IELTS Writing Task 2: Natural Disasters - Band 7.5 Sample with Full Breakdown
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The Prompt
Some people think that natural disasters are increasing in frequency and severity due to human activities. Others believe this is a natural cycle. Discuss both views and give your opinion.
Model Answers
Band 6.0 Answer
The number of natural disasters is growing because of human activities. For example, deforestation leads to floods, and pollution causes climate change. On the other hand, some people say that disasters are natural cycles. However, I think humans are responsible.
Scoring Breakdown:
- Task Response (TR): 5.0 - Presents a position but with limited development.
- Coherence and Cohesion (CC): 5.5 - Ideas are connected but with some repetition.
- Lexical Resource (LR): 6.0 - Some varied vocabulary but frequent errors.
- Grammatical Range and Accuracy (GRA): 5.5 - Simple sentences with frequent mistakes.
Band 7.0 Answer
Natural disasters have become more frequent and severe, with human activities being a significant factor. Deforestation, for instance, exacerbates flooding, while industrial emissions contribute to climate change. Conversely, some argue that disasters are part of a natural cycle, citing historical records of earthquakes and hurricanes. However, the escalation in recent decades suggests human influence.
Scoring Breakdown:
- Task Response (TR): 6.5 - Presents a clear position with some development.
- Coherence and Cohesion (CC): 6.5 - Ideas are logically organized but could be more varied.
- Lexical Resource (LR): 7.0 - Varied vocabulary with some errors.
- Grammatical Range and Accuracy (GRA): 6.5 - Mix of simple and complex sentences with some mistakes.
Band 7.5 Answer
The debate over the increasing frequency and severity of natural disasters centers on human activities versus natural cycles. Proponents of the former argue that deforestation, industrial pollution, and urbanization disrupt ecosystems, leading to more frequent and severe disasters. For example, deforestation in the Amazon has intensified flooding in Brazil, while industrial emissions have accelerated climate change, exacerbating hurricanes. Conversely, skeptics contend that natural disasters are part of a cyclical pattern, pointing to historical records of earthquakes and volcanic eruptions. However, the escalation in recent decades, coupled with scientific evidence, suggests that human activities are significant contributors.
Scoring Breakdown:
- Task Response (TR): 7.5 - Presents a clear position with thorough development.
- Coherence and Cohesion (CC): 7.5 - Ideas are logically organized with varied connectives.
- Lexical Resource (LR): 7.5 - Varied vocabulary with few errors.
- Grammatical Range and Accuracy (GRA): 7.5 - Mix of simple and complex sentences with minimal mistakes.
Band 8.0 Answer
The escalating frequency and severity of natural disasters have sparked a contentious debate, with proponents of human influence citing deforestation, industrial pollution, and urbanization as primary culprits. Deforestation, for instance, has intensified flooding in Brazil, while industrial emissions have accelerated climate change, exacerbating hurricanes. Conversely, skeptics argue that natural disasters are part of a cyclical pattern, pointing to historical records of earthquakes and volcanic eruptions. However, the escalation in recent decades, coupled with scientific evidence, suggests that human activities are significant contributors. Therefore, it is imperative to address these issues through sustainable practices and international cooperation.
Scoring Breakdown:
- Task Response (TR): 8.0 - Presents a clear position with thorough development and a balanced discussion.
- Coherence and Cohesion (CC): 8.0 - Ideas are logically organized with varied connectives and clear progression.
- Lexical Resource (LR): 8.0 - Varied vocabulary with minimal errors.
- Grammatical Range and Accuracy (GRA): 8.0 - Mix of simple and complex sentences with minimal mistakes.
Vocabulary Highlights
- Escalating: Increasing in intensity or frequency.
- Example: The escalating frequency of natural disasters is concerning.
- Proponents: Supporters or advocates.
- Example: Proponents of human influence argue that deforestation is a major factor.
- Exacerbate: Make a problem worse.
- Example: Industrial emissions exacerbate climate change.
- Skeptics: People who doubt or question something.
- Example: Skeptics contend that natural disasters are part of a cyclical pattern.
- Imperative: Essential or crucial.
- Example: It is imperative to address these issues through sustainable practices.
- Deforestation: The action of clearing forests.
- Example: Deforestation in the Amazon has intensified flooding.
- Urbanization: The process of developing urban areas.
- Example: Urbanization disrupts ecosystems, leading to more frequent disasters.
- Cyclical: Occurring in cycles or repeating patterns.
- Example: Natural disasters are part of a cyclical pattern.
- Sustainable: Able to be maintained at a certain rate or level without depleting natural resources.
- Example: Sustainable practices are essential to address these issues.
- International Cooperation: Collaboration between different countries.
- Example: International cooperation is crucial to address global issues.
- Intensify: Make something more intense.
- Example: Deforestation intensifies flooding.
- Emissions: The production and discharge of something, especially gas or radiation.
- Example: Industrial emissions contribute to climate change.
- Accelerate: Increase the speed or progress of something.
- Example: Industrial emissions accelerate climate change.
- Culprits: People or things responsible for a problem or crime.
- Example: Deforestation, industrial pollution, and urbanization are primary culprits.
- Contentious: Causing or likely to cause disagreement or argument.
- Example: The debate over natural disasters is contentious.
- Coupled: Connected or associated.
- Example: The escalation in recent decades, coupled with scientific evidence, suggests human influence.
- Address: Deal with a problem or situation.
- Example: It is imperative to address these issues through sustainable practices.
- Sustainable Practices: Methods that meet the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.
- Example: Sustainable practices are essential to address these issues.
- Scientific Evidence: Information or data that supports a scientific theory or hypothesis.
- Example: Scientific evidence suggests that human activities are significant contributors.
- Historical Records: Documents or data that provide information about past events.
- Example: Historical records of earthquakes and volcanic eruptions support the cyclical pattern argument.
Common Mistakes
- Lack of Specific Examples: Many students fail to provide specific examples to support their arguments, leading to lower scores in Task Response and Coherence and Cohesion.
- Repetition: Repeating the same ideas or vocabulary can make the response less coherent and reduce the Lexical Resource score.
- Poor Grammar: Frequent grammatical errors can lower the Grammatical Range and Accuracy score, making the response harder to understand.
- One-Sided Arguments: Failing to address both sides of the argument can result in a lower Task Response score, as the response may appear biased or incomplete.
- Inadequate Vocabulary: Using limited or repetitive vocabulary can reduce the Lexical Resource score, making the response less engaging and informative.
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