IELTS Writing Task 2: Divorce - Band 7.5 Sample with Full Breakdown

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Prompt

Some people believe that divorce is a positive development in society. Others think it is a sign of moral decline. Discuss both views and give your opinion.

Sample Answers

Band 6.0

Sample Answer

Divorce is a big issue in society. Some people think it is good because it allows people to be happy. Others think it is bad because it is not good for children. I think divorce can be good or bad depending on the situation.

Some people say divorce is good because it makes people happier. If a couple is not happy, they should divorce. This is better than staying together and being unhappy. Also, divorce can help people find a better partner. For example, if someone is in a bad marriage, they can divorce and find someone who makes them happy.

But others say divorce is bad because it is not good for children. Children need both parents. If parents divorce, children can have problems. For example, children might do bad in school or have behavior problems. Also, divorce can be expensive. People have to pay lawyers and split their money.

In my opinion, divorce can be good or bad. It depends on the situation. If a couple is very unhappy, divorce might be the best choice. But if they have children, they should try to stay together. Divorce is not always the answer.

Scoring Breakdown

• Task Response (TR): Presents a position but development is limited. (Band 5.0-6.0)
• Coherence and Cohesion (CC): Ideas are logically organized but cohesion is weak. (Band 5.0-6.0)
• Lexical Resource (LR): Uses some less common vocabulary but with some errors. (Band 5.0-6.0)
• Grammatical Range and Accuracy (GRA): Uses a mix of simple and complex sentences with frequent errors. (Band 5.0-6.0)

Band 7.5

Sample Answer

The issue of divorce has sparked considerable debate in modern society. Proponents argue that divorce is a positive development, while opponents view it as a sign of moral decay. This essay will explore both perspectives before presenting my own opinion.

On one hand, divorce can be seen as a positive development. Firstly, it allows individuals to escape unhappy or abusive relationships, thereby enhancing their overall well-being. For instance, studies have shown that people who divorce unhappy marriages often experience improved mental health. Secondly, divorce can lead to better relationships. By ending a failing marriage, individuals can find more compatible partners, leading to more fulfilling relationships. For example, many people remarry and find greater happiness in their second marriages.

Conversely, divorce can be viewed as a sign of moral decline. Critics argue that divorce undermines the institution of marriage, which is a cornerstone of society. The breakdown of marriages can lead to social problems such as increased poverty and crime rates. Additionally, divorce can have detrimental effects on children. Children from divorced families often face emotional and behavioral issues, which can impact their future prospects. For example, research indicates that children of divorce are more likely to struggle academically and socially.

In my opinion, divorce is neither inherently good nor bad. It depends on the circumstances. While divorce can be beneficial for individuals in unhappy or abusive relationships, it can also have negative consequences for children and society as a whole. Therefore, it is essential to approach divorce with caution and consider the potential impacts on all parties involved.

Scoring Breakdown

• Task Response (TR): Presents a clear position with logical development. (Band 7.0-8.0)
• Coherence and Cohesion (CC): Ideas are logically organized with clear progression. (Band 7.0-8.0)
• Lexical Resource (LR): Uses a mix of less common vocabulary with some flexibility. (Band 7.0-8.0)
• Grammatical Range and Accuracy (GRA): Uses a mix of complex and simple sentences with occasional errors. (Band 7.0-8.0)

Band 9.0

Sample Answer

The contentious issue of divorce has long been a subject of intense debate, with proponents advocating for its positive impact on society and detractors lamenting its erosion of moral values. This essay will delve into both viewpoints before presenting a nuanced perspective.

Proponents of divorce argue that it is a positive development for several reasons. Firstly, divorce empowers individuals to extricate themselves from dysfunctional or abusive relationships, thereby fostering personal growth and happiness. Empirical evidence suggests that individuals who divorce unhappy marriages often report higher levels of life satisfaction. Secondly, divorce can pave the way for more compatible relationships. By terminating a failing marriage, individuals can find partners who are better suited to their needs and aspirations. For instance, many people who remarry after divorce report higher levels of marital satisfaction.

Conversely, critics of divorce contend that it is a sign of moral decline. They argue that divorce undermines the sanctity of marriage, which is a fundamental institution in society. The proliferation of divorce can lead to a host of social issues, including increased poverty and crime rates. Moreover, divorce can have profound negative effects on children. Children from divorced families often grapple with emotional and behavioral issues, which can impede their future prospects. For example, research has shown that children of divorce are more likely to experience academic and social difficulties.

In my opinion, divorce is a complex issue that cannot be neatly categorized as either good or bad. While divorce can be beneficial for individuals in unhappy or abusive relationships, it can also have deleterious effects on children and society as a whole. Therefore, it is crucial to approach divorce with a balanced perspective, considering the potential impacts on all parties involved. Policymakers and society at large should strive to create an environment where individuals can make informed decisions about their relationships, while also providing support for those affected by divorce.

Scoring Breakdown

• Task Response (TR): Presents a clear position with thorough development and logical progression. (Band 8.0-9.0)
• Coherence and Cohesion (CC): Ideas are logically organized with clear progression and effective use of cohesive devices. (Band 8.0-9.0)
• Lexical Resource (LR): Uses a wide range of less common vocabulary with flexibility and precision. (Band 8.0-9.0)
• Grammatical Range and Accuracy (GRA): Uses a wide range of complex sentence forms with frequent error-free sentences. (Band 8.0-9.0)

Vocabulary Highlights

1. Proponents: Supporters or advocates (e.g., proponents of divorce reform)
2. Detractors: Critics or opponents (e.g., detractors of the new policy)
3. Contentious: Controversial or disputed (e.g., a contentious issue)
4. Empirical evidence: Information gained by means of observation, experience, or experiment (e.g., empirical evidence supports the theory)
5. Extricate: Free or remove (e.g., extricate oneself from a difficult situation)
6. Dysfunctional: Not functioning properly (e.g., a dysfunctional relationship)
7. Proliferation: Rapid increase or spread (e.g., the proliferation of divorce)
8. Sanctity: Holiness or sacredness (e.g., the sanctity of marriage)
9. Deleterious: Harmful or damaging (e.g., deleterious effects on children)
10. Nuanced: Characterized by subtle distinctions (e.g., a nuanced perspective)
11. Impede: Obstruct or hinder (e.g., impede progress)
12. Grappling: Struggling or dealing with (e.g., grappling with emotional issues)
13. Aspirations: Strong desires or ambitions (e.g., personal aspirations)
14. Lamenting: Expressing sorrow or regret (e.g., lamenting the decline of values)
15. Erosion: Gradual decline or deterioration (e.g., erosion of moral values)
16. Pave the way: Make something possible or easier (e.g., pave the way for change)
17. Prospects: Chances or opportunities (e.g., future prospects)
18. Balanced perspective: Fair and unbiased viewpoint (e.g., approach the issue with a balanced perspective)
19. Policymakers: Individuals or groups responsible for creating policies (e.g., policymakers and society)
20. Informed decisions: Decisions based on knowledge and understanding (e.g., make informed decisions)

Common Mistakes

1. Lack of Clear Position: Failing to present a clear stance on the issue, leading to a vague or unclear response.
2. Insufficient Development: Not developing ideas thoroughly, resulting in shallow or underdeveloped paragraphs.
3. Poor Cohesion: Using weak or inappropriate cohesive devices, making the response difficult to follow.
4. Limited Vocabulary: Relying on basic vocabulary, which limits the ability to express ideas effectively.
5. Grammatical Errors: Making frequent grammatical mistakes, which can obscure the meaning and reduce the overall score.

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