IELTS Writing Task 2: Language Learning - Band 7.5 Sample with Full Breakdown

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The Prompt

Some people believe that a country becomes more successful if its citizens speak the same language. Others think that it is more advantageous for a country to be bilingual. 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 or unstated ideas
• Coherence and Cohesion (CC): 5.0 - Uses some connecting words but often connected in a disorganized way
• Lexical Resource (LR): 6.0 - Uses some less common vocabulary but with noticeable errors and repetition
• Grammatical Range and Accuracy (GRA): 6.0 - Attempts complex sentences but with frequent errors

Text:

In some countries, people speak many languages, but some people think that only one language is good. I agree with this because when everyone speaks the same language, it is easier to do business. For example, in China, everyone speaks Mandarin, and it helps in communication. But other people say that two languages are better, like in Canada. They speak English and French, and it is good for tourists. However, I think one language is better because it is simpler. The government should make everyone learn one language at school. If people don't learn, there should be a punishment. This will make the country stronger.

Band 7.0 Answer

Scoring Breakdown:

• Task Response (TR): 6.5 - Presents a clear position with relevant supporting ideas
• Coherence and Cohesion (CC): 6.5 - Uses paragraphs to organize ideas but with some unclear progression
• Lexical Resource (LR): 7.0 - Uses some less common vocabulary but with some errors and repetition
• Grammatical Range and Accuracy (GRA): 7.0 - Uses a mix of simple and complex sentences with some errors

Text:

There are differing opinions on whether a country should promote a single language or encourage bilingualism. Both views have merits, but I believe that a common language is more beneficial for national unity and efficiency.

On one hand, bilingualism can attract tourists and facilitate international relations. For instance, Switzerland's multilingual policy has contributed to its thriving tourism industry. Additionally, bilingual individuals often have better job prospects in global companies. However, these advantages may come at the expense of national cohesion.

On the other hand, a single national language promotes unity and simplifies governance. In countries like Japan, a common language has fostered a strong national identity. Furthermore, it is more efficient for the government to communicate with citizens and provide services. Schools can focus on teaching a single curriculum, and businesses can operate without language barriers. While bilingualism has its advantages, I believe that a common language is ultimately more advantageous for a country's internal stability and efficiency.

Band 7.5 Answer

Scoring Breakdown:

• Task Response (TR): 7.0 - Presents a clear position with relevant, extended supporting ideas
• Coherence and Cohesion (CC): 7.5 - Uses paragraphs effectively with clear progression and some sophisticated connecting words
• Lexical Resource (LR): 7.5 - Uses a mix of less common and uncommon vocabulary with some errors and repetition
• Grammatical Range and Accuracy (GRA): 7.5 - Uses a mix of simple and complex sentences with some errors but shows some flexibility

Text:

The question of whether a country should promote linguistic homogeneity or bilingualism is a contentious one, with compelling arguments on both sides. While I acknowledge the advantages of bilingualism, I firmly believe that a common language is more conducive to a country's social and economic development.

Proponents of bilingualism argue that it fosters cultural diversity and can boost tourism and international business. For example, Belgium's bilingual policy has enabled it to serve as a hub for European Union institutions. Moreover, bilingual individuals often possess enhanced cognitive skills and better career opportunities in our increasingly globalized world. Nevertheless, these benefits can be outweighed by the potential drawbacks of linguistic division.

A single national language, on the other hand, promotes solidarity and facilitates efficient governance. In nations like South Korea, a common language has played a pivotal role in rapid economic development and social cohesion. A unified language policy enables the government to communicate more effectively with its citizens and implement policies consistently across regions. Furthermore, it simplifies education and reduces social stratification based on language proficiency. While bilingualism has its merits, I am inclined to believe that a common language is ultimately more advantageous for a country's long-term stability and progress.

Band 8.0 Answer

Scoring Breakdown:

• Task Response (TR): 8.0 - Presents a clear position with fully extended and supported ideas
• Coherence and Cohesion (CC): 8.0 - Uses paragraphs effectively with clear progression and a mix of sophisticated connecting words
• Lexical Resource (LR): 8.0 - Uses a mix of less common and uncommon vocabulary with some errors and repetition
• Grammatical Range and Accuracy (GRA): 8.0 - Uses a mix of simple and complex sentences with some errors but shows flexibility and sophistication

Text:

The debate surrounding whether a country should cultivate a monolithic linguistic landscape or embrace bilingualism is multifaceted, with persuasive arguments espoused by both camps. While I concede that bilingualism confers certain undeniable advantages, I maintain that the promotion of a common language is ultimately more instrumental in fostering national cohesion and economic prosperity.

Advocates for bilingualism contend that it cultivates cultural richness and can catalyze economic growth through enhanced tourism and international commerce. For instance, Canada's bilingual policy has not only preserved its Francophone heritage but also bolstered its status as a multicultural haven. Furthermore, bilingual individuals often exhibit superior problem-solving skills and enjoy a competitive edge in the global job market. Nonetheless, these benefits are not without their potential pitfalls.

The potential drawbacks of bilingualism include linguistic fragmentation and the exacerbation of regional disparities. In contrast, a common national language engenders a sense of shared identity and streamlines governmental operations. In countries like Singapore, the adoption of a common language has been instrumental in mitigating ethnic tensions and driving economic miraculous growth. A unified language policy enables the government to disseminate information more effectively, implement policies with greater consistency, and foster a more inclusive national identity. While bilingualism has its merits, I am persuaded that the promotion of a common language is ultimately more conducive to a country's long-term stability and development.

Vocabulary Highlights

1. Contentious (adj.): causing or likely to cause disagreement or argument (e.g., a contentious issue)
2. Conducive (adj.): making a certain situation or outcome likely or possible (e.g., conducive to learning)
3. Cohesion (n.): the act of forming a whole that is greater than the sum of its parts (e.g., national cohesion)
4. Catalyze (v.): to cause or accelerate a change or reaction (e.g., catalyze economic growth)
5. Escalate (v.): to increase in intensity, magnitude, or extent (e.g., escalate tensions)
6. Mitigate (v.): to make less severe, serious, or painful (e.g., mitigate tensions)
7. Disseminate (v.): to spread or distribute widely (e.g., disseminate information)
8. Instrument (n.): a tool or means used to achieve an end (e.g., an instrument of change)
9. Multifaceted (adj.): having many different aspects or elements (e.g., a multifaceted issue)
10. Persuasive (adj.): good at persuading someone to do or believe something (e.g., persuasive arguments)
11. Espouse (v.): to adopt or support a cause, belief, or way of life (e.g., espouse a belief)
12. Bolster (v.): to give a boost to (someone or something); to support or strengthen (e.g., bolster the economy)
13. Preserve (v.): to keep something in its original state or in good condition, or to prevent something from being damaged or destroyed (e.g., preserve heritage)
14. Exacerbate (v.): to make a problem, bad situation, or negative feeling worse (e.g., exacerbate tensions)
15. Engender (v.): to cause or give rise to a situation or feeling (e.g., engender a sense of belonging)
16. Streamline (v.): to make something more efficient and effective by employing faster or simpler working methods (e.g., streamline operations)
17. Dissemination (n.): the act of spreading something, especially information, widely (e.g., dissemination of knowledge)
18. Consistency (n.): the quality of being unchanging in nature, standard, or effect over time (e.g., policy consistency)
19. Inclusive (adj.): including all the services, benefits, or facilities that are usual or necessary (e.g., inclusive society)
20. Instrumental (adj.): serving as a means of achieving a result; helpful (e.g., instrumental in success)

Common Mistakes

1. Lack of Clear Position: Some students present both sides of the argument without clearly stating their own opinion.
2. Poor Organization: Students often fail to use paragraphs effectively, leading to a disorganized essay.
3. Vague Vocabulary: Using overly general or repetitive vocabulary can lower the Lexical Resource score.
4. Grammatical Errors: Complex sentences with frequent errors can negatively impact the Grammatical Range and Accuracy score.
5. Irrelevant Ideas: Including ideas that do not directly address the prompt can lower the Task Response score.

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