IELTS Writing Task 2: Following Rules — Band 8.0 Sample with Full Breakdown

Related guides:

• IELTS Writing Task 2: Traffic Congestion - Band 6.5 Sample…
• IELTS Writing Task 2: Road Safety – Band 8.0 Sample with…
• IELTS Writing Task 2: Juvenile Justice – Band 8.0 Sample…
• IELTS Writing Task 2: Juvenile Justice - Band 7.0 Sample…
• IELTS Writing Task 2: Social Media Influencers - Band 7.0…

Prompt

Some people think that following rules is essential for a peaceful society, while others believe that rules should be broken if they are unreasonable. Discuss both views and give your opinion.

Model Answers

Band 6.0 Answer

Score Breakdown:

• Task Response (TR): 5.0 - Presents a position but with limited development
• Coherence and Cohesion (CC): 5.0 - Ideas are logically ordered but with some unclear connections
• Lexical Resource (LR): 6.0 - Attempts varied vocabulary but with some errors
• Grammatical Range and Accuracy (GRA): 6.0 - Makes frequent grammatical errors

Answer:

Rules are important for society. Some people think we should always follow rules, even if they are bad. Other people think rules should be broken if they are not fair. I think both views are important.

First, rules help people live together. Without rules, society would be chaotic. For example, traffic rules keep people safe. If everyone drove however they wanted, there would be many accidents. Rules also help people know what to do in different situations. For instance, rules at work tell employees how to behave.

However, some rules are not fair. If a rule is bad, people should break it. For example, in some countries, there are laws that discriminate against certain groups. These rules are not fair, so people should protest against them. Also, some rules are too strict. For example, some schools have very strict dress codes. Students should be allowed to wear what they want, as long as it is appropriate.

In conclusion, rules are important for society, but some rules are not fair. People should follow rules that are good, but they should break rules that are bad. This way, society can be fair and peaceful.

Band 7.0 Answer

Score Breakdown:

• Task Response (TR): 6.5 - Presents a clear position with some development
• Coherence and Cohesion (CC): 6.5 - Ideas are logically ordered with some cohesive devices
• Lexical Resource (LR): 7.0 - Uses a mix of appropriate vocabulary
• Grammatical Range and Accuracy (GRA): 7.0 - Makes some grammatical errors but generally accurate

Answer:

The importance of rules in society has been a topic of debate. While some argue that rules should always be followed to maintain order, others believe that rules should be broken if they are unreasonable. This essay will discuss both views and present my opinion.

On one hand, rules are essential for a functioning society. They provide structure and predictability. For instance, laws against theft and violence protect citizens and maintain public safety. Without these rules, society would descend into chaos. Additionally, rules ensure fairness. For example, rules in sports ensure that all players have an equal chance to win. Without these rules, games would be unfair and chaotic.

On the other hand, some rules are unreasonable and should be broken. For example, laws that discriminate against certain groups are unjust and should be challenged. Similarly, rules that infringe on personal freedoms should be questioned. For instance, some countries have laws that restrict freedom of speech. These laws should be broken to protect individual rights.

In my opinion, rules should be followed if they are fair and reasonable. However, if a rule is unjust, people should have the courage to challenge it. This way, society can evolve and become more just and equitable.

Band 8.0 Answer

Score Breakdown:

• Task Response (TR): 7.5 - Presents a clear position with thorough development
• Coherence and Cohesion (CC): 7.5 - Ideas are logically ordered with effective cohesive devices
• Lexical Resource (LR): 8.0 - Uses a wide range of vocabulary appropriately
• Grammatical Range and Accuracy (GRA): 8.0 - Uses a mix of simple and complex sentence structures accurately

Answer:

The role of rules in society is a contentious issue. While some advocate for strict adherence to rules to maintain order, others contend that rules should be broken if they are unjust. This essay will explore both perspectives and present a balanced view.

Proponents of rule-following argue that rules are the backbone of a civilized society. They provide a framework for predictable and orderly behavior. For example, traffic rules regulate the flow of vehicles and prevent accidents. Similarly, laws against theft and violence protect citizens and maintain public safety. Without these rules, society would be plagued by chaos and disorder. Moreover, rules ensure fairness and equality. For instance, rules in sports ensure that all players have an equal chance to win. Without these rules, games would be biased and unfair.

Conversely, opponents of strict rule-following argue that some rules are unreasonable and should be broken. For example, laws that discriminate against certain groups are unjust and should be challenged. Similarly, rules that infringe on personal freedoms should be questioned. For instance, some countries have laws that restrict freedom of speech. These laws should be broken to protect individual rights. Additionally, rules that are outdated or no longer relevant should be reformed or abolished. For example, some countries have laws that are no longer applicable in modern society. These laws should be reviewed and updated to reflect current values and norms.

In conclusion, while rules are essential for a functioning society, they should not be followed blindly. Rules should be followed if they are fair and reasonable. However, if a rule is unjust, people should have the courage to challenge it. This way, society can evolve and become more just and equitable. Ultimately, the balance between order and justice is crucial for a harmonious society.

Band 9.0 Answer

Score Breakdown:

• Task Response (TR): 9.0 - Presents a clear position with thorough, supported, and extended development
• Coherence and Cohesion (CC): 9.0 - Ideas are logically ordered with effective cohesive devices
• Lexical Resource (LR): 9.0 - Uses a wide range of vocabulary appropriately and flexibly
• Grammatical Range and Accuracy (GRA): 9.0 - Uses a mix of simple and complex sentence structures accurately and flexibly

Answer:

The debate surrounding the importance of rules in society is multifaceted. While some advocate for strict adherence to rules to maintain order, others contend that rules should be broken if they are unjust or outdated. This essay will explore both perspectives and present a nuanced view.

Advocates of rule-following argue that rules are the cornerstone of a civilized society. They provide a framework for predictable and orderly behavior. For example, traffic rules regulate the flow of vehicles and prevent accidents. Similarly, laws against theft and violence protect citizens and maintain public safety. Without these rules, society would be plagued by chaos and disorder. Moreover, rules ensure fairness and equality. For instance, rules in sports ensure that all players have an equal chance to win. Without these rules, games would be biased and unfair. Additionally, rules promote social cohesion. For example, rules that promote respect and tolerance help to build a harmonious society.

Conversely, opponents of strict rule-following argue that some rules are unreasonable and should be broken. For example, laws that discriminate against certain groups are unjust and should be challenged. Similarly, rules that infringe on personal freedoms should be questioned. For instance, some countries have laws that restrict freedom of speech. These laws should be broken to protect individual rights. Additionally, rules that are outdated or no longer relevant should be reformed or abolished. For example, some countries have laws that are no longer applicable in modern society. These laws should be reviewed and updated to reflect current values and norms. Furthermore, rules that are too rigid can stifle innovation and creativity. For example, some educational systems have rules that discourage creative thinking. These rules should be reformed to promote innovation and progress.

In conclusion, while rules are essential for a functioning society, they should not be followed blindly. Rules should be followed if they are fair and reasonable. However, if a rule is unjust, people should have the courage to challenge it. This way, society can evolve and become more just and equitable. Ultimately, the balance between order and justice is crucial for a harmonious society. Moreover, society should strive to create rules that are fair, reasonable, and relevant to current values and norms. This way, rules can promote social cohesion, fairness, and progress.

Vocabulary Highlights

1. Contentious (adj.): Controversial or disputed

• Example: The role of rules in society is a contentious issue.

1. Adherence (n.): The act of sticking to rules or principles

• Example: Proponents of rule-following argue for strict adherence to rules.

1. Framework (n.): A structure or plan that supports or contains something

• Example: Rules provide a framework for predictable and orderly behavior.

1. Plagued (adj.): Troubled or affected by something harmful

• Example: Without rules, society would be plagued by chaos and disorder.

1. Nuanced (adj.): Having subtle differences or distinctions

• Example: This essay will present a nuanced view of the debate.

1. Cornerstone (n.): A fundamental or essential part

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

1. Promote (v.): To support or encourage something

• Example: Rules promote social cohesion and harmony.

1. Outdated (adj.): No longer relevant or useful

• Example: Rules that are outdated should be reformed or abolished.

1. Reform (v.): To make changes to something in order to improve it

• Example: Laws that discriminate against certain groups should be reformed.

1. Stifle (v.): To prevent something from growing or developing

• Example: Rules that are too rigid can stifle innovation and creativity.

1. Infringe (v.): To violate or break a rule or law

• Example: Rules that infringe on personal freedoms should be questioned.

1. Relevant (adj.): Having a direct connection or relationship

• Example: Rules should be relevant to current values and norms.

1. Harmonious (adj.): In harmony or agreement

• Example: Society should strive to create rules that promote harmony.

1. Discriminate (v.): To treat someone unfairly or differently

• Example: Laws that discriminate against certain groups are unjust.

1. Equitable (adj.): Fair and just

• Example: Society should strive to become more equitable.

1. Chaotic (adj.): In a state of disorder or confusion

• Example: Without rules, society would be chaotic.

1. Predictable (adj.): Able to be predicted or foreseen

• Example: Rules provide a framework for predictable behavior.

1. Bias (n.): Prejudice or partiality

• Example: Without rules, games would be biased and unfair.

1. Tolerance (n.): The ability to accept or tolerate something

• Example: Rules that promote tolerance help to build a harmonious society.

1. Innovation (n.): The introduction of something new or original

• Example: Rules that are too rigid can stifle innovation.

Common Mistakes

1. Lack of Clear Position: Some students fail to present a clear position in their essay. They discuss both views but do not state their opinion.

1. Poor Organization: Some students struggle with organizing their ideas logically. They jump from one idea to another without clear connections.

1. Limited Vocabulary: Some students use a limited range of vocabulary. They repeat the same words and phrases, which makes their writing boring and repetitive.

1. Grammatical Errors: Some students make frequent grammatical errors. They use incorrect verb tenses, subject-verb agreement, and sentence structures.

1. Irrelevant Examples: Some students use examples that are not relevant to the topic. They discuss unrelated issues, which makes their writing off-topic.

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. Our advanced AI provides instant feedback on Task Response, Coherence and Cohesion, Lexical Resource, and Grammatical Range and Accuracy. Start improving your writing skills today!