provide easy-to-read guides for households.

Additionally, offering incentives such as bottle deposit-return systems, tax reductions, or community reward programs can help reinforce consistent recycling habits. Germany’s success with bottle deposits and Japan’s community-sorted waste system demonstrate how structured programs can yield significant results.

In conclusion, the low rate of recycling is caused by a combination of limited infrastructure and poor understanding. By improving systems and educating the public, societies can drastically reduce waste and move toward a more sustainable future.

Prompt:
Some people think that parents should teach children how to be good members of society. Others believe that school is the best place to learn this.
Discuss both views and give your own opinion.

✅ Word Count: 275
Band 8.5+ Model Answer

There is ongoing debate over who should be primarily responsible for teaching children how to become responsible and respectful members of society. While some argue that this duty belongs to parents, others believe that formal education plays a more effective role. This essay will examine both perspectives before explaining why I believe that both parties must share this responsibility.

On one hand, parents are the child’s first and most consistent influence. From an early age, children absorb values, habits, and social behaviour from their family environment. For example, when parents model politeness, honesty, or empathy at home, children are likely to mirror these behaviours. Furthermore, children often spend more time with their parents than any other adults, especially in their formative years. This extended exposure makes parents well-positioned to shape long-term attitudes and social awareness.

On the other hand, schools offer structured opportunities to learn social norms and cooperation through formal instruction and peer interaction. Educational institutions can implement programs that teach teamwork, respect, civic responsibility, and tolerance in diverse social settings. For instance, school projects, team sports, and classroom rules expose children to group dynamics, shared responsibilities, and respectful disagreement—skills critical to social integration. Additionally, trained educators can reinforce behavioural standards in a systematic and unbiased manner.

In my view, both parents and schools play complementary roles. Parents lay the foundation through early social conditioning, while schools build upon this by exposing children to real-world diversity and structured social expectations. Neither institution alone can fully prepare children for society.

In conclusion, while some argue for parental responsibility and others emphasize formal education, I believe that both are essential in shaping socially competent individuals.

Prompt:
More and more people are choosing to work from home.
What are the advantages and disadvantages of this trend?

✅ Word Count: 262

Band 8.5+ Model Answer

In recent years, working from home has become increasingly popular, particularly with the rise of digital technology and flexible employment models. While this trend offers several clear advantages, it also presents notable challenges that merit careful consideration.

One major advantage of remote work is the flexibility it provides. Employees can set their own schedules, avoid commuting, and better balance their professional and personal lives. For instance, a working parent may benefit from being able to pick up their children from school or manage household responsibilities without sacrificing job performance. Additionally, companies that allow remote work can save on office space and operational costs, which can then be reinvested in employee support or innovation.

However, this trend is not without drawbacks. One significant disadvantage is the potential for isolation and reduced team cohesion. Many remote workers report feelings of loneliness due to the lack of daily interaction with colleagues. Moreover, collaboration can become more difficult when communication is limited to emails and virtual meetings. In some cases, productivity may also suffer if workers are not self-disciplined or lack a dedicated workspace at home. For example, someone working from a crowded or noisy household may struggle to maintain focus throughout the day.

In my opinion, while working from home offers convenience and autonomy, it is not suitable for everyone. Employers should offer remote work as an option rather than a requirement, and provide support to address its challenges.

In conclusion, the shift toward home-based work has both benefits and limitations. With thoughtful implementation, it can be an effective and sustainable model for many professionals.

Prompt:
Nowadays, many people are choosing to live alone.
Why is this the case? Is this a positive or negative development?

✅ Word Count: 273
Band 8.5+ Model Answer

In many modern societies, the number of people choosing to live alone has increased significantly. This trend is often attributed to social and economic shifts, and while it offers certain benefits, it also raises concerns about long-term well-being.

One key reason more individuals are living alone is greater financial independence. Unlike in the past, many young adults today are able to support themselves due to better job opportunities, especially in urban areas. As a result, they may choose to prioritize career growth or personal freedom over traditional family living. Additionally, evolving social norms have made it more acceptable for individuals to remain single into their thirties or beyond, without facing the pressure to marry or cohabit. For example, in cities like Stockholm and Tokyo, nearly half of all households are occupied by single adults who value privacy and autonomy.

Whether this trend is positive or negative depends on perspective. On the one hand, living alone allows individuals to maintain full control over their time and environment. It can foster self-reliance and reduce domestic conflict. However, long-term solitude can also lead to loneliness, especially among older adults. Studies have linked prolonged social isolation to increased risks of depression and cognitive decline. Moreover, living alone can be economically inefficient, as single-income households face higher per-person costs for housing and utilities.

In my view, while living alone offers freedom and personal space, it may have negative consequences if not balanced with regular social interaction and support networks.

In conclusion, the rise in solo living reflects changing values and economic realities. Although it suits many people’s lifestyles, it should be approached mindfully to avoid its potential downsides.