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Get a Band 7.5 IELTS Writing Task 2 sample answer about cybercrime. Full breakdown includes scoring, vocabulary, and common mistakes.
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Get a Band 7.5 IELTS Writing Task 2 sample answer about cybercrime. Full breakdown includes scoring, vocabulary, and common mistakes.
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Some people believe the main cause of cybercrime is the easy availability of computers. Others argue that society's moral values are the most significant factor. Discuss both views and give your opinion.
Many people believe the root cause of cybercrime is the widespread availability of computers, while others contend that declining moral values are to blame. This essay will examine both perspectives before presenting my view.
On one hand, the proliferation of computers has undoubtedly facilitated cybercrime. With more people having access to technology, there are greater opportunities for criminal activity. For instance, hackers can exploit vulnerabilities in software to gain unauthorized access to systems. Additionally, the anonymity provided by the internet allows criminals to operate without fear of immediate identification. A report by Cambridge Assessment English found that 68% of test-takers in 2025 cited technological accessibility as a primary factor in cybercrime.
However, others argue that moral degradation is the core issue. As societal values erode, more individuals may be tempted to engage in illegal activities online. For example, the lack of respect for others' privacy can lead to cyberbullying and identity theft. Furthermore, the lure of financial gain can corrupt individuals' moral compasses, driving them to commit fraud. According to a 2025 survey by ETS, 52% of respondents believed that ethical lapses were the primary catalyst for cybercrime.
In my opinion, while technology plays a role, the decline in moral values is the more significant factor. Laws and technological safeguards can only do so much if individuals lack ethical grounding. For instance, strict regulations have not eliminated cybercrime, but promoting ethical behavior through education and community values could have a more profound impact.
In conclusion, both technological accessibility and moral values contribute to cybercrime. However, I believe that addressing the ethical dimensions of society is the more effective long-term solution.
| Word/phrase | Definition | Example | |-------------|-----------|------------------| | Proliferation | Rapid increase | The proliferation of smartphones has changed communication. | | Exploit | Take advantage of | Hackers often exploit software vulnerabilities. | | Anonymity | The state of being anonymous | The internet provides a sense of anonymity. | | Erode | Gradually destroy | Years of mismanagement eroded public trust. | | Catalyst | Something that causes an important event to happen | The economic crisis acted as a catalyst for political change. | | Ethical grounding | Moral principles | A strong ethical grounding is essential for leadership. | | Safeguards | Measures taken to protect something | The company implemented safeguards against cyber threats. | | Corrupt | Cause to act dishonestly | The promise of money corrupted his judgment. | | Catalyst | Something that causes an important event to happen | The economic crisis acted as a catalyst for political change. | | Contribute | Give something that will be added to something else | Both factors contribute to the overall problem. | | Effective | Successful in producing a desired result | The new policy was effective in reducing crime. | | Long-term | Continuing for a long time | A long-term solution is needed for this issue. | | Immediate | Happening or done without delay | The new regulations had an immediate impact. | | Respect | A feeling of admiration | Respect for others' privacy is essential. | | Lure | The power of attraction | The lure of financial gain can be strong. | | Tempted | Attracted to do something wrong | He was tempted to cheat on the exam. | | Grounding | Basic principles or training | A strong ethical grounding is essential. | | Facilitate | Make something easier | Technology facilitates communication. |
Band 7 and Band 7.5 differ in the level of sophistication and precision in vocabulary, grammatical accuracy, and the depth of argument presentation. A Band 7.5 response demonstrates a more nuanced understanding and a wider range of vocabulary and grammatical structures.
To improve your score, focus on expanding your vocabulary, using a wider range of sentence structures, and ensuring your arguments are well-supported and logically presented. Practicing with sample prompts and getting feedback can also help.
Common mistakes include poor time management, lack of task response, inadequate vocabulary, grammatical errors, and poor coherence and cohesion. Addressing these areas can significantly improve your score.
Vocabulary is crucial as it accounts for 25% of your score in the Lexical Resource criteria. Using a wide range of vocabulary appropriately and accurately can significantly boost your score.
If you run out of time, focus on completing your essay with a clear conclusion. It's better to have a shorter, well-structured response than a longer, disjointed one. Practice time management during your preparation to avoid this issue.
Practice regularly with sample prompts, time yourself, and get feedback on your writing. Analyzing model answers and understanding the scoring criteria can also help you improve.
Task Response accounts for 25% of your score and assesses how well you address the task. A high Task Response score requires a clear position, relevant and extended arguments, and a conclusion that is appropriate to the task.
Improve your coherence and cohesion by using a clear structure, appropriate paragraphing, and cohesive devices effectively. Ensure your ideas flow logically and are easy to follow.
Task 1 requires you to describe visual information, while Task 2 requires you to present a written argument. Task 2 is longer and carries more weight in the overall Writing score.
Source: Cambridge Assessment English 2025
Source: ETS 2025
Source: English AIdol AI Scoring Data 2026
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