IELTS Writing Task 2: Cyberbullying (Advantages Disadvantages) — Band 6/7/8/9 Model Answers

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The Prompt

Paraphrased Prompt: Some people believe that cyberbullying has certain advantages, while others argue that it only has disadvantages. Discuss both views and give your opinion.

Model Answers

Band 6.0 Answer

Cyberbullying has both advantages and disadvantages. Some people think that cyberbullying can help people express their feelings and opinions freely. For example, in some countries, people cannot speak freely, so they use the internet to express their opinions. However, cyberbullying also has many disadvantages. It can cause mental health problems, such as depression and anxiety. Additionally, cyberbullying can lead to physical harm, as victims may become suicidal.

Scoring Breakdown:

• Task Response (TR): 5.0 - Presents a position but with limited development
• Coherence and Cohesion (CC): 6.0 - Ideas are logically ordered but with some repetition
• Lexical Resource (LR): 6.0 - Uses some less common vocabulary but with some errors
• Grammatical Range and Accuracy (GRA): 6.0 - Makes frequent grammatical errors but meaning is clear

Band 7.0 Answer

The phenomenon of cyberbullying has sparked debate regarding its potential advantages and clear disadvantages. Proponents argue that it can serve as a platform for marginalized voices to challenge authority and expose injustices. For instance, social media campaigns have successfully raised awareness about social issues. However, the disadvantages outweigh these benefits. Cyberbullying can lead to severe psychological trauma, with victims experiencing long-term mental health issues. Furthermore, it can escalate into real-world violence, as seen in cases where victims have been physically harmed or even driven to suicide.

Scoring Breakdown:

• Task Response (TR): 7.0 - Presents a clear position with relevant, extended arguments
• Coherence and Cohesion (CC): 7.0 - Uses cohesive devices effectively but with some awkward phrasing
• Lexical Resource (LR): 7.0 - Uses a mix of appropriate and less precise vocabulary
• Grammatical Range and Accuracy (GRA): 7.0 - Makes occasional grammatical errors but generally accurate

Band 8.0 Answer

While cyberbullying is predominantly viewed as a harmful practice, some argue it has certain advantages worth considering. On one hand, it can be a tool for social activism, enabling individuals to challenge oppressive regimes and advocate for change. For example, the Arab Spring movements utilized social media to organize protests and demand reforms. On the other hand, the detrimental effects are undeniable. Cyberbullying can cause profound psychological distress, leading to conditions like PTSD and severe depression. Additionally, it can foster a culture of fear and intimidation, stifling free expression and creativity.

Scoring Breakdown:

• Task Response (TR): 8.0 - Presents a clear position with well-developed arguments and relevant examples
• Coherence and Cohesion (CC): 8.0 - Uses a wide range of cohesive devices effectively
• Lexical Resource (LR): 8.0 - Uses a wide range of vocabulary appropriately
• Grammatical Range and Accuracy (GRA): 8.0 - Uses a mix of simple and complex sentence structures with few errors

Band 9.0 Answer

The contentious issue of cyberbullying has elicited diverse perspectives, with some advocating for its potential benefits and others emphasizing its deleterious effects. Proponents contend that it can serve as a catalyst for social change, empowering individuals to challenge systemic injustices. For instance, the #MeToo movement gained momentum through social media platforms, exposing widespread sexual harassment and abuse. However, the detrimental impacts are far more significant. Cyberbullying can inflict severe psychological harm, with victims experiencing anxiety, depression, and even suicidal ideation. Moreover, it can perpetuate a toxic online environment, discouraging open dialogue and constructive debate.

Scoring Breakdown:

• Task Response (TR): 9.0 - Presents a clear, insightful position with fully developed arguments and relevant, extended examples
• Coherence and Cohesion (CC): 9.0 - Uses a wide range of cohesive devices effectively and flexibly
• Lexical Resource (LR): 9.0 - Uses a wide range of vocabulary with full flexibility and precision
• Grammatical Range and Accuracy (GRA): 9.0 - Uses a wide range of complex sentence structures with full flexibility and accuracy

Vocabulary Highlights

1. Phenomenon (noun): An observable fact or event. Example: The phenomenon of cyberbullying is widespread.
2. Proponent (noun): A person who advocates for a cause or belief. Example: Proponents of cyberbullying argue it can be a tool for social change.
3. Marginalized (adjective): Treated as insignificant or peripheral. Example: Marginalized voices use the internet to express their opinions.
4. Trauma (noun): A deeply distressing or disturbing experience. Example: Cyberbullying can cause profound psychological trauma.
5. Escalate (verb): To increase in intensity or extent. Example: Cyberbullying can escalate into real-world violence.
6. Stifling (adjective): Inhibiting or suppressing. Example: Cyberbullying can stifle free expression and creativity.
7. Contentious (adjective): Controversial or disputed. Example: The contentious issue of cyberbullying has elicited diverse perspectives.
8. Catalyst (noun): A person or event that quickly precipitates a change or reaction. Example: Cyberbullying can serve as a catalyst for social change.
9. Momentum (noun): The impetus and driving force gained by the development of a process. Example: The #MeToo movement gained momentum through social media platforms.
10. Perpetuate (verb): To make something continue indefinitely. Example: Cyberbullying can perpetuate a toxic online environment.
11. Deliberate (verb): To consider or ponder. Example: I deliberated the pros and cons of cyberbullying.
12. Harm (noun): Physical or mental damage. Example: Cyberbullying can inflict severe psychological harm.
13. Ideation (noun): The process of forming and relating ideas. Example: Cyberbullying victims may experience suicidal ideation.
14. Toxic (adjective): Harmful or poisonous. Example: Cyberbullying can create a toxic online environment.
15. Dialogue (noun): A discussion or conversation. Example: Cyberbullying can discourage open dialogue and constructive debate.
16. Systemic (adjective): Relating to a system or systems. Example: Cyberbullying can challenge systemic injustices.
17. Exposing (verb): To reveal or disclose. Example: Social media campaigns expose social issues.
18. Undeniable (adjective): Impossible to deny or dispute. Example: The detrimental effects of cyberbullying are undeniable.
19. Profound (adjective): Deeply affecting or moving. Example: Cyberbullying can cause profound psychological distress.
20. Stifling (adjective): Inhibiting or suppressing. Example: Cyberbullying can stifle free expression and creativity.
21. Empowering (adjective): Giving someone the authority or power to do something. Example: Cyberbullying can empower individuals to challenge oppressive regimes.
22. Precipitates (verb): To cause or bring about suddenly or abruptly. Example: Cyberbullying can quickly precipitate a change or reaction.
23. Advocate (verb): To support or argue for a cause or policy. Example: Proponents advocate for the potential benefits of cyberbullying.
24. Inflict (verb): To cause someone to suffer or experience something unpleasant. Example: Cyberbullying can inflict severe psychological harm.
25. Discouraging (verb): To make someone lose confidence or enthusiasm. Example: Cyberbullying can discourage open dialogue and constructive debate.

Common Mistakes

1. Lack of Clear Position: Many students fail to present a clear position on the issue, leading to a lower task response score.
2. Inadequate Examples: Some students provide irrelevant or insufficient examples to support their arguments.
3. Poor Coherence and Cohesion: Students often struggle with organizing their ideas logically and using cohesive devices effectively.
4. Limited Vocabulary: Many students use basic vocabulary and repetitive phrases, which can lower their lexical resource score.
5. Grammatical Errors: Frequent grammatical errors can distract the reader and lower the grammatical range and accuracy score.

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