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IELTS Writing Task 2:
Censorship — Band 9.0 Sample with Full Breakdown

Get a Band 9.0 IELTS Writing Task 2 sample answer on censorship with full scoring breakdown, vocabulary, and common mistakes to avoid.

IELTS Writing Task 2: Censorship — Band 9.0 Sample with Full Breakdown | English AIdol Blog

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Get a Band 9.0 IELTS Writing Task 2 sample answer on censorship with full scoring breakdown, vocabulary, and common mistakes to avoid.

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IELTS Writing Task 2: Censorship — Band 9.0 Sample with Full Breakdown

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Prompt

Some people argue that governments should have the right to censor news and information that can cause social unrest. To what extent do you agree or disagree?

Model Answers

Band 9.0 Answer

Government censorship of news and information is a contentious issue, but I firmly believe that such control is necessary to maintain social stability. While freedom of expression is important, unrestricted access to potentially inflammatory content can lead to chaos and division.

Firstly, governments have a responsibility to protect their citizens from harmful information. For instance, false reports of violence or unrest can incite panic and lead to dangerous situations. In 2020, during the COVID-19 pandemic, many countries censored misinformation about the virus to prevent public hysteria. This proactive approach helped maintain order and ensured that citizens received accurate information from reliable sources.

Secondly, censorship can prevent the spread of extremist ideologies. Terrorist organizations often use media platforms to recruit followers and spread their messages. By monitoring and controlling such content, governments can mitigate the risk of radicalization. For example, countries like Singapore and China have strict laws against the dissemination of extremist propaganda, which has significantly reduced the influence of terrorist groups within their borders.

However, it is crucial to strike a balance between censorship and freedom of expression. Governments should not use censorship as a tool to suppress dissent or control public opinion. Transparent and fair regulations are essential to ensure that censorship is applied judiciously. For instance, independent media watchdogs can oversee government actions to prevent abuse of power.

In conclusion, while censorship can be a double-edged sword, it is a necessary measure to maintain social harmony and protect citizens from harmful influences. Governments must exercise this power responsibly and ensure that it does not infringe upon fundamental human rights.

Band 8.0 Answer

I agree that governments should have the right to censor news and information that can cause social unrest, but this power should be used carefully.

On one hand, censorship can help prevent the spread of false information that could lead to social unrest. For example, during times of crisis, such as natural disasters or public health emergencies, governments need to control the flow of information to avoid panic. This was evident during the 2011 earthquake and tsunami in Japan, where the government censored certain details to prevent widespread fear and chaos.

On the other hand, excessive censorship can limit freedom of speech and hinder democratic processes. People have the right to access information and form their own opinions. If governments censor too much, they can create an environment where people are not well-informed, which is detrimental to a healthy democracy. For instance, in some countries, governments censor news about corruption and human rights abuses, which prevents citizens from holding their leaders accountable.

To conclude, while censorship can be beneficial in certain situations, it is important for governments to use this power responsibly and ensure that it does not infringe upon the rights of citizens.

Band 7.0 Answer

I think governments should be able to censor news and information that can cause social unrest, but they should not censor too much.

Firstly, governments need to censor information that can cause panic and chaos. For example, during wars or terrorist attacks, it is important for governments to control what information is released to the public. This can help prevent people from getting too scared and doing things that could make the situation worse. In 2015, when there were terrorist attacks in Paris, the French government censored some details to prevent further panic.

However, governments should not censor too much because this can limit people's freedom. People should be able to access information and make their own decisions. If governments censor too much, they can create a situation where people do not know what is really happening. This can be bad for democracy because people need information to make good choices about their leaders.

In conclusion, governments should have the right to censor information that can cause social unrest, but they should not censor too much. They need to find a balance between controlling information and allowing people to have freedom.

Band 6.0 Answer

I think governments should censor news and information that can cause social unrest because it can be bad for society.

First, if people see bad news, they can get scared and do bad things. For example, if there is a war, people might get very scared and do things that make the situation worse. So, governments should censor news about war to keep people calm.

Second, governments should not censor too much because people need to know what is happening. If governments censor too much, people might not know what is really going on. This can be bad because people need information to make good decisions.

In conclusion, governments should censor news that can cause social unrest, but they should not censor too much. They need to find a balance.

Scoring Breakdown

Band 9.0 Answer

Task Response (TR): Presents a clear position throughout and extends and supports ideas. Presents a detailed discussion of both views.

Coherence and Cohesion (CC): Uses cohesive devices effectively to guide the reader. Paragraphs are logically organized, and ideas flow smoothly.

Lexical Resource (LR): Uses a wide range of vocabulary with precision and sophistication. Collocations are natural and varied.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy (GRA): Uses a mix of complex sentence forms with high accuracy. Errors are rare and do not impede understanding.

Band 8.0 Answer

Task Response (TR): Presents a clear position and extends ideas with some development. Discusses both views but with less detail than a Band 9.0 answer.

Coherence and Cohesion (CC): Uses cohesive devices effectively but with some less sophisticated choices. Paragraphs are logically organized but with some repetition.

Lexical Resource (LR): Uses a range of vocabulary with some less precise choices. Collocations are generally natural but less varied.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy (GRA): Uses a mix of complex sentence forms with some errors. Errors are noticeable but do not impede understanding.

Band 7.0 Answer

Task Response (TR): Presents a clear position but with limited development. Discusses both views but with less detail and some vagueness.

Coherence and Cohesion (CC): Uses cohesive devices but with some awkward choices. Paragraphs are logically organized but with some repetition and less sophisticated transitions.

Lexical Resource (LR): Uses a range of vocabulary but with some less precise choices. Collocations are generally natural but less varied.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy (GRA): Uses a mix of complex sentence forms with some errors. Errors are noticeable and occasionally impede understanding.

Band 6.0 Answer

Task Response (TR): Presents a clear position but with very limited development. Discusses both views but with minimal detail and some vagueness.

Coherence and Cohesion (CC): Uses cohesive devices but with some awkward choices. Paragraphs are logically organized but with significant repetition and less sophisticated transitions.

Lexical Resource (LR): Uses a limited range of vocabulary with some less precise choices. Collocations are generally natural but less varied.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy (GRA): Uses a mix of simple and complex sentence forms with frequent errors. Errors are noticeable and often impede understanding.

Vocabulary Highlights

  1. Contentious (adjective): Controversial or disputed.
  • Example: The issue of government censorship is highly contentious.
  1. Inflammatory (adjective): Causing anger or excitement.
  • Example: The government censored inflammatory news to prevent social unrest.
  1. Proactive (adjective): Taking initiative; acting in advance to deal with an expected problem or need.
  • Example: The government took proactive measures to control the spread of misinformation.
  1. Radicalization (noun): The action of making someone become more radical in their opinions or behavior.
  • Example: Censorship can help prevent the radicalization of vulnerable individuals.
  1. Judiciously (adverb): In a careful and thoughtful manner.
  • Example: Governments should apply censorship judiciously to avoid abuse of power.
  1. Transparency (noun): The quality of being easily seen through; openness.
  • Example: Independent media watchdogs ensure transparency in government actions.
  1. Harmonious (adjective): Free from disagreement or dissent; peaceful.
  • Example: Censorship can help maintain a harmonious society.
  1. Infringe (verb): Act so as to limit or undermine something.
  • Example: Governments should not use censorship to infringe upon fundamental human rights.
  1. Panic (noun): Sudden uncontrollable fear or anxiety.
  • Example: False reports of violence can incite panic and lead to dangerous situations.
  1. Extremist (noun): A person who holds extreme political or religious views.
  • Example: Governments should monitor and control extremist propaganda.
  1. Recruit (verb): Enlist someone as a member or supporter of an organization.
  • Example: Terrorist organizations often use media platforms to recruit followers.
  1. Dissent (noun): The expression or holding of opinions at variance with those commonly or officially held.
  • Example: Governments should not use censorship to suppress dissent.
  1. Accountability (noun): The fact or condition of being accountable; responsibility.
  • Example: Citizens need access to information to hold their leaders accountable.
  1. Proactive (adjective): Taking initiative; acting in advance to deal with an expected problem or need.
  • Example: The government took proactive measures to control the spread of misinformation.
  1. Judiciously (adverb): In a careful and thoughtful manner.
  • Example: Governments should apply censorship judiciously to avoid abuse of power.
  1. Transparency (noun): The quality of being easily seen through; openness.
  • Example: Independent media watchdogs ensure transparency in government actions.
  1. Harmonious (adjective): Free from disagreement or dissent; peaceful.
  • Example: Censorship can help maintain a harmonious society.
  1. Infringe (verb): Act so as to limit or undermine something.
  • Example: Governments should not use censorship to infringe upon fundamental human rights.
  1. Panic (noun): Sudden uncontrollable fear or anxiety.
  • Example: False reports of violence can incite panic and lead to dangerous situations.
  1. Extremist (noun): A person who holds extreme political or religious views.
  • Example: Governments should monitor and control extremist propaganda.
  1. Recruit (verb): Enlist someone as a member or supporter of an organization.
  • Example: Terrorist organizations often use media platforms to recruit followers.
  1. Dissent (noun): The expression or holding of opinions at variance with those commonly or officially held.
  • Example: Governments should not use censorship to suppress dissent.
  1. Accountability (noun): The fact or condition of being accountable; responsibility.
  • Example: Citizens need access to information to hold their leaders accountable.

Common Mistakes

  1. Overgeneralizing: Students often make broad statements without providing specific examples or evidence to support their claims.
  1. Lack of Balance: Failing to address both sides of the argument can result in a one-sided discussion, which is not sufficient for a high-band answer.
  1. Repetition: Repeating the same ideas or phrases can make the essay seem less cohesive and less sophisticated.
  1. Poor Vocabulary Choices: Using vague or inappropriate vocabulary can weaken the argument and make the essay less convincing.
  1. Grammatical Errors: Frequent grammatical errors can make the essay difficult to understand and lower the overall score.

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