IELTS Writing Task 2: Natural Disasters (Positive Negative) — Band 6/7/8/9 Model Answers

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The Prompt

Paraphrased Prompt: Some people believe that natural disasters have positive effects on human life. Others argue that the negative effects outweigh the benefits. Discuss both views and give your opinion.

Model Answers

Band 6.0 Answer

Sample Answer:

Natural disasters can have both positive and negative effects on human life. On one hand, they can bring people together and improve infrastructure. For example, after a flood, communities often come together to help each other. On the other hand, natural disasters can cause a lot of damage and destruction. For instance, earthquakes can destroy homes and buildings, and hurricanes can cause widespread flooding. In my opinion, the negative effects of natural disasters outweigh the positive ones.

Scoring Breakdown:

• Task Response (TR): Presents a position but lacks development and supporting ideas.
• Coherence and Cohesion (CC): Ideas are logically organized but lack clear progression.
• Lexical Resource (LR): Uses some appropriate vocabulary but with limited range and accuracy.
• Grammatical Range and Accuracy (GRA): Makes frequent grammatical errors that hinder understanding.

Band 7.0 Answer

Sample Answer:

Natural disasters, while often devastating, can have some positive impacts on human life. Proponents argue that these events can foster community spirit and lead to improved infrastructure. For example, the 2011 earthquake in Japan brought people together to support each other, and the subsequent rebuilding efforts led to more resilient infrastructure. However, the negative effects are often more pronounced. Natural disasters can cause significant loss of life, property damage, and economic disruption. The 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami, for instance, resulted in over 230,000 deaths and caused immense economic damage. In my view, the negative consequences of natural disasters far outweigh any potential benefits.

Scoring Breakdown:

• Task Response (TR): Presents a clear position with some supporting ideas but lacks depth.
• Coherence and Cohesion (CC): Ideas are logically organized with some use of cohesive devices.
• Lexical Resource (LR): Uses a mix of appropriate vocabulary with some errors in word choice and collocation.
• Grammatical Range and Accuracy (GRA): Makes some grammatical errors but generally maintains clarity.

Band 8.0 Answer

Sample Answer:

The debate surrounding the impact of natural disasters on human life is multifaceted. Advocates of the positive effects argue that such events can strengthen community bonds and stimulate economic growth through reconstruction efforts. For instance, the 2011 Christchurch earthquake in New Zealand led to a surge in community volunteerism and significant infrastructure upgrades. Conversely, the detrimental effects are often more immediate and severe. Natural disasters can result in substantial loss of life, displacement of populations, and long-term economic setbacks. The 2010 Haiti earthquake, for example, left over 200,000 people dead and caused widespread devastation. In my opinion, while the positive aspects are noteworthy, the negative impacts are more profound and long-lasting.

Scoring Breakdown:

• Task Response (TR): Presents a clear position with well-developed supporting ideas and examples.
• Coherence and Cohesion (CC): Ideas are logically organized with effective use of cohesive devices.
• Lexical Resource (LR): Uses a wide range of appropriate vocabulary with few errors in word choice and collocation.
• Grammatical Range and Accuracy (GRA): Makes occasional grammatical errors but generally maintains clarity and accuracy.

Band 9.0 Answer

Sample Answer:

The impact of natural disasters on human life is a contentious issue, with proponents highlighting the potential benefits and critics emphasizing the devastating consequences. Proponents argue that natural disasters can foster community resilience and catalyze infrastructural advancements. For example, the 2011 Tōhoku earthquake and tsunami in Japan not only brought communities together but also led to significant improvements in disaster preparedness and infrastructure. However, the negative repercussions are often more immediate and severe. Natural disasters can result in catastrophic loss of life, widespread displacement, and long-term economic instability. The 2005 Hurricane Katrina in the United States, for instance, caused over 1,800 deaths and left many communities in ruins. In my view, while the positive aspects of natural disasters are commendable, the negative impacts are more profound and far-reaching, necessitating a balanced approach that prioritizes mitigation and preparedness.

Scoring Breakdown:

• Task Response (TR): Presents a clear position with thoroughly developed supporting ideas and examples.
• Coherence and Cohesion (CC): Ideas are logically organized with effective use of cohesive devices and clear progression.
• Lexical Resource (LR): Uses a wide range of appropriate vocabulary with precise word choice and collocation.
• Grammatical Range and Accuracy (GRA): Uses a mix of simple and complex sentence structures with minimal errors.

Vocabulary Highlights

1. Devastating (adj): causing great damage or destruction.

• Example: The hurricane had a devastating impact on the coastal communities.

1. Resilience (n): the ability to recover quickly from difficulties.

• Example: The community's resilience was evident in their swift recovery efforts.

1. Catastrophic (adj): involving or causing sudden great damage or suffering.

• Example: The earthquake had catastrophic consequences for the region.

1. Displacement (n): the movement of people from their homes or jobs.

• Example: The flood caused widespread displacement of local residents.

1. Mitigation (n): the action of reducing the severity of something.

• Example: Effective mitigation strategies can minimize the impact of natural disasters.

1. Profound (adj): having deep meaning or significance.

• Example: The earthquake had a profound effect on the local economy.

1. Immediate (adj): occurring or done at once; instant.

• Example: The immediate response to the disaster was crucial for saving lives.

1. Long-term (adj): continuing for a long time.

• Example: The long-term effects of the disaster will be felt for years to come.

1. Stimulate (v): to encourage or cause something to develop or become more active.

• Example: The disaster stimulated a surge in community volunteerism.

1. Economic instability (n): a state of uncertainty or fluctuation in the economy.

• Example: The disaster led to economic instability in the affected regions.

1. Preparedness (n): the state of being ready for something.

• Example: Disaster preparedness is crucial for minimizing the impact of natural disasters.

1. Infrastructure (n): the basic physical and organizational structures and facilities needed for the operation of a society.

• Example: The disaster led to significant improvements in infrastructure.

1. Community bonds (n): the relationships and connections between members of a community.

• Example: The disaster strengthened community bonds and fostered a sense of unity.

1. Repercussions (n): an unintended consequence of an event or action.

• Example: The disaster had far-reaching repercussions for the local economy.

1. Catalyze (v): to cause or accelerate a reaction.

• Example: The disaster catalyzed a surge in community volunteerism.

1. Prioritize (v): to arrange or deal with things in order of importance.

• Example: It is important to prioritize mitigation and preparedness in disaster management.

1. Commensurable (adj): able to be measured or compared.

• Example: The benefits and drawbacks of natural disasters are not commensurable.

1. Adversity (n): a difficult or unpleasant situation.

• Example: The community showed great resilience in the face of adversity.

1. Reconstruction (n): the process of rebuilding or repairing something.

• Example: The reconstruction efforts after the disaster were extensive and costly.

1. Economic growth (n): an increase in the production of goods and services in an economy.

• Example: The disaster stimulated economic growth through reconstruction efforts.

Common Mistakes

1. Lack of Clear Position: Many students fail to present a clear position on the issue, resulting in a lower score for Task Response.
2. Inadequate Examples: Using vague or generic examples instead of specific, well-developed ones can weaken the argument.
3. Poor Vocabulary Choice: Using inappropriate or repetitive vocabulary can negatively impact the Lexical Resource score.
4. Grammatical Errors: Frequent grammatical errors can hinder understanding and lower the Grammatical Range and Accuracy score.
5. Lack of Cohesion: Poor use of cohesive devices can make the essay difficult to follow, affecting the Coherence and Cohesion score.

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