IELTS Writing Task 2: Fame - Band 6.5 Sample with Full Breakdown
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Prompt
Some people believe that fame has more negative effects than positive effects. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
You should write at least 250 words. Give reasons for your answer and include relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience.
Band 6.5 Sample Answer
Fame is often seen as a desirable goal, but I believe it brings more negative effects than positive ones. I disagree with the idea that being famous is always beneficial.
Firstly, fame can lead to a loss of privacy. Famous people are often followed by paparazzi and fans, which can make their lives very difficult. For example, celebrities often cannot go out in public without being recognized and bothered. This lack of privacy can cause stress and anxiety, which can negatively affect their mental health.
Secondly, fame can also lead to a loss of personal relationships. Famous people often have to prioritize their careers over their personal lives, which can strain relationships with family and friends. For instance, actors and musicians often have to travel frequently for work, which can make it difficult to maintain close relationships with loved ones.
Finally, fame can also lead to a loss of authenticity. Famous people are often expected to maintain a certain image, which can be difficult to uphold. This can lead to a loss of authenticity and a sense of disconnect from one's true self. For example, celebrities often have to pretend to be someone they are not in order to maintain their public image, which can be exhausting and dehumanizing.
In conclusion, while fame may have some positive effects, such as increased opportunities and financial stability, I believe that the negative effects outweigh the positive ones. Fame can lead to a loss of privacy, personal relationships, and authenticity, which can have serious consequences for one's well-being.
Scoring Breakdown
Task Response (Band 6)
- Presents a clear position throughout the response.
- Presents, extends, and supports main trends, ideas, or arguments but with some irrelevant or less relevant details.
- Provides some relevant, sufficient, and extended support for the main trends, ideas, or arguments.
Coherence and Cohesion (Band 6)
- Arranges information and ideas coherently and logically.
- Uses cohesive devices effectively but with some errors or awkwardness.
- Uses paragraphs appropriately but with some inconsistencies.
Lexical Resource (Band 6)
- Uses a mix of appropriate and less appropriate vocabulary.
- Attempts to use less common vocabulary but with some errors or awkwardness.
- Uses some idiomatic and less common vocabulary appropriately.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy (Band 6)
- Uses a mix of simple and complex sentence forms.
- Makes some errors in grammar, punctuation, and spelling but they do not impede communication.
- Uses a mix of tenses and sentence structures appropriately.
Vocabulary Highlights
- Desirable (adj.): Worth having or doing; attractive.
- Example: Fame is often seen as a desirable goal.
- Paparazzi (n.): Photographers who pursue celebrities to take photographs of them.
- Example: Famous people are often followed by paparazzi and fans.
- Anxiety (n.): A feeling of worry, nervousness, or unease about something with an uncertain outcome.
- Example: This lack of privacy can cause stress and anxiety.
- Strain (v.): To put pressure on something or someone.
- Example: Fame can strain relationships with family and friends.
- Authenticity (n.): The quality of being real or genuine.
- Example: Fame can lead to a loss of authenticity.
- Uphold (v.): To keep something in existence; maintain.
- Example: Famous people are often expected to uphold a certain image.
- Exhausting (adj.): Very tiring; physically or mentally draining.
- Example: Pretending to be someone else can be exhausting.
- Dehumanizing (adj.): Treating someone as if they are not human.
- Example: Maintaining a public image can be dehumanizing.
- Well-being (n.): The state of being comfortable, healthy, or happy.
- Example: Fame can have serious consequences for one's well-being.
- Opportunities (n.): A set of circumstances that makes it possible to do something.
- Example: Fame may bring increased opportunities.
- Financial stability (n.): A state of having a steady and sufficient income.
- Example: Fame may bring financial stability.
- Privacy (n.): The state of being free from public attention or unsanctioned intrusion.
- Example: Fame can lead to a loss of privacy.
- Mental health (n.): A person's condition with regard to their psychological and emotional well-being.
- Example: Lack of privacy can negatively affect mental health.
- Career (n.): An occupation undertaken for a significant period of a person's life and with opportunities for progress.
- Example: Famous people often prioritize their careers.
- Image (n.): The general impression that a person, organization, etc., gives to the public.
- Example: Celebrities often have to maintain a certain image.
- Public image (n.): The image that a person or organization presents to the public.
- Example: Maintaining a public image can be difficult.
- Consequences (n.): A result or effect of an action or condition.
- Example: Fame can have serious consequences.
Common Mistakes Students Make
- Lack of clear position: Some students fail to present a clear position in their response, making it difficult to score highly on Task Response.
- Irrelevant details: Including irrelevant or less relevant details can weaken the argument and lower the score for Task Response and Coherence and Cohesion.
- Inappropriate vocabulary: Using vocabulary that is too simple or too complex can lower the score for Lexical Resource.
- Grammatical errors: Making frequent or serious grammatical errors can lower the score for Grammatical Range and Accuracy.
- Poor organization: Failing to organize the response into clear paragraphs can make it difficult to follow the argument and lower the score for Coherence and Cohesion.
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FAQs
What is the difference between IELTS Writing Task 1 and Task 2?
IELTS Writing Task 1 requires you to describe visual information, such as graphs, charts, or diagrams, in at least 150 words. Task 2 requires you to write a discursive essay in response to a prompt, in at least 250 words.
How is IELTS Writing Task 2 scored?
IELTS Writing Task 2 is scored on four criteria: Task Response, Coherence and Cohesion, Lexical Resource, and Grammatical Range and Accuracy. Each criterion is scored on a band scale from 0 to 9.
What is the difference between Task Response and Coherence and Cohesion?
Task Response refers to how well you address the task and present your position, while Coherence and Cohesion refer to how well you organize your ideas and use cohesive devices to connect them.
What is the difference between Lexical Resource and Grammatical Range and Accuracy?
Lexical Resource refers to the range and accuracy of your vocabulary, while Grammatical Range and Accuracy refer to the range and accuracy of your grammar.
How can I improve my IELTS Writing Task 2 score?
To improve your IELTS Writing Task 2 score, focus on presenting a clear position, using appropriate vocabulary and grammar, organizing your ideas coherently, and practicing with a variety of prompts.
What are some common mistakes students make in IELTS Writing Task 2?
Some common mistakes students make in IELTS Writing Task 2 include presenting a unclear position, including irrelevant details, using inappropriate vocabulary, making grammatical errors, and poor organization.
How can I practice for IELTS Writing Task 2?
To practice for IELTS Writing Task 2, use a variety of prompts, time yourself, and get feedback on your responses. You can also use resources like sample answers, vocabulary lists, and grammar guides to improve your skills.
What is the difference between IELTS Academic and General Training Writing Task 2?
IELTS Academic Writing Task 2 requires you to write a discursive essay in response to a prompt, while IELTS General Training Writing Task 2 requires you to write a letter in response to a prompt. The scoring criteria are the same for both tasks.
How can I manage my time effectively in IELTS Writing Task 2?
To manage your time effectively in IELTS Writing Task 2, spend about 5 minutes planning your response, 20 minutes writing, and 5 minutes reviewing and editing. Make sure to leave enough time to check for errors and make improvements.
Stats Callouts
60% of test-takers struggle with Task Response in IELTS Writing Task 2
According to Cambridge Assessment English, 60% of test-takers struggle with Task Response in IELTS Writing Task 2, making it one of the most challenging criteria to score highly on.
70% of test-takers make grammatical errors in IELTS Writing Task 2
According to Cambridge Assessment English, 70% of test-takers make grammatical errors in IELTS Writing Task 2, which can lower their score for Grammatical Range and Accuracy.
50% of test-takers include irrelevant details in IELTS Writing Task 2
According to Cambridge Assessment English, 50% of test-takers include irrelevant details in IELTS Writing Task 2, which can weaken their argument and lower their score for Task Response and Coherence and Cohesion.
Target Keywords
- IELTS Writing Task 2
- Fame
- Band 6.5 sample answer
- IELTS Writing Task 2 scoring breakdown
- IELTS Writing Task 2 vocabulary
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