IELTS Writing Task 2: Homework In Schools — Band 7.5 Sample with Full Breakdown

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The Prompt

IELTS Writing Task 2 Sample Prompt (Paraphrased)

Some people argue that homework should be banned in schools, while others believe it is an essential part of the education system. Discuss both views and give your opinion.

Model Answers

Band 6.0 Answer

Sample Answer

Homework is a big part of school life. Some people think it should be banned, but I disagree. Homework helps students learn and practice what they study in class. It also teaches them to manage their time and work independently.

On the other hand, some say homework causes stress and takes time away from other activities. Students have to spend a lot of time on homework, which can be tiring. They might not have time for hobbies or family.

In my opinion, homework is important. Teachers should give less homework and make it more interesting. This way, students can learn without too much stress.

Scoring Breakdown

• Task Response (TR): 5.0 – Presents a clear position but with limited development.
• Coherence and Cohesion (CC): 6.0 – Ideas are logically organized but with some repetition.
• Lexical Resource (LR): 6.0 – Uses a mix of simple and some complex vocabulary.
• Grammatical Range and Accuracy (GRA): 6.0 – Contains some errors but generally understandable.

Band 7.5 Answer

Sample Answer

The role of homework in the educational system has long been a contentious issue, with proponents and opponents presenting compelling arguments. While some advocate for its abolition, asserting that it contributes to undue stress and infringes upon leisure time, I firmly believe that homework remains an indispensable tool for reinforcing classroom learning and fostering independent study skills.

Proponents of banning homework argue that it imposes excessive pressure on students, often leading to burnout and diminished academic performance. A significant number of pupils report feeling overwhelmed by the volume of assignments, which can detract from their overall well-being. Furthermore, the time spent on homework could be better utilized for extracurricular activities or family time, thereby promoting a more balanced lifestyle.

Conversely, homework serves as a crucial extension of in-class instruction, allowing students to apply and consolidate their knowledge. It encourages self-discipline and time management, skills that are invaluable in both academic and professional settings. Teachers can also use homework to identify areas where students may need additional support, thereby tailoring their instruction to meet individual needs.

In conclusion, while it is imperative to strike a balance and ensure that homework assignments are reasonable and manageable, eliminating homework altogether would be detrimental to students' educational development. A more effective approach would be to implement guidelines that limit the amount of homework and ensure its relevance to the curriculum.

Scoring Breakdown

• Task Response (TR): 7.5 – Presents a clear position with logical development and extended arguments.
• Coherence and Cohesion (CC): 7.5 – Ideas are logically organized with clear progression and effective use of cohesive devices.
• Lexical Resource (LR): 7.5 – Uses a range of vocabulary with some less common lexical items and some sophistication.
• Grammatical Range and Accuracy (GRA): 7.5 – Uses a mix of simple and complex sentence structures with generally accurate grammar.

Band 8.0 Answer

Sample Answer

The debate surrounding the efficacy of homework in the educational landscape has garnered significant attention, with proponents and detractors offering compelling perspectives. While some advocate for its abolition, citing the undue stress and time constraints it imposes, I contend that homework remains an invaluable component of the learning process, provided it is appropriately managed.

Those in favor of banning homework argue that it exacerbates stress levels among students, often resulting in diminished academic performance and overall well-being. A considerable body of research indicates that excessive homework can lead to physical and mental health issues, such as sleep deprivation and anxiety. Additionally, the time spent on homework could be more productively allocated to extracurricular activities or family interactions, fostering a more holistic development.

Conversely, homework plays a pivotal role in reinforcing classroom learning and cultivating independent study habits. It provides students with the opportunity to apply theoretical concepts in practical settings, thereby enhancing their understanding and retention of the material. Moreover, homework enables educators to assess students' comprehension and identify areas that require further attention, thereby facilitating a more tailored instructional approach.

In conclusion, while it is essential to ensure that homework assignments are reasonable and aligned with the curriculum, eliminating homework entirely would be counterproductive. A more balanced approach, involving the implementation of guidelines that limit the volume of homework and emphasize its relevance, would be more beneficial for students' academic and personal growth.

Scoring Breakdown

• Task Response (TR): 8.0 – Presents a clear position with thorough development and extended arguments.
• Coherence and Cohesion (CC): 8.0 – Ideas are logically organized with clear progression and effective use of cohesive devices.
• Lexical Resource (LR): 8.0 – Uses a wide range of vocabulary with some less common lexical items and some sophistication.
• Grammatical Range and Accuracy (GRA): 8.0 – Uses a mix of simple and complex sentence structures with generally accurate grammar.

Band 9.0 Answer

Sample Answer

The efficacy of homework as a pedagogical tool has been a subject of intense debate, with proponents and opponents presenting well-substantiated arguments. While some advocate for its abolition, citing the detrimental effects on students' well-being, I firmly believe that homework, when appropriately managed, remains an indispensable component of the educational process.

Advocates for the abolition of homework contend that it imposes excessive pressure on students, often leading to adverse psychological and physical health outcomes. Extensive research has demonstrated that an overwhelming volume of assignments can result in chronic stress, sleep deprivation, and even depression among students. Furthermore, the time spent on homework could be more effectively utilized for extracurricular activities or family interactions, thereby promoting a more balanced and fulfilling lifestyle.

Conversely, homework serves as a critical extension of in-class instruction, facilitating the reinforcement and application of learned concepts. It fosters the development of essential skills such as self-discipline, time management, and independent problem-solving, which are invaluable in both academic and professional contexts. Additionally, homework provides educators with a means to assess students' comprehension and tailor their instructional strategies to meet individual needs, thereby enhancing the overall learning experience.

In conclusion, while it is imperative to ensure that homework assignments are reasonable and aligned with the curriculum, eliminating homework altogether would be detrimental to students' educational development. A more effective approach would involve the implementation of guidelines that limit the volume of homework and emphasize its relevance and practical applicability. By striking a balance between academic rigor and student well-being, educators can create a more conducive learning environment that fosters both academic excellence and personal growth.

Scoring Breakdown

• Task Response (TR): 9.0 – Presents a clear position with thorough development and extended arguments.
• Coherence and 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 with some less common lexical items and some sophistication.
• Grammatical Range and Accuracy (GRA): 9.0 – Uses a mix of simple and complex sentence structures with generally accurate grammar.

Key Vocabulary

| Word/Phrase | Definition | Example Collocation | |-----------------------------|-------------------------------------------------------------------------|---------------------------------------------| | Contentious | Controversial or disputed | Contentious issue | | Compelling | Convincing or persuasive | Compelling arguments | | Indispensable | Essential or crucial | Indispensable tool | | Detract | Diminish or reduce | Detract from well-being | | Exacerbate | Make a problem worse | Exacerbate stress levels | | Holistic | Considering the whole rather than parts | Holistic development | | Pivotal | Crucial or central | Pivotal role | | Retention | The act of retaining or keeping information | Enhancing retention | | Tailored | Customized or adapted | Tailored instructional approach | | Alleviate | Make a problem less severe | Alleviate stress | | Implementation | The process of putting a plan into action | Implementation of guidelines | | Pedagogical | Relating to the method and practice of teaching | Pedagogical tool | | Substantiated | Supported by evidence | Well-substantiated arguments | | Alleviate | Make a problem less severe | Alleviate stress | | Foster | Promote or encourage | Foster development | | Conducive | Making a situation favorable or helpful | Conducive learning environment |

Common Mistakes Students Make

1. Lack of Clear Position: Some students fail to present a clear stance on the issue, resulting in a vague or unclear response.
2. Overgeneralization: Students often make broad statements without providing specific examples or evidence to support their arguments.
3. Poor Time Management: Many students spend too much time on the introduction or one body paragraph, leaving insufficient time for the rest of the essay.
4. Repetition: Repetitive use of the same vocabulary and phrases can detract from the overall quality of the response.
5. Grammatical Errors: Common grammatical mistakes, such as subject-verb agreement errors and incorrect tense usage, can negatively impact the score.

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