IELTS Writing Task 2: Alcohol Consumption - Band 7.5 Sample with Full Breakdown
Related guides:
Prompt
Some people believe that the consumption of alcohol should be banned, while others argue that it should be legal. Discuss both views and give your opinion.
Sample Answers
Band 6.0
The consumption of alcohol should be banned because it causes many problems. For example, people who drink too much can have health problems like liver disease. Also, drunk people can cause accidents on the road. On the other hand, some people say that alcohol should be legal because it is part of their culture. They drink alcohol in celebrations and festivals. In my opinion, alcohol should be banned because the problems it causes are too serious.
Scoring Breakdown
- Task Response (TR): Presents a clear position but with limited development. (Band 5.0)
- Coherence and Cohesion (CC): Information is logically organized but with some repetition. (Band 6.0)
- Lexical Resource (LR): Uses a mix of simple and some less common vocabulary but with some errors. (Band 6.0)
- Grammatical Range and Accuracy (GRA): Uses a mix of simple and complex sentence forms but with frequent errors. (Band 6.0)
Band 7.0
The debate over whether alcohol consumption should be banned or legalized is a contentious issue. Proponents of banning alcohol argue that it leads to numerous health issues, such as liver disease and addiction. Additionally, alcohol consumption can result in dangerous behaviors, including drunk driving, which poses a threat to public safety. Conversely, those who advocate for the legalization of alcohol contend that it is deeply rooted in many cultures and traditions. They argue that banning alcohol would infringe upon personal freedoms and cultural practices. In my view, while alcohol should not be completely banned, stricter regulations should be implemented to mitigate its negative impacts.
Scoring Breakdown
- Task Response (TR): Presents a clear position with relevant, extended ideas and some supporting examples. (Band 7.0)
- Coherence and Cohesion (CC): Information is logically organized with clear progression. (Band 7.0)
- Lexical Resource (LR): Uses a mix of less common vocabulary with some less obvious choices. (Band 7.0)
- Grammatical Range and Accuracy (GRA): Uses a mix of complex and simple sentence forms with occasional errors. (Band 7.0)
Band 8.0
The question of whether alcohol consumption should be prohibited or permitted is a complex and multifaceted issue. On one hand, those who advocate for a ban on alcohol point to the severe health consequences associated with excessive drinking, including liver disease, heart problems, and addiction. Furthermore, alcohol consumption can lead to dangerous behaviors, such as drunk driving, which endanger not only the individual but also the broader community. On the other hand, proponents of legalizing alcohol argue that it plays a significant role in many cultures and traditions, serving as a means of celebration and social bonding. They contend that a complete ban would be impractical and could lead to the proliferation of illegal alcohol markets. In my opinion, a balanced approach is necessary, one that involves strict regulations and public education campaigns to promote responsible alcohol consumption.
Scoring Breakdown
- Task Response (TR): Presents a clear position with relevant, extended, and supported ideas. (Band 8.0)
- Coherence and Cohesion (CC): Information is logically organized with clear progression and effective use of cohesive devices. (Band 8.0)
- Lexical Resource (LR): Uses a wide range of vocabulary with less common lexical items and some sophisticated vocabulary. (Band 8.0)
- Grammatical Range and Accuracy (GRA): Uses a wide range of complex sentence forms with frequent error-free sentences. (Band 8.0)
Vocabulary Highlights
- Contentious (adj.): Causing or likely to cause disagreement or argument. Example: The debate over alcohol consumption is a contentious issue.
- Proponents (n.): A person who advocates for a particular cause or proposal. Example: Proponents of banning alcohol argue that it leads to numerous health issues.
- Mitigate (v.): Make less severe, serious, or painful. Example: Stricter regulations should be implemented to mitigate the negative impacts of alcohol.
- Infringe (v.): Act in a way that deliberately breaks the terms of a law, agreement, etc. Example: Banning alcohol would infringe upon personal freedoms.
- Prohibition (n.): The action of forbidding something, especially by law. Example: The prohibition of alcohol has been debated for many years.
- Addiction (n.): The fact or condition of being addicted to a particular substance or activity. Example: Alcohol addiction can lead to severe health consequences.
- Proliferation (n.): Rapid increase in the number or amount of something. Example: A complete ban on alcohol could lead to the proliferation of illegal alcohol markets.
- Impractical (adj.): Not sensible or realistic. Example: A complete ban on alcohol would be impractical.
- Multifaceted (adj.): Having many different aspects or features. Example: The question of alcohol consumption is a multifaceted issue.
- Endanger (v.): Put (someone or something) at risk or in danger. Example: Drunk driving endangers not only the individual but also the broader community.
- Advocate (v.): Publicly recommend or support. Example: Many people advocate for stricter regulations on alcohol consumption.
- Severity (n.): The state of being serious or grave. Example: The severity of health issues related to alcohol consumption cannot be ignored.
- Regulation (n.): A rule or directive made and maintained by an authority. Example: Stricter regulations are needed to control alcohol consumption.
- Bonding (n.): The process of forming a close relationship. Example: Alcohol plays a role in social bonding in many cultures.
- Impracticality (n.): The state of being not sensible or realistic. Example: The impracticality of a complete ban on alcohol is often debated.
- Prohibitionist (n.): A person who advocates for the prohibition of something. Example: Prohibitionists argue that alcohol should be banned.
- Health consequences (n.): The results or effects of actions or conditions on health. Example: The health consequences of alcohol consumption are severe.
- Social bonding (n.): The process of forming close relationships within a community. Example: Alcohol is often used for social bonding in many cultures.
- Public education (n.): The process of educating the public about important issues. Example: Public education campaigns can promote responsible alcohol consumption.
- Balanced approach (n.): A method that considers multiple perspectives and finds a middle ground. Example: A balanced approach is necessary for regulating alcohol consumption.
Common Mistakes
- Overgeneralization: Making broad statements without sufficient evidence or examples. Example: Avoid saying "Alcohol is bad for everyone" without supporting details.
- Lack of Clarity: Failing to clearly state your position or present a well-structured argument. Example: Ensure your opinion is clearly stated and supported with relevant points.
- Repetition: Repeating the same ideas or phrases without adding new information. Example: Avoid repeating "Alcohol is dangerous" multiple times without elaboration.
- Poor Vocabulary Choices: Using inappropriate or incorrect vocabulary that detracts from the overall quality of the response. Example: Use precise and relevant vocabulary to enhance your argument.
- Grammatical Errors: Making frequent grammatical mistakes that affect the clarity and coherence of the response. Example: Proofread your work to minimize grammatical errors.
Get Your Own Response Scored by AI on English AIdol
Ready to improve your IELTS Writing Task 2 score? Get your own response scored by AI on English AIdol and receive personalized feedback to help you achieve your target band score.
