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

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The Prompt

Some people argue that the spread of fake news is the biggest problem facing the world today. Others believe there are more important issues to address. Discuss both views and give your opinion.

Note: This prompt is representative of IELTS Writing Task 2 topics but is not an actual Cambridge Assessment English question.

Sample Answers

Band 6.0 Answer

Some people think fake news is the biggest problem in the world. I agree with this because fake news can cause many problems. For example, in elections, fake news can make people vote for the wrong person. Also, fake news can make people scared or angry without reason.

On the other hand, some people say there are bigger problems like poverty or war. This is also true because these problems hurt many people. However, fake news can make these problems worse. For example, fake news can make people not trust the government or each other.

In my opinion, fake news is a big problem, but we should also solve other problems. Governments should make laws to stop fake news, but they should also help poor people and make peace.

Scoring Breakdown

• Task Response (TR): 5.0 - Presents a position but with limited development and unsupported examples
• Coherence and Cohesion (CC): 6.0 - Ideas are logically organized but with some repetitive linking words
• Lexical Resource (LR): 6.0 - Uses some appropriate vocabulary but with frequent errors and limited range
• Grammatical Range and Accuracy (GRA): 6.0 - Sentences are simple and often contain errors

Band 7.5 Answer

The proliferation of fake news has become a contentious issue, with some arguing it is the most pressing global problem. This essay will explore both perspectives before presenting my stance.

Proponents of the view that fake news is the foremost challenge cite its potential to manipulate public opinion. A compelling example is the 2016 U.S. presidential election, where Russian operatives used social media to spread disinformation, potentially influencing the outcome. Moreover, fake news can exacerbate social divisions, as seen in Myanmar, where fabricated stories contributed to ethnic violence. These cases demonstrate how fake news can undermine democracy and social harmony.

Conversely, others contend that issues like climate change or global poverty pose greater threats. While these are indeed critical problems, I contend that fake news often obstructs efforts to address them. For instance, false information about vaccines has led to preventable disease outbreaks, demonstrating how fake news can have tangible, harmful consequences.

In conclusion, while other global challenges are undoubtedly serious, I believe fake news is uniquely perilous due to its ability to amplify other problems. Governments and technology companies must collaborate to combat this issue while also addressing root causes like poverty and inequality.

Scoring Breakdown

• Task Response (TR): 7.0 - Presents a clear position with relevant, extended examples
• Coherence and Cohesion (CC): 7.5 - Uses a mix of cohesive devices effectively, with clear progression
• Lexical Resource (LR): 7.5 - Uses a range of appropriate vocabulary with some less common lexical items
• Grammatical Range and Accuracy (GRA): 7.5 - Uses a mix of simple and complex sentence forms with generally good accuracy

Band 9.0 Answer

The digital age has given rise to an unprecedented scourge: fake news. While some advocate for its classification as the most urgent global crisis, others contend that more traditional threats like nuclear proliferation or pandemics warrant greater attention. This essay will explore both viewpoints before advocating for a balanced approach.

Those who prioritize fake news argue compellingly that it erodes the very foundations of democratic societies. The Cambridge Analytica scandal, where personal data was exploited to manipulate elections, exemplifies how fake news can subvert democratic processes. Furthermore, the rapid spread of misinformation during public health crises, as seen with COVID-19, demonstrates how fake news can have lethal consequences. These examples underscore why many consider fake news an existential threat to civilization.

However, to dismiss more traditional threats as less urgent would be short-sighted. Climate change, for instance, poses an existential risk that cannot be underestimated. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change warns of catastrophic consequences if immediate action isn't taken. Similarly, the specter of nuclear conflict remains a constant threat, as evidenced by recent tensions between global powers. These challenges require substantial resources and international cooperation, which the energy devoted to combating fake news might otherwise divert.

Ultimately, the most constructive approach acknowledges the interdependence of these challenges. Fake news often serves as a vector for exacerbating other crises, making its mitigation a crucial component of addressing broader global threats. International bodies like the United Nations should prioritize initiatives that foster digital literacy, strengthen regulatory frameworks, and promote scientific consensus. Only through such comprehensive strategies can we hope to navigate the complex web of challenges facing our world today.

Scoring Breakdown

• Task Response (TR): 9.0 - Presents a clear position throughout with fully extended and supported arguments
• Coherence and Cohesion (CC): 9.0 - Uses cohesive devices flexibly and appropriately, with clear progression
• Lexical Resource (LR): 9.0 - Uses a wide range of vocabulary with full flexibility and precision
• Grammatical Range and Accuracy (GRA): 9.0 - Uses a wide range of complex sentence forms with full flexibility and accuracy

Vocabulary Highlights

1. Proliferation (noun): rapid increase or spread

Example: The proliferation of fake news has become a global concern.

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

Example: The issue of fake news is highly contentious.

1. Manipulate (verb): control or influence someone or something cleverly

Example: Social media platforms can be manipulated to spread fake news.

1. Exacerbate (verb): make a problem, bad situation, or negative feeling worse

Example: Fake news can exacerbate social divisions.

1. Undermine (verb): make something weaker or less effective

Example: Fake news can undermine trust in democratic institutions.

1. Perilous (adjective): full of danger or risk

Example: The spread of fake news presents a perilous threat to society.

1. Scourge (noun): a person or thing that causes great trouble or suffering

Example: Fake news has become a modern scourge.

1. Existential (adjective): relating to existence

Example: Fake news poses an existential threat to democracy.

1. Subvert (verb): to secretly try to destroy or take control of a government, society, etc.

Example: Fake news can subvert democratic processes.

1. Lethal (adjective): causing or able to cause death

Example: The spread of false information about vaccines can have lethal consequences.

1. Short-sighted (adjective): not considering the future or the possible results of your actions

Example: It would be short-sighted to ignore traditional threats like climate change.

1. Catastrophic (adjective): involving or causing sudden great damage or suffering

Example: Climate change poses catastrophic consequences.

1. Specter (noun): a ghost or ghostlike image; a haunting fear

Example: The specter of nuclear conflict remains a constant threat.

1. Vector (noun): a medium through which something is transmitted or carried

Example: Fake news often serves as a vector for exacerbating other crises.

1. Mitigation (noun): the action of reducing the severity, seriousness, or painfulness of something

Example: Effective mitigation strategies are needed to combat fake news.

1. Digital literacy (noun): the ability to use information and communication technologies to find, evaluate, create, and communicate information

Example: International initiatives should prioritize digital literacy.

1. Regulatory frameworks (noun): the rules, laws, and guidelines that govern a particular industry or activity

Example: Strong regulatory frameworks are needed to combat fake news.

1. Promote (verb): support or actively encourage (a cause, venture, etc.); publicize

Example: International bodies should promote scientific consensus.

1. Navigate (verb): plan and direct the course of a ship, aircraft, or other form of transport, especially by using instruments or maps

Example: We need to navigate the complex web of global challenges.

1. Comprehensive (adjective): including or dealing with all or nearly all elements or aspects of something

Example: Comprehensive strategies are needed to address global threats.

Common Mistakes

1. Overgeneralizing: Students often make sweeping statements without sufficient evidence. For example, claiming that "fake news is always dangerous" without acknowledging nuances.

1. Repetition: Repeating the same ideas or phrases without developing them further. For example, saying "fake news is bad" multiple times without providing different examples or perspectives.

1. Poor Vocabulary Choices: Using simple or inappropriate words. For example, using "problem" repeatedly instead of "scourge," "threat," or "challenge."

1. Weak Conclusion: Failing to summarize the main points effectively or provide a clear final thought. For example, ending with a vague statement like "we should try to solve this problem."

1. Lack of Balance: Not addressing both sides of the argument equally. For example, spending most of the essay discussing the dangers of fake news without adequately addressing other global issues.

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