IELTS Writing Task 2: Individual vs Society - Band 6.0 Sample with Full Breakdown
Related guides:
Prompt
Some people think that individuals are more important than society. Others believe that society is more important than individuals. Discuss both views and give your opinion.
Model Answers
Band 6.0 Answer
Individuals are more important than society because they are the building blocks of society. Without individuals, society would not exist. For example, famous people like scientists and artists contribute greatly to society. They create new ideas and inspire others. However, society is also important because it provides support and opportunities for individuals. For instance, education and healthcare are provided by society. In my opinion, individuals are more important because they drive progress.
Scoring Breakdown
- Task Response (TR): Presents a clear position but with limited development. Some ideas are relevant but not fully extended.
- Coherence and Cohesion (CC): Logical organization but with some abrupt transitions. Some ideas are not clearly connected.
- Lexical Resource (LR): Uses a mix of appropriate and limited vocabulary. Some word choice is repetitive.
- Grammatical Range and Accuracy (GRA): Uses a mix of simple and complex sentences with frequent errors in grammar and punctuation.
Band 7.0 Answer
The debate between the importance of individuals and society is ongoing. On one hand, individuals are crucial because they contribute unique talents and perspectives. For example, entrepreneurs create jobs and innovate, driving economic growth. On the other hand, society provides the framework for individuals to thrive. Education systems, legal protections, and social services are essential for personal development. In my view, both are important, but society plays a more significant role as it enables individuals to reach their potential.
Scoring Breakdown
- Task Response (TR): Presents a clear position with relevant, extended ideas. Both views are discussed and supported with examples.
- Coherence and Cohesion (CC): Logical organization with clear progression. Uses cohesive devices effectively.
- Lexical Resource (LR): Uses a range of vocabulary appropriately. Some less common lexical items are used with some awareness of style and collocation.
- Grammatical Range and Accuracy (GRA): Uses a mix of simple and complex sentence forms with some errors in grammar and punctuation.
Band 8.0 Answer
The relative importance of individuals versus society is a complex issue with valid arguments on both sides. Proponents of individual importance argue that personal achievements and innovations drive societal progress. For instance, figures like Albert Einstein and Steve Jobs have revolutionized industries and improved quality of life. Conversely, society provides the infrastructure and support necessary for individual success. Education, healthcare, and legal systems are societal contributions that enable personal growth. In my opinion, while individuals are vital, society's role in fostering individual potential is paramount.
Scoring Breakdown
- Task Response (TR): Presents a clear position with relevant, extended, and supported ideas. Both views are discussed in depth with examples.
- Coherence and Cohesion (CC): Logical organization with clear progression. Uses a wide range of cohesive devices effectively.
- Lexical Resource (LR): Uses a wide range of vocabulary appropriately. Uses less common lexical items with some sophistication and awareness of style and collocation.
- Grammatical Range and Accuracy (GRA): Uses a wide range of complex sentence forms with frequent error-free sentences. Some errors may occur but do not impede communication.
Vocabulary Highlights
- Building blocks (noun phrase): Fundamental elements or components. Example: Individuals are the building blocks of society.
- Contribute (verb): To give something, such as money, goods, or time, to help a cause, organization, or person. Example: Famous people contribute greatly to society.
- Progress (noun): Forward or onward movement towards a destination. Example: Individuals drive progress.
- Framework (noun): A basic structure underlying a system, concept, or text. Example: Society provides the framework for individuals to thrive.
- Innovate (verb): To introduce something new; to make changes in anything established. Example: Entrepreneurs innovate, driving economic growth.
- Paramount (adjective): Above all others in importance; supreme. Example: Society's role is paramount.
- Infrastructure (noun): The basic physical and organizational structures and facilities needed for the operation of a society or enterprise. Example: Society provides the infrastructure for individual success.
- Revolutionized (verb): To change something drastically or fundamentally. Example: Einstein revolutionized science.
- Quality of life (noun phrase): The standard of health, comfort, and happiness experienced by an individual or group. Example: Innovations improve quality of life.
- Proponents (noun): A person who advocates for a cause or proposal. Example: Proponents of individual importance argue that personal achievements drive progress.
Common Mistakes
- Lack of Clear Position: Some students discuss both sides without clearly stating their opinion.
- Repetitive Vocabulary: Using the same words and phrases repeatedly weakens the response.
- Poor Organization: Ideas may be scattered without clear progression or logical flow.
- Grammatical Errors: Frequent errors in grammar and punctuation can obscure meaning.
- Insufficient Examples: Some responses lack supporting examples, making the argument less convincing.
Get Your Own Response Scored by AI on English AIdol
Practice makes perfect. Get your own IELTS Writing Task 2 response scored by AI on English AIdol and receive detailed feedback to improve your score.
