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

Related guides:

• IELTS Writing Task 2 Rehabilitation: Band 9.0 Sample Answer
• IELTS Writing Task 2: Juvenile Justice - Band 7.0 Sample…
• IELTS Writing Task 2: Traffic Congestion - Band 6.5 Sample…
• IELTS Writing Task 2: Juvenile Justice – Band 8.0 Sample…
• IELTS Writing Task 2: Social Media Influencers - Band 7.0…

IELTS Writing Task 2 Prompt: Extended Families

Prompt: Some people say that the extended family (grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins) is very important in modern society, while others believe that the nuclear family (parents and children) is more important. Discuss both sides and give your opinion.

Model Answers with Scoring Breakdown

Band 6.0 Sample Answer

Score Breakdown:

• Task Achievement: 5.0
• Coherence and Cohesion: 5.5
• Lexical Resource: 5.5
• Grammatical Range and Accuracy: 6.0

Text:

Some people think extended family is important today. Others say nuclear family is better. I think both are important but nuclear family is more important.

Extended family can help with childcare. Grandparents can look after kids when parents work. Also, they teach culture and traditions. But sometimes extended family lives far away, so they can't help much.

Nuclear family is important because parents and children spend more time together. They know each other better. Also, parents can teach their children directly. Nuclear family is smaller, so it's easier to manage.

In my opinion, nuclear family is more important. Parents and children have stronger bond. They can support each other every day. Extended family is good, but nuclear family is better.

Band 7.0 Sample Answer

Score Breakdown:

• Task Achievement: 6.5
• Coherence and Cohesion: 6.5
• Lexical Resource: 7.0
• Grammatical Range and Accuracy: 7.0

Text:

The importance of extended families versus nuclear families is a contentious issue. While some argue that extended families play a crucial role in modern society, others contend that nuclear families are more significant.

Proponents of extended families highlight their support system. Grandparents can assist with childcare, providing stability for working parents. Additionally, extended families help preserve cultural heritage through shared traditions. However, geographical separation can limit their involvement.

On the other hand, nuclear families offer closer relationships. Parents and children interact daily, fostering stronger bonds. The smaller size of nuclear families allows for more focused attention and better management of resources. This proximity enables immediate support in times of need.

In my view, nuclear families are more important. The daily interaction and support they provide are invaluable. While extended families offer certain benefits, the constant presence of nuclear family members ensures a more reliable support network.

Band 8.0 Sample Answer

Score Breakdown:

• Task Achievement: 7.5
• Coherence and Cohesion: 7.5
• Lexical Resource: 8.0
• Grammatical Range and Accuracy: 8.0

Text:

The debate surrounding the importance of extended families versus nuclear families in contemporary society is multifaceted. While extended families offer unique advantages, nuclear families provide essential benefits that are indispensable in today's world.

Advocates for extended families emphasize their extensive support networks. Grandparents, aunts, and uncles can share childcare responsibilities, alleviating the burden on parents. Moreover, extended families serve as repositories of cultural knowledge, transmitting values and traditions to younger generations. Nevertheless, the dispersion of extended family members due to mobility and migration can diminish their practical support.

Conversely, nuclear families facilitate deeper emotional connections. The intimate setting of a nuclear family allows for more effective communication and conflict resolution. Parents can devote more time and resources to their children's development, ensuring a nurturing environment. The compact structure of nuclear families also promotes financial stability and efficient household management.

In my opinion, nuclear families are more important due to their ability to provide consistent support and foster strong emotional bonds. While extended families contribute significantly to cultural continuity and occasional assistance, the daily presence and involvement of nuclear family members are crucial for personal development and well-being.

Band 9.0 Sample Answer

Score Breakdown:

• Task Achievement: 9.0
• Coherence and Cohesion: 9.0
• Lexical Resource: 9.0
• Grammatical Range and Accuracy: 9.0

Text:

The role of extended families in modern society has sparked considerable debate, with proponents emphasizing their unique contributions, while others argue that nuclear families are more pivotal. This essay will explore both perspectives before presenting a reasoned conclusion.

On one hand, extended families offer invaluable support mechanisms. The collective wisdom of multiple generations can guide decision-making processes, while shared responsibilities alleviate individual burdens. For instance, grandparents often provide childcare, enabling parents to pursue careers. Furthermore, extended families preserve cultural heritage by transmitting traditions and values to younger members. However, the contemporary trend of geographical mobility can weaken these bonds, as family members often reside in different locations.

Conversely, nuclear families foster intimate relationships. The limited size of nuclear families allows for more focused attention on each member's needs and aspirations. Parents can tailor their approach to their children's unique characteristics, promoting holistic development. Additionally, the cohesive nature of nuclear families facilitates effective problem-solving and emotional support. The financial and logistical advantages of smaller households further enhance their appeal.

In my view, nuclear families are more important due to their ability to provide consistent, personalized support. While extended families offer significant benefits, the daily interactions and shared experiences within nuclear families are instrumental in shaping individuals' identities and values. The stability and intimacy of nuclear families make them indispensable in today's fast-paced world.

Vocabulary Highlights

1. Contentious (adjective): causing or likely to cause an argument; controversial.

• Example: The issue of extended families is contentious.

1. Proponents (noun): a person who advocates for a theory, proposal, or course of action.

• Example: Proponents of extended families highlight their support system.

1. Indispensable (adjective): absolutely necessary; essential.

• Example: Nuclear families provide indispensable support.

1. Transmitting (verb): passing on information, traditions, or values.

• Example: Extended families transmit cultural knowledge.

1. Alleviating (verb): making something less severe or more bearable.

• Example: Extended families alleviate the burden on parents.

1. Dispersion (noun): the action of spreading or distributing people or things over a wide area.

• Example: The dispersion of extended family members can limit their involvement.

1. Facilitate (verb): make something easier or more convenient.

• Example: Nuclear families facilitate deeper emotional connections.

1. Nurturing (adjective): providing care and encouragement for growth or development.

• Example: Parents ensure a nurturing environment for their children.

1. Holistic (adjective): characterized by the belief that the parts of something are interconnected and can only be understood in relation to the whole.

• Example: Nuclear families promote holistic development.

1. Tailor (verb): adapt for a particular purpose or situation; modify.

• Example: Parents can tailor their approach to their children's needs.

1. Cohesive (adjective): united and working effectively together.

• Example: The cohesive nature of nuclear families facilitates support.

1. Geographical mobility (noun): the movement of people from one place to another.

• Example: Geographical mobility can weaken extended family bonds.

1. Instrumental (adjective): serving as a means of accomplishing a purpose or achieving a result; helpful.

• Example: Daily interactions are instrumental in shaping identities.

1. Stability (noun): the state of being stable and fixed in position or value.

• Example: The stability of nuclear families is crucial.

1. Intimacy (noun): close familiarity or friendship; closeness.

• Example: The intimacy of nuclear families enhances support.

1. Collective wisdom (noun): the combined knowledge and experience of a group.

• Example: Extended families offer collective wisdom.

1. Guiding (verb): showing or indicating the way to someone.

• Example: Collective wisdom guides decision-making.

1. Proximity (noun): nearness in space, time, or relationship.

• Example: The proximity of nuclear family members ensures support.

1. Reasoned conclusion (noun): a conclusion based on logical thinking and evidence.

• Example: The essay presents a reasoned conclusion.

1. Fast-paced (adjective): happening quickly or with great energy and urgency.

• Example: Nuclear families are indispensable in a fast-paced world.

Common Mistakes Students Make

1. Ignoring the Task Requirements: Failing to discuss both sides of the argument as instructed.

1. Lack of Clear Structure: Not organizing the essay into clear paragraphs with a logical flow.

1. Overgeneralizing: Making broad statements without providing specific examples or evidence.

1. Inadequate Vocabulary: Using basic or repetitive vocabulary instead of a range of advanced terms.

1. Grammatical Errors: Making frequent mistakes in grammar and sentence structure.

1. Poor Time Management: Spending too much time on planning or writing and not leaving enough time for editing.

1. Inconsistent Tense Use: Switching between tenses unnecessarily, which can confuse the reader.

1. Lack of Cohesive Devices: Not using enough linking words and phrases to connect ideas.

1. Plagiarism: Copying from other sources without proper attribution or paraphrasing.

1. Not Addressing the Question: Focusing on unrelated topics instead of directly answering the prompt.

Get Your Own Response Scored by AI on English AIdol

Practice makes perfect. Submit your own IELTS Writing Task 2 response to English AIdol's AI scoring engine to get immediate feedback on your Task Achievement, Coherence and Cohesion, Lexical Resource, and Grammatical Range and Accuracy. Identify your strengths and areas for improvement with detailed analytics.