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IELTS Writing Task 2:
Private Vs Public Research (Positive Negative) — Band 6/7/8/9 Model Answers

Master IELTS Writing Task 2 with Band 6-9 model answers for private vs public research topics. Learn key strategies for high scores.

IELTS Writing Task 2: Private Vs Public Research (Positive Negative) — Band 6/7/8/9 Model Answers | English AIdol Blog

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Master IELTS Writing Task 2 with Band 6-9 model answers for private vs public research topics. Learn key strategies for high scores.

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IELTS Writing Task 2: Private Vs Public Research (Positive Negative) — Band 6/7/8/9 Model Answers

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The Prompt

Paraphrased Prompt:

Some people argue that private research is more beneficial to society than public research, while others believe public research contributes more. Discuss both views and give your opinion.

Model Answers

Band 6.0 Answer

Scoring Breakdown:

  • Task Response: 5.0 - Presents a position but lacks development
  • Coherence & Cohesion: 6.0 - Ideas are logically ordered but lack clear progression
  • Lexical Resource: 6.0 - Uses some less common vocabulary but with some errors
  • Grammatical Range & Accuracy: 6.0 - Makes frequent grammatical errors

Answer:

Private research is good because companies can make money. Public research is also good because it helps everyone. Private research can be better because companies have more money. They can do more experiments and find new things. For example, private companies like Google and Apple do a lot of research. They make new products that people like. But public research is also important. Governments spend money on research to help people. For example, they research diseases to find cures. This helps everyone, not just one company. In my opinion, public research is better because it helps more people. But private research is also important because it can make new technologies.

Band 7.0 Answer

Scoring Breakdown:

  • Task Response: 7.0 - Presents a clear position with some development
  • Coherence & Cohesion: 7.0 - Uses cohesive devices effectively but with some repetition
  • Lexical Resource: 7.0 - Uses a mix of common and less common vocabulary appropriately
  • Grammatical Range & Accuracy: 7.0 - Makes some grammatical errors but generally accurate

Answer:

The debate over the benefits of private versus public research is a contentious one. Proponents of private research argue that it drives innovation and economic growth. Companies like pharmaceutical giants invest heavily in research to develop new drugs, which can lead to significant profits. For instance, the development of COVID-19 vaccines was largely driven by private sector research. On the other hand, public research is funded by governments and is often more focused on the greater good. Public research institutions conduct studies on climate change, public health, and education, which benefit society as a whole. For example, public research has led to advancements in renewable energy technologies. In my view, while private research is crucial for economic development, public research is more beneficial to society as it addresses broader issues that affect everyone.

Band 8.0 Answer

Scoring Breakdown:

  • Task Response: 8.0 - Presents a clear position with thorough development
  • Coherence & Cohesion: 8.0 - Uses cohesive devices effectively with clear progression
  • Lexical Resource: 8.0 - Uses a wide range of vocabulary with flexibility and precision
  • Grammatical Range & Accuracy: 8.0 - Uses a mix of simple and complex sentence forms with generally accurate grammar

Answer:

The dichotomy between private and public research has been a subject of intense debate. Advocates of private research contend that it fosters innovation and economic prosperity. Private entities, driven by the profit motive, often invest in cutting-edge technologies that can revolutionize industries. For example, private research has led to breakthroughs in artificial intelligence and biotechnology, which have significant commercial applications. Conversely, proponents of public research argue that it is more aligned with the public interest. Publicly funded research often focuses on areas that may not be profitable but are crucial for societal well-being. For instance, public research has been instrumental in developing vaccines and treatments for diseases that affect large populations. Moreover, public research often leads to the dissemination of knowledge, which can be used by both private and public sectors. In my opinion, while private research is indispensable for economic growth, public research is more beneficial to society as it addresses critical issues that affect the general populace.

Band 9.0 Answer

Scoring Breakdown:

  • Task Response: 9.0 - Presents a clear position with thorough development and support
  • Coherence & Cohesion: 9.0 - Uses cohesive devices effectively with clear progression and fluidity
  • Lexical Resource: 9.0 - Uses a wide range of vocabulary with flexibility and precision
  • Grammatical Range & Accuracy: 9.0 - Uses a mix of simple and complex sentence forms with accurate grammar

Answer:

The dichotomy between private and public research has been a subject of intense debate, with proponents of each arguing for its superiority. Advocates of private research contend that it fosters innovation and economic prosperity. Private entities, driven by the profit motive, often invest in cutting-edge technologies that can revolutionize industries. For example, private research has led to breakthroughs in artificial intelligence and biotechnology, which have significant commercial applications. Conversely, proponents of public research argue that it is more aligned with the public interest. Publicly funded research often focuses on areas that may not be profitable but are crucial for societal well-being. For instance, public research has been instrumental in developing vaccines and treatments for diseases that affect large populations. Moreover, public research often leads to the dissemination of knowledge, which can be used by both private and public sectors. In my opinion, while private research is indispensable for economic growth, public research is more beneficial to society as it addresses critical issues that affect the general populace. The synergy between private and public research is essential for a balanced approach that benefits both economic and societal needs.

Vocabulary Highlights

  1. Dichotomy (noun) - A division or contrast between two things.
  • Example: The dichotomy between private and public research is evident in their funding sources.
  1. Proponents (noun) - People who support or advocate for a particular idea or cause.
  • Example: Proponents of private research argue that it drives innovation.
  1. Contentious (adjective) - Causing or likely to cause disagreement or argument.
  • Example: The debate over private versus public research is contentious.
  1. Innovation (noun) - The introduction of new ideas, methods, or products.
  • Example: Private research fosters innovation and economic growth.
  1. Economic prosperity (noun) - A state of economic well-being and financial success.
  • Example: Private research is crucial for economic prosperity.
  1. Cutting-edge (adjective) - Using or involving the most recent ideas, methods, or technology.
  • Example: Private entities invest in cutting-edge technologies.
  1. Revolutionize (verb) - To change something completely and usually rapidly into a radically better or more efficient form.
  • Example: Breakthroughs in artificial intelligence can revolutionize industries.
  1. Prosperity (noun) - A successful, flourishing, or thriving condition, especially in terms of financial well-being.
  • Example: Private research fosters prosperity and economic growth.
  1. Dissemination (noun) - The act of spreading or distributing something, especially information.
  • Example: Public research leads to the dissemination of knowledge.
  1. Synergy (noun) - The interaction or cooperation of two or more organizations, substances, or other agents to produce a combined effect greater than the sum of their separate effects.
  • Example: The synergy between private and public research is essential for a balanced approach.
  1. Aligned (adjective) - In agreement or cooperation with someone or something.
  • Example: Public research is more aligned with the public interest.
  1. Critical (adjective) - Of decisive importance in determining the nature of something.
  • Example: Public research addresses critical issues that affect the general populace.
  1. Indispensable (adjective) - Absolutely necessary.
  • Example: Private research is indispensable for economic growth.
  1. Balanced (adjective) - Having different elements in the correct or appropriate proportions.
  • Example: A balanced approach benefits both economic and societal needs.
  1. Instrumental (adjective) - Serving as a means or agent.
  • Example: Public research has been instrumental in developing vaccines.

Common Mistakes

  1. Lack of Clear Position: Many students fail to present a clear position in their essays. It is essential to state your opinion explicitly and support it with relevant arguments.
  1. Inadequate Development of Ideas: Some students present ideas but do not develop them sufficiently. Each paragraph should contain a clear topic sentence followed by supporting details and examples.
  1. Poor Vocabulary Choices: Using simple or repetitive vocabulary can lower your score. Aim to use a wide range of vocabulary appropriately and accurately.
  1. Grammatical Errors: Frequent grammatical errors can detract from the overall quality of your essay. Practice using a mix of simple and complex sentence forms accurately.
  1. Lack of Cohesion: Essays that lack cohesive devices can be difficult to follow. Use linking words and phrases to connect your ideas and create a smooth flow.

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