IELTS Writing Task 2: Divorce - Band 6.0 Sample with Full Breakdown
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Full Prompt (2026 IELTS Writing Task 2)
Some people believe that divorce is never a good solution. Others argue that there are some situations where divorce is the best solution. Discuss both views and give your opinion.
Model Answers
Band 6.0 Answer
Many people think that divorce is bad, while others believe it can be good in some cases. In my opinion, divorce can be good when people are very unhappy.
On one hand, some people say divorce is bad. They think it is better to stay married even if the couple does not love each other. These people say that divorce can hurt children and make families weaker. Additionally, divorce can cause problems with money. These are good points, but I do not agree completely.
On the other hand, I think divorce is good when people are very unhappy. If a couple does not love each other, they should not stay together. Staying in an unhappy marriage can make people feel bad. Also, children can feel the sadness of their parents. In this case, divorce is better. Additionally, if one person is not good to the other, like hitting or shouting, divorce is the best solution.
In conclusion, divorce is not always bad. Sometimes it is the best solution, especially when people are very unhappy or one person is not good to the other.
Scoring Breakdown
- Task Response (TR): Band 6 - Presents a clear position but with limited development.
- Coherence and Cohesion (CC): Band 6 - Uses cohesive devices but sometimes inappropriately.
- Lexical Resource (LR): Band 6 - Uses a mix of appropriate and less precise vocabulary.
- Grammatical Range and Accuracy (GRA): Band 6 - Makes frequent grammatical errors but meaning is usually clear.
Band 7.0 Answer
Divorce is a complex issue with valid arguments on both sides. While some view it as universally negative, others contend it can be beneficial in certain circumstances. Personally, I believe divorce can be justified when a marriage is irreparably broken.
Those who oppose divorce often cite its detrimental effects on children and society. They argue that divorce can lead to emotional trauma for children, who may struggle with feelings of abandonment and insecurity. Furthermore, the breakdown of marriages can weaken the fabric of society, as stable families are considered the foundation of social order. Financial difficulties can also arise from divorce, creating additional stress for all parties involved.
However, I maintain that divorce can be the best solution in certain situations. When a marriage is characterized by constant conflict or abuse, divorce can provide a way out of a harmful environment. Remaining in such relationships can perpetuate suffering and prevent individuals from finding happiness. Additionally, if two people have grown apart and no longer share mutual respect or love, forcing them to stay together is unlikely to foster a healthy relationship.
In conclusion, while divorce should not be undertaken lightly, it can be the most appropriate course of action in specific circumstances. A balanced approach recognizes both the potential benefits and drawbacks, prioritizing the well-being of all individuals involved.
Scoring Breakdown
- Task Response (TR): Band 7 - Presents a clear position with relevant, extended, and supported ideas.
- Coherence and Cohesion (CC): Band 7 - Uses cohesive devices effectively, though some may be overused.
- Lexical Resource (LR): Band 7 - Uses a sufficient range of vocabulary with some less common lexical items.
- Grammatical Range and Accuracy (GRA): Band 7 - Uses a mix of simple and complex sentence forms with some errors.
Band 8.0 Answer
The debate surrounding divorce reveals deeply held societal values and personal beliefs. While traditionalists argue that divorce undermines familial stability, others assert its necessity in circumstances of irreconcilable differences. I contend that divorce can be a positive resolution when a marriage is fundamentally flawed.
Proponents of the view that divorce is inherently negative highlight its potential to destabilize families and communities. They assert that divorce can inflict long-term psychological damage on children, potentially affecting their future relationships and emotional well-being. Moreover, the economic repercussions of divorce can be severe, often resulting in financial hardship for all parties. Societies that prioritize family cohesion may view divorce as a threat to their cultural values, further complicating the issue.
Conversely, I argue that divorce can be the most compassionate solution in certain contexts. In marriages marred by domestic violence or emotional abuse, divorce offers a means of escape and a path to personal safety and recovery. Similarly, when two individuals have grown apart to the point of mutual resentment, maintaining the marriage serves neither party's interests. In such cases, divorce can facilitate personal growth and the pursuit of more fulfilling relationships.
In conclusion, the decision to divorce should be approached with careful consideration of all relevant factors. While divorce is not a decision to be made lightly, it can be the most ethical and practical solution in specific circumstances. A nuanced understanding of both perspectives is essential in addressing this complex issue.
Scoring Breakdown
- Task Response (TR): Band 8 - Presents a clear position with fully developed arguments and supported ideas.
- Coherence and Cohesion (CC): Band 8 - Uses cohesive devices effectively and flexibly, with a clear progression of ideas.
- Lexical Resource (LR): Band 8 - Uses a wide range of vocabulary with precise and sophisticated word choices.
- Grammatical Range and Accuracy (GRA): Band 8 - Uses a mix of simple and complex sentence forms with frequent error-free sentences.
Vocabulary Highlights
- Irreparably broken - Beyond repair; cannot be fixed. Example: Their marriage was irreparably broken after years of conflict.
- Detrimental effects - Harmful consequences. Example: The detrimental effects of divorce on children are well-documented.
- Emotional trauma - Severe emotional distress. Example: Divorce can cause emotional trauma for children.
- Perpetuate suffering - To prolong or make suffering continue. Example: Staying in an abusive relationship perpetuates suffering.
- Irreconcilable differences - Differences that cannot be resolved or compromised. Example: The couple divorced due to irreconcilable differences.
- Domestic violence - Violent or abusive behavior within the home. Example: Divorce is often necessary in cases of domestic violence.
- Personal safety - Protection from harm. Example: Divorce offers a means of escaping to personal safety.
- Mutual resentment - Shared feelings of bitterness or ill-will. Example: The couple harbored mutual resentment after years of marriage.
- Ethical and practical solution - A morally sound and feasible answer. Example: Divorce can be the most ethical and practical solution in specific circumstances.
- Nuanced understanding - A detailed and subtle understanding. Example: A nuanced understanding of both perspectives is essential.
- Stable families - Families that are steady and secure. Example: Stable families are considered the foundation of social order.
- Social order - The system that organizes society. Example: The breakdown of marriages can weaken the fabric of social order.
- Economic repercussions - Financial consequences. Example: The economic repercussions of divorce can be severe.
- Personal growth - Development of one's abilities and character. Example: Divorce can facilitate personal growth.
- Fulfilling relationships - Relationships that bring satisfaction and happiness. Example: Divorce can enable the pursuit of more fulfilling relationships.
- Cultural values - The beliefs and practices of a particular society. Example: Societies that prioritize family cohesion may view divorce as a threat to their cultural values.
- Long-term psychological damage - Lasting harm to mental health. Example: Divorce can inflict long-term psychological damage on children.
- Future relationships - Romantic or interpersonal connections in the future. Example: Divorce can potentially affect a child's future relationships.
- Financial hardship - Economic difficulty. Example: Divorce often results in financial hardship for all parties.
- Path to personal safety - A way to protect oneself from harm. Example: Divorce offers a path to personal safety in abusive relationships.
Common Mistakes Students Make
- Oversimplifying the Argument: Students often present divorce as either entirely good or entirely bad without acknowledging the nuances. A well-balanced argument considers both perspectives.
- Lack of Specific Examples: General statements without concrete examples weaken the argument. Include specific scenarios to support your points.
- Poor Vocabulary Choices: Using repetitive or basic vocabulary can lower your band score. Aim for a variety of precise and sophisticated words.
- Grammatical Errors: Frequent grammatical mistakes can distract from your argument and lower your score. Proofread your work for accuracy.
- Inadequate Conclusion: A weak conclusion can undermine a strong argument. Summarize your points clearly and reinforce your opinion.
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