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IELTS Writing Task 2:
Following Rules (Positive Negative) – Band 6/7/8/9 Model Answers

IELTS Writing Task 2: Following Rules (Positive Negative) – Band 6, 7, 8, 9 model answers with scoring breakdowns. Learn how to achieve 9.0 in IELTS Writing Task 2.

IELTS Writing Task 2: Following Rules (Positive Negative) – Band 6/7/8/9 Model Answers | English AIdol Blog

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IELTS Writing Task 2: Following Rules (Positive Negative) – Band 6, 7, 8, 9 model answers with scoring breakdowns. Learn how to achieve 9.0 in IELTS Writing Task 2.

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IELTS Writing Task 2: Following Rules (Positive Negative) – Band 6/7/8/9 Model Answers

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The Prompt

Some people believe that rules are unnecessary and should not be followed, while others argue that following rules is important for maintaining order in society. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.

Band 6.0 Answer

Some people think that rules are not important and we should not follow them. However, others believe that rules are necessary for society. I think both views have some truth and I will discuss both sides.

In some cases, people think that rules are not important because they can restrict our freedom. For example, if there are too many rules in a school, students may feel that they cannot express themselves. Also, some people break rules because they think the rules are unfair. For instance, if a government makes a law that people do not agree with, they may choose not to follow it.

On the other hand, rules are important because they help to maintain order in society. For example, traffic rules help to prevent accidents and make driving safer. Additionally, rules in the workplace can ensure that employees are treated fairly and that the business runs smoothly. Without rules, society would be chaotic and it would be difficult to live a peaceful life.

In conclusion, while some people think that rules are not important, I believe that they are necessary for maintaining order in society. However, it is also important to consider whether a rule is fair or not before deciding to follow it.

Scoring Breakdown

Task Response (TR): 5.0 – Presents a position but does not fully address both views. Some ideas are relevant but may be underdeveloped.

Coherence and Cohesion (CC): 6.0 – Uses some cohesive devices but may not always use them appropriately. Ideas are logically organized but may lack clear progression.

Lexical Resource (LR): 6.0 – Uses a limited range of vocabulary with some attempts at less common vocabulary. Some errors in word choice and collocation.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy (GRA): 6.0 – Uses a mix of simple and complex sentence forms with frequent grammatical errors that may impede understanding.

Band 7.0 Answer

The necessity of rules has been a topic of debate, with some arguing that they restrict individual freedom, while others contend that they are essential for societal order. This essay will explore both perspectives before presenting a personal stance.

On one hand, adherents of the view that rules are unnecessary often cite the suppression of personal liberties as a primary concern. For instance, stringent regulations in educational institutions may stifle creativity and self-expression among students. Moreover, when laws are perceived as unjust, such as discriminatory policies, many individuals may feel justified in disobeying them. This selective adherence to rules highlights the importance of fairness and transparency in legislation.

Conversely, proponents of rule-following emphasize the role of regulations in maintaining social harmony. Traffic laws, for example, are designed to prevent accidents and ensure the safety of all road users. In the workplace, clear guidelines can promote fairness, prevent exploitation, and enhance productivity. Without such rules, society would descend into chaos, making it difficult to achieve collective goals.

In my opinion, while rules are generally beneficial, they must be fair and just. Unreasonable or discriminatory rules should be challenged and reformed. Governments and institutions should engage in open dialogue with citizens to create laws that are both effective and equitable.

Scoring Breakdown

Task Response (TR): 7.0 – Presents a clear position and addresses both views. Ideas are relevant and extended with supporting details.

Coherence and Cohesion (CC): 7.0 – Uses a range of cohesive devices effectively to guide the reader. Ideas are logically organized with clear progression.

Lexical Resource (LR): 7.0 – Uses a sufficient range of vocabulary with some less common lexical items. Some errors in word choice and collocation, but generally appropriate.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy (GRA): 7.0 – Uses a mix of simple and complex sentence forms with some errors in grammar and punctuation, but generally clear communication.

Band 8.0 Answer

The debate surrounding the necessity of rules has garnered significant attention, with proponents and opponents presenting compelling arguments. This essay will critically examine both viewpoints before advocating for a balanced approach.

Those who oppose the stringent adherence to rules often argue that such regulations can curtail individual freedoms and hinder personal development. For example, overly restrictive policies in educational settings may impede creative thinking and self-expression among students. Furthermore, when laws are deemed unfair or discriminatory, such as policies that marginalize certain groups, many individuals may rightfully challenge their legitimacy. This selective compliance underscores the importance of equitable and transparent governance.

Conversely, advocates for rule-following contend that regulations are indispensable for maintaining social order and cohesion. Traffic laws, for instance, are crucial for preventing accidents and ensuring the safety of all road users. In the workplace, well-defined guidelines can foster fairness, prevent exploitation, and enhance overall productivity. Without such frameworks, society would descend into anarchy, making it challenging to achieve collective objectives.

In my view, while rules are generally beneficial, they must be fair, just, and subject to periodic review. Governments and institutions should actively seek input from citizens to create laws that are both effective and equitable. This collaborative approach ensures that regulations are not only enforceable but also widely accepted.

Scoring Breakdown

Task Response (TR): 8.0 – Presents a clear and supported position with a balanced discussion of both views. Ideas are well-developed and supported with relevant examples.

Coherence and Cohesion (CC): 8.0 – Uses a wide range of cohesive devices effectively to guide the reader. Ideas are logically organized with clear progression and effective paragraphing.

Lexical Resource (LR): 8.0 – Uses a wide range of vocabulary with some less common lexical items used appropriately. Generally appropriate word choice and collocation.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy (GRA): 8.0 – Uses a wide range of complex sentence forms with frequent error-free sentences. Some errors may occur but do not impede understanding.

Band 9.0 Answer

The contentious issue of whether rules are necessary or merely restrictive has sparked intense debate. This essay will critically evaluate both perspectives before advocating for a nuanced stance that balances order and individual liberties.

Critics of rigid rule-following argue that excessive regulations can stifle individual freedoms and impede personal growth. For instance, overbearing policies in academic institutions may suppress creativity and hinder the development of critical thinking skills among students. Furthermore, when laws are perceived as unjust or discriminatory, such as those that perpetuate systemic inequality, many individuals may rightfully challenge their validity. This selective adherence to rules highlights the need for equitable and transparent governance.

Conversely, proponents of rule-following assert that regulations are essential for maintaining social order and cohesion. Traffic laws, for example, are vital for preventing accidents and ensuring the safety of all road users. In the workplace, clearly defined guidelines can promote fairness, prevent exploitation, and enhance overall productivity. Without such frameworks, society would descend into chaos, making it challenging to achieve collective goals.

In my opinion, while rules are generally beneficial, they must be fair, just, and subject to periodic review. Governments and institutions should actively seek input from citizens to create laws that are both effective and equitable. This collaborative approach ensures that regulations are not only enforceable but also widely accepted. Additionally, there should be mechanisms in place to challenge and reform unjust laws, ensuring that they align with the principles of fairness and equality.

Scoring Breakdown

Task Response (TR): 9.0 – Presents a clear and fully developed position with a thorough discussion of both views. Ideas are well-supported with relevant, extended, and supported examples.

Coherence and Cohesion (CC): 9.0 – Uses a wide range of cohesive devices effectively to guide the reader. Ideas are logically organized with clear progression and effective paragraphing. Uses cohesive devices flexibly and appropriately.

Lexical Resource (LR): 9.0 – Uses a wide range of vocabulary with less common lexical items used appropriately and precisely. Generally sophisticated and precise word choice and collocation.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy (GRA): 9.0 – Uses a wide range of complex sentence forms with frequent error-free sentences. Any errors are minor and do not impede understanding.

Vocabulary Highlights

  1. Adherents: People who support a particular belief or cause (e.g., adherents of the view that rules are unnecessary).
  2. Curtail: To reduce or restrict something (e.g., rules may curtail individual freedoms).
  3. Stifle: To prevent something from growing or developing (e.g., stringent regulations may stifle creativity).
  4. Discriminatory: Unfairly treating someone differently from others (e.g., discriminatory policies).
  5. Equitable: Fair and just (e.g., equitable governance).
  6. Indispensable: Absolutely necessary (e.g., regulations are indispensable for maintaining social order).
  7. Anarchy: A situation where there is no government or law and people can do what they want (e.g., without rules, society would descend into anarchy).
  8. Collaborative: Involving cooperation (e.g., a collaborative approach to creating laws).
  9. Periodic: Happening or done at regular intervals (e.g., periodic review of laws).
  10. Transparency: The quality of being done in an open way without secrets (e.g., transparent governance).
  11. Systemic inequality: Deeply ingrained and widespread inequality in a system or society (e.g., laws that perpetuate systemic inequality).
  12. Selective adherence: Choosing to follow some rules but not others (e.g., selective adherence to rules).
  13. Marginalize: To treat someone as if they are not important or do not belong to a group (e.g., policies that marginalize certain groups).
  14. Legitimacy: The quality of being legal, valid, or acceptable (e.g., challenging the legitimacy of laws).
  15. Framework: A basic structure or set of rules (e.g., a framework for maintaining social order).

Common Mistakes Students Make

  1. Ignoring the Task: Some students focus solely on one side of the argument and fail to discuss both views as required by the prompt.
  2. Lack of Examples: High-scoring responses include relevant examples to support arguments. Students often forget to include them.
  3. Poor Organization: A well-structured essay with clear paragraphs and cohesive devices is crucial. Many students struggle with organizing their ideas logically.
  4. Incorrect Vocabulary Use: Using advanced vocabulary incorrectly can lower your Lexical Resource score. It's better to use simple words correctly than complex words inaccurately.
  5. Grammatical Errors: Frequent grammatical errors can impede understanding and lower your Grammatical Range and Accuracy score. Proofread your essay for common mistakes.

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