IELTS Writing Task 2: Following Rules (Agree/Disagree) - Band 6/7/8/9 Model Answers

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Full Prompt

Some people believe that following rules is essential for a harmonious society, while others argue that individual freedom is more important. Discuss both views and give your opinion.

Model Answers

Band 6.0 Answer

Scoring Breakdown

• Task Response (TR): 5.0 - Presents a position but with some irrelevant points
• Coherence & Cohesion (CC): 6.0 - Ideas are organized but with some unclear progression
• Lexical Resource (LR): 6.0 - Uses some less common vocabulary but with some errors
• Grammatical Range & Accuracy (GRA): 6.0 - Makes frequent grammatical errors that impede communication

Answer

In this modern world, rules are very important but sometimes people think freedom is more important. I think both are important but rules are more important.

Firstly, rules help to keep society safe and orderly. For example, traffic rules prevent accidents. If people don't follow these rules, there will be chaos on the roads. Also, rules in schools help students to learn better because there is discipline.

However, some people say that freedom is more important. They think that rules limit their personal choices. For instance, some people don't like rules about what they can wear or how they can behave in public. They believe that adults should have the right to make their own decisions.

In conclusion, I think rules are more important than freedom because they maintain order and safety. But, I also think that some rules are too strict and should be changed.

Band 7.0 Answer

Scoring Breakdown

• Task Response (TR): 6.5 - Presents a clear position with relevant supporting ideas
• Coherence & Cohesion (CC): 7.0 - Ideas are logically organized with clear progression
• Lexical Resource (LR): 7.0 - Uses a mix of common and less common vocabulary appropriately
• Grammatical Range & Accuracy (GRA): 7.0 - Makes some grammatical errors but generally communicates clearly

Answer

The importance of rules in society is a contentious issue. While some argue that rules are necessary for maintaining order, others believe that individual freedom should take precedence. I firmly believe that rules are crucial for a harmonious society.

On one hand, rules play a vital role in ensuring public safety and order. For example, laws against theft and violence protect citizens and maintain peace. Without these rules, society would descend into chaos. Additionally, rules in workplaces and schools create structured environments that enhance productivity and learning.

On the other hand, some people argue that excessive rules infringe upon personal freedoms. They believe that adults should have the autonomy to make their own choices without excessive regulation. For instance, dress codes and behavior rules in public places can be seen as restrictive. However, these rules often exist to maintain public decorum and respect for others.

In conclusion, while individual freedom is important, rules are essential for maintaining order and safety in society. A balanced approach, where rules are fair and reasonable, is necessary to ensure both order and personal freedom.

Band 8.0 Answer

Scoring Breakdown

• Task Response (TR): 7.5 - Presents a clear position with well-developed arguments and relevant examples
• Coherence & Cohesion (CC): 8.0 - Ideas are logically organized with clear progression and effective use of cohesive devices
• Lexical Resource (LR): 8.0 - Uses a range of vocabulary appropriately with some less common lexical items
• Grammatical Range & Accuracy (GRA): 8.0 - Uses a mix of simple and complex sentence forms with some errors but generally communicates clearly

Answer

The debate over the importance of rules versus individual freedom is a perennial one. While some advocate for strict adherence to rules to maintain social order, others prioritize personal liberties. I contend that rules are indispensable for a well-functioning society.

Proponents of rules argue that they are the backbone of a civilized society. For instance, traffic regulations ensure safety on the roads, preventing accidents and saving lives. Similarly, laws against discrimination protect marginalized groups and promote equality. Without these rules, society would be plagued by chaos and injustice.

Conversely, those who champion individual freedom argue that excessive rules stifle personal expression and innovation. They point to examples such as restrictive dress codes or behavior regulations in public spaces, which they view as infringements on personal liberties. However, it is important to note that many of these rules are designed to balance individual freedoms with the rights of others.

In conclusion, while individual freedom is undeniably important, rules are crucial for maintaining order, safety, and justice in society. A balanced approach, where rules are fair and reasonable, is essential to ensure both social harmony and personal freedoms.

Band 9.0 Answer

Scoring Breakdown

• Task Response (TR): 9.0 - Presents a clear position with fully extended and supported arguments
• Coherence & Cohesion (CC): 9.0 - Ideas are logically organized with clear progression and effective use of cohesive devices
• Lexical Resource (LR): 9.0 - Uses a wide range of vocabulary appropriately with precise and sophisticated lexical items
• Grammatical Range & Accuracy (GRA): 9.0 - Uses a wide range of complex sentence forms with minimal errors

Answer

The dichotomy between the necessity of rules and the sanctity of individual freedom has long been a subject of debate. While some contend that rules are the cornerstone of a harmonious society, others argue that personal liberties should not be curtailed. I firmly believe that rules are indispensable for the functioning of a civilized society.

Advocates of rules posit that they are essential for maintaining public order and safety. For example, laws against theft and violence protect citizens and deter criminal activities. Additionally, rules in educational institutions foster discipline and enhance the learning environment. Without these rules, society would be plagued by chaos and lawlessness.

Conversely, proponents of individual freedom argue that excessive rules can be restrictive and stifle personal expression. They cite examples such as dress codes and behavior regulations in public spaces, which they view as infringements on personal liberties. However, it is crucial to recognize that many of these rules are designed to balance individual freedoms with the rights and comfort of others.

In conclusion, while individual freedom is undeniably important, rules are crucial for maintaining order, safety, and justice in society. A balanced approach, where rules are fair, reasonable, and respectful of individual liberties, is essential to ensure both social harmony and personal freedoms.

Vocabulary Highlights

1. Contentious (adj): Disputed or controversial

• Example: The issue of gun control is highly contentious.

1. Precedence (n): Priority or superiority in importance, rank, or privilege

• Example: Safety should take precedence over convenience.

1. Indispensable (adj): Absolutely necessary

• Example: Rules are indispensable for maintaining order.

1. Perennial (adj): Lasting or existing for a long or apparently infinite time; enduring or continually recurring

• Example: The debate over freedom versus security is perennial.

1. Stifle (v): Make (someone) unable to breathe properly; smother

• Example: Excessive rules can stifle creativity.

1. Plagued (v): Cause great trouble or distress to

• Example: The city was plagued by crime and corruption.

1. Deter (v): Discourage someone from doing something by instilling doubt or fear of the consequences

• Example: Strict laws deter criminal activities.

1. Foster (v): Encourage the development of something, especially something desirable

• Example: Good rules foster a positive learning environment.

1. Infringement (n): An act that disobeys or breaks a law, agreement, etc.

• Example: The new law is seen as an infringement on personal freedoms.

1. Balanced (adj): Having a sense of balance or equilibrium

• Example: A balanced approach is necessary to ensure both order and freedom.

1. Curtail (v): Reduce in extent or quantity; impose a restriction on

• Example: The new regulations will curtail our freedoms.

1. Dichotomy (n): A division or contrast between two things that are or are represented as opposing or entirely different

• Example: There is a dichotomy between rules and freedom.

1. Sanctity (n): The state or quality of being holy, sacred, or saintly

• Example: The sanctity of individual freedom is paramount.

1. Cornerstone (n): An important quality or feature on which a particular thing depends or is based

• Example: Rules are the cornerstone of a harmonious society.

1. Deterrent (n): A thing that discourages or is intended to discourage someone from doing something

• Example: The new law is a strong deterrent against crime.

1. Recurring (adj): Happening or appearing regularly or repeatedly

• Example: The debate over rules and freedom is a recurring theme.

1. Chaos (n): Complete disorder and confusion

• Example: Without rules, society would descend into chaos.

1. Marginalized (adj): Treated as insignificant or peripheral

• Example: Laws against discrimination protect marginalized groups.

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

• Example: Rules promote equality and justice.

1. Infringe (v): Act in a way that limits or violates someone's rights

• Example: The new law infringes on personal liberties.

Common Mistakes

1. Weak Task Response: Failing to present a clear position or providing irrelevant points.
2. Poor Coherence and Cohesion: Ideas are not logically organized or connected.
3. Limited Lexical Resource: Using only basic vocabulary or making frequent errors.
4. Grammatical Errors: Making frequent grammatical errors that impede communication.
5. Overgeneralization: Making broad statements without supporting evidence.

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