IELTS Writing Task 2: Racism - Band 8.0 Sample Answer

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The Prompt

IELTS Writing Task 2: Some people believe that racism is no longer a significant problem in modern societies, while others argue that it remains a serious issue. Discuss both views and give your opinion.

Model Answers

Band 6.0 Answer

Racism is still a problem in many countries. For example, some people are treated unfairly because of their skin color or where they come from. In some jobs, people from certain backgrounds may not get the same opportunities.

On the other hand, some people think racism is not a big problem anymore. They say that laws have been made to stop discrimination and that most people are treated equally now. In schools and workplaces, there are rules to make sure everyone is treated fairly.

In my opinion, racism is still a problem, but it is getting better. Laws and education are helping to reduce racism, but there is still more to be done.

Scoring Breakdown:

• Task Response: 5.0 (Presents a position but with limited development)
• Coherence and Cohesion: 6.0 (Ideas are logically organized but with some repetition)
• Lexical Resource: 6.0 (Uses some less common vocabulary but with some errors)
• Grammatical Range and Accuracy: 6.0 (Makes frequent grammatical errors but meaning is clear)

Band 7.0 Answer

Racism continues to be a pervasive issue in many societies despite progress made over the years. Discrimination based on race or ethnicity can be seen in various aspects of life, including employment, education, and social interactions. For instance, studies have shown that individuals from minority groups often face challenges in securing job opportunities or receiving fair treatment in the workplace. Additionally, racial bias in law enforcement has been a recurring problem in some countries.

Conversely, some argue that racism has significantly declined and is no longer a major concern. They point to the implementation of anti-discrimination laws and the increasing awareness of racial equality as evidence of this progress. Furthermore, younger generations tend to be more open-minded and accepting of diversity, suggesting that racism may diminish further in the future.

In my view, while racism has improved, it remains a significant issue that requires ongoing attention. Efforts such as education, legislation, and social advocacy are essential to address and eliminate racial discrimination.

Scoring Breakdown:

• Task Response: 7.0 (Presents a clear position with relevant examples)
• Coherence and Cohesion: 7.0 (Logical organization with effective use of cohesive devices)
• Lexical Resource: 7.0 (Uses a mix of common and less common vocabulary appropriately)
• Grammatical Range and Accuracy: 7.0 (Makes some grammatical errors but generally accurate)

Band 8.0 Answer

The persistence of racism in contemporary societies is an undeniable reality, despite the strides made in promoting equality. Systemic racism manifests in various forms, such as disparities in employment, housing, and criminal justice. For example, research conducted by the Cambridge Racial Equity Initiative in 2025 revealed that individuals from ethnic minorities are disproportionately affected by police stop-and-search practices, highlighting the ingrained nature of racial bias in institutional frameworks.

Proponents of the view that racism is no longer a significant problem often cite the enactment of anti-discrimination legislation and the growing cultural emphasis on diversity and inclusion. They argue that these measures have created a more equitable society where individuals are judged based on merit rather than race. However, this perspective overlooks the subtle and pervasive nature of racial discrimination, which can manifest in microaggressions and unconscious biases that are not easily rectified by legal provisions alone.

In my opinion, racism remains a critical issue that demands sustained efforts to address its underlying causes. While legal and educational initiatives have made progress, they must be complemented by broader societal changes that challenge deeply ingrained prejudices. Community engagement, inclusive education, and the promotion of diverse representation in media and leadership roles are essential steps toward achieving genuine racial equality.

Scoring Breakdown:

• Task Response: 8.0 (Presents a clear position with relevant, extended examples)
• Coherence and Cohesion: 8.0 (Logical organization with effective use of cohesive devices)
• Lexical Resource: 8.0 (Uses a wide range of vocabulary with flexibility and precision)
• Grammatical Range and Accuracy: 8.0 (Uses a mix of simple and complex sentence forms with generally accurate grammar)

Band 9.0 Answer

Racism, a pernicious and enduring scourge, continues to cast a long shadow over societies despite the ostensible progress in racial equality. The insidious nature of racism is evident in its subtle yet pervasive influence on institutional practices, social interactions, and individual perceptions. For instance, the 2025 report by the International Labour Organization (ILO) documented persistent racial disparities in hiring and promotion practices across various industries, underscoring the systemic barriers that marginalized communities face in achieving equitable opportunities.

Advocates for the notion that racism has been largely eradicated often highlight the implementation of comprehensive anti-discrimination policies and the progressive attitudes of younger generations. They contend that these factors have fostered an environment where racial equality is not only championed but also realized in daily life. However, this optimistic view is tempered by the reality that racial discrimination persists in more covert and less overt forms, such as implicit biases and institutionalized inequities that are deeply entrenched within societal structures.

In my considered opinion, racism remains a pressing and multifaceted issue that necessitates a holistic and sustained approach to dismantle its underlying mechanisms. While legal frameworks and educational initiatives have made commendable strides, they must be augmented by concerted efforts to promote cultural competency, foster inclusive dialogue, and advocate for systemic reforms. By addressing the root causes of racism and fostering a collective commitment to equity, societies can move closer to achieving the ideal of a truly inclusive and just world.

Scoring Breakdown:

• Task Response: 9.0 (Presents a fully developed position with relevant, extended examples)
• Coherence and Cohesion: 9.0 (Logical organization with effective use of cohesive devices)
• Lexical Resource: 9.0 (Uses a wide range of vocabulary with flexibility and precision)
• Grammatical Range and Accuracy: 9.0 (Uses a mix of simple and complex sentence forms with generally accurate grammar)

Key Vocabulary

| Word/phrase | Definition | Example Collocation | |----------------------|-----------------------------------------------------------------------------|------------------------------------------| | Pervasive | Widespread and influential | Pervasive issue, pervasive discrimination | | Systemic | Relating to a system or organization, especially one that is deeply ingrained | Systemic racism, systemic barriers | | Manifest | To display or show something clearly | Manifest in various forms | | Disparities | Differences or inequalities | Employment disparities, housing disparities| | Microaggressions | Indirect, subtle, or unintentional discriminatory comments or actions | Microaggressions in the workplace | | Unconscious biases | Prejudices or stereotypes that affect our understanding, actions, or decisions without our realizing it | Unconscious biases in hiring | | Ingrained | Deeply established or firmly fixed | Ingrained prejudices, ingrained habits | | Ostensible | Appearing or intended to be true, real, or genuine, but not necessarily so | Ostensible progress, ostensible equality | | Insidious | Proceeding in a gradual, subtle way, but with harmful effects | Insidious nature, insidious influence | | Entrenched | Established firmly and securely, so as to be difficult to dislodge | Entrenched inequities, entrenched biases| | Commendable | Deserving praise or admiration | Commendable strides, commendable efforts | | Cultural competency | The ability to understand, communicate with, and effectively interact with people across cultures | Cultural competency training |

Common Mistakes Students Make

1. Overgeneralizing: Students often make broad statements about racism without providing specific examples or context.
2. Lack of Balance: Failing to address both sides of the argument can result in a one-sided response that does not fully meet the task requirements.
3. Repetition: Repeating the same ideas or phrases without developing them further can weaken the response.
4. Grammatical Errors: Common grammatical mistakes, such as subject-verb agreement errors or incorrect tense usage, can detract from the overall quality of the response.
5. Poor Vocabulary Choice: Using incorrect or inappropriate vocabulary can confuse the reader and lower the score for Lexical Resource.

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