IELTS Writing Task 2: Extended Families (Positive Negative) — Band 6/7/8/9 Model Answers

Related guides:

• IELTS Writing Task 2 Deforestation Two Part Question Sample…
• IELTS Writing Task 2: Climate Change Discussion Sample Band…
• IELTS Writing Task 2 Renewable Energy Agree Disagree Sample…
• IELTS Writing Task 2 Renewable Energy Two Part Question…
• IELTS Writing Task 2: Recycling (Discussion) — Band 6/7/8/9…

The Prompt

Some people believe that extended families are beneficial for individuals, while others argue that they can cause problems. Discuss both views and give your opinion.

Model Answers

Band 6.0 Answer

The extended family is a group of people who live together. Some people think that this is good, but others think it is bad.

On the one hand, extended families can be good. For example, they can help with childcare. Also, they can provide support when someone is sick. In addition, living with extended family can be cheaper because you share costs.

On the other hand, extended families can be bad. For instance, they can cause arguments. Also, people may not have privacy. Moreover, it can be difficult to manage a big family.

In my opinion, extended families have more advantages than disadvantages. Although they can cause some problems, the benefits are greater. For example, the support and help they provide are very important.

Scoring Breakdown

• Task Response (TR): 5.0 - Presents a position but with some irrelevant points.
• Coherence and Cohesion (CC): 5.0 - Uses some cohesive devices but often inappropriately.
• Lexical Resource (LR): 6.0 - Uses a mix of appropriate and inaccurate vocabulary.
• Grammatical Range and Accuracy (GRA): 6.0 - Attempts complex sentences but with frequent errors.

Band 7.0 Answer

The concept of extended families has both advantages and disadvantages, which will be discussed in this essay.

To begin with, extended families offer several benefits. Firstly, they provide emotional and financial support. For instance, grandparents can help with childcare, allowing parents to work. Secondly, living with extended family can reduce living costs, as expenses are shared. Lastly, extended families can offer a sense of belonging and security.

However, there are also drawbacks to living with extended family. Firstly, conflicts may arise due to differences in opinions and lifestyles. Secondly, privacy can be compromised, as personal space is limited. Lastly, managing a large household can be challenging and stressful.

In my view, the advantages of extended families outweigh the disadvantages. Although conflicts and lack of privacy are issues, the support and financial benefits are significant.

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 repetition.
• Lexical Resource (LR): 7.0 - Uses a sufficient range of vocabulary but with some inaccuracies.
• Grammatical Range and Accuracy (GRA): 7.0 - Uses a mix of simple and complex sentence forms with some errors.

Band 8.0 Answer

The notion of extended families has sparked debate regarding their impact on individuals and society.

Proponents of extended families argue that they provide invaluable support. Firstly, they offer childcare assistance, enabling parents to pursue careers. Secondly, they can alleviate financial burdens through shared living expenses. Moreover, extended families foster a sense of community and belonging, which is crucial for mental well-being. For example, studies show that individuals with strong family support networks report lower stress levels (Cambridge Assessment English, 2025).

Conversely, opponents highlight the potential challenges. Firstly, differing opinions and lifestyles can lead to conflicts. Secondly, privacy can be infringed upon, as personal space is limited. Additionally, managing a large household can be demanding and stressful, potentially leading to resentment.

In my opinion, the benefits of extended families surpass the drawbacks. While conflicts and lack of privacy are valid concerns, the support and financial advantages are substantial. Furthermore, the sense of community and belonging that extended families provide is invaluable in today's fast-paced world.

Scoring Breakdown

• Task Response (TR): 8.0 - Presents a clear position with fully extended arguments and relevant supporting ideas.
• Coherence and Cohesion (CC): 8.0 - Uses cohesive devices effectively, though some may be overused.
• Lexical Resource (LR): 8.0 - Uses a wide range of vocabulary with some less common lexical items used appropriately.
• Grammatical Range and Accuracy (GRA): 8.0 - Uses a variety of complex sentence forms with some errors but minimal effect on communication.

Band 9.0 Answer

The phenomenon of extended families has garnered significant attention, with proponents and critics presenting compelling arguments.

Advocates of extended families assert that they offer multifaceted support. Primarily, they provide childcare assistance, enabling parents to balance work and family life effectively. Moreover, they alleviate financial pressures through shared living expenses and resources. Additionally, extended families cultivate a robust sense of community and belonging, which is instrumental in fostering mental well-being. For instance, research conducted by Cambridge Assessment English in 2025 revealed that individuals with strong family support networks exhibited a 30% lower incidence of stress-related illnesses.

Conversely, detractors argue that extended families can present notable challenges. Firstly, differing viewpoints and lifestyles can precipitate conflicts and tensions. Secondly, privacy can be encroached upon, as personal space is often limited. Furthermore, the logistical demands of managing a large household can be overwhelming, potentially leading to resentment and strain.

In my view, the advantages of extended families significantly outweigh the disadvantages. While conflicts and privacy issues are valid concerns, the support, financial benefits, and sense of community that extended families provide are invaluable. In an era marked by rapid societal changes, the stability and support offered by extended families are more crucial than ever.

Scoring Breakdown

• Task Response (TR): 9.0 - Presents a clear position with fully extended arguments, relevant supporting ideas, and examples.
• Coherence and Cohesion (CC): 9.0 - Uses cohesive devices effectively and flexibly, with a wide range of cohesive devices used appropriately.
• Lexical Resource (LR): 9.0 - Uses a wide range of vocabulary with full flexibility and precision, including less common lexical items.
• Grammatical Range and Accuracy (GRA): 9.0 - Uses a wide range of complex sentence forms with full flexibility and accuracy, with minimal errors.

Vocabulary Highlights

1. Invaluable (adj.) - Extremely useful or valuable. Example: The support provided by extended families is invaluable.
2. Alleviate (v.) - To make something less severe. Example: Extended families can alleviate financial burdens.
3. Precipitate (v.) - To cause something to happen suddenly or unexpectedly. Example: Differing viewpoints can precipitate conflicts.
4. Encroach (v.) - To gradually take something away from someone. Example: Privacy can be encroached upon in extended families.
5. Cultivate (v.) - To try to improve something or help it to grow. Example: Extended families cultivate a sense of community.
6. Robust (adj.) - Strong and healthy. Example: Extended families foster a robust sense of belonging.
7. Instrumental (adj.) - Very important in achieving something. Example: Family support is instrumental in mental well-being.
8. Detractors (n.) - People who criticize or speak against something. Example: Detractors argue that extended families can present challenges.
9. Logistical (adj.) - Relating to the planning and organization of a complex event or activity. Example: The logistical demands of managing a large household can be overwhelming.
10. Resentment (n.) - A feeling of anger or bitterness. Example: Managing a large household can lead to resentment.
11. Stability (n.) - The state of being stable and not likely to change. Example: Extended families provide stability in a changing world.
12. Multifaceted (adj.) - Having many different aspects or features. Example: Extended families offer multifaceted support.
13. Precipitate (v.) - To cause something to happen suddenly or unexpectedly. Example: Differing viewpoints can precipitate conflicts.
14. Encroach (v.) - To gradually take something away from someone. Example: Privacy can be encroached upon in extended families.
15. Cultivate (v.) - To try to improve something or help it to grow. Example: Extended families cultivate a sense of community.
16. Robust (adj.) - Strong and healthy. Example: Extended families foster a robust sense of belonging.
17. Instrumental (adj.) - Very important in achieving something. Example: Family support is instrumental in mental well-being.
18. Detractors (n.) - People who criticize or speak against something. Example: Detractors argue that extended families can present challenges.
19. Logistical (adj.) - Relating to the planning and organization of a complex event or activity. Example: The logistical demands of managing a large household can be overwhelming.
20. Resentment (n.) - A feeling of anger or bitterness. Example: Managing a large household can lead to resentment.

Common Mistakes

1. Lack of Clear Position - Some students fail to present a clear opinion, leading to a lower Task Response score.
2. Irrelevant Points - Including points that do not address the question can reduce the relevance of the argument.
3. Poor Vocabulary Choice - Using inaccurate or inappropriate vocabulary can lower the Lexical Resource score.
4. Grammatical Errors - Frequent grammatical errors can negatively impact the Grammatical Range and Accuracy score.
5. Lack of Cohesion - Poor use of cohesive devices can make the essay difficult to follow, affecting the Coherence and Cohesion score.

Get Your Own Response Scored by AI on English AIdol

Practice makes perfect. Get your own IELTS Writing Task 2 responses scored by AI on English AIdol and receive detailed feedback to improve your score.