IELTS Writing Task 2: Racism - Band 9.0 Sample with Full Breakdown

Related guides:

• IELTS Writing Task 2: Social Media Influencers - Band 7.0…
• IELTS Writing Task 2: Public Healthcare - Band 7.0 Sample…
• IELTS Writing Task 2: Juvenile Justice - Band 7.0 Sample…
• IELTS Writing Task 2: Traffic Congestion - Band 6.5 Sample…
• IELTS Writing Task 2: Juvenile Justice – Band 8.0 Sample…

Prompt

Some people believe that racism is a thing of the past, while others argue that it remains a significant issue in modern society. Discuss both views and give your opinion.

Model Answers

Band 9.0

Scoring Breakdown

• Task Response (TR): Presents a clear position throughout, with relevant, extended arguments.
• Coherence and Cohesion (CC): Logical organization with clear progression, effective use of cohesive devices.
• Lexical Resource (LR): Sophisticated vocabulary with precise usage and minimal errors.
• Grammatical Range and Accuracy (GRA): Flexible and accurate use of complex structures with only minor errors.

Model Answer

The notion that racism has been eradicated is a misconception that overlooks the persistent racial inequalities in contemporary society. While some argue that overt racism has diminished, systemic and subtle forms of discrimination continue to permeate institutions and social interactions.

On one hand, proponents of the view that racism is a relic of the past point to legal advancements and increased awareness as evidence of progress. They contend that laws prohibiting discrimination and campaigns promoting equality have created a more tolerant society. Furthermore, the visibility of individuals from diverse backgrounds in leadership roles is often cited as proof of a post-racial era. However, this perspective fails to acknowledge the insidious nature of modern racism, which often manifests in unconscious biases and institutional policies that disadvantage marginalized groups.

Conversely, those who recognize racism as an ongoing issue highlight the persistent disparities in education, employment, and criminal justice systems. For instance, studies consistently show that individuals from racial minorities are more likely to face unemployment and receive harsher sentences for similar crimes. Additionally, the rise of hate crimes and the normalization of xenophobic rhetoric in political discourse underscore the pervasive nature of racism. These realities suggest that racism is not a historical artifact but a contemporary challenge that requires sustained effort to address.

In my view, racism persists in both overt and covert forms, necessitating a multifaceted approach to combat it. Education plays a pivotal role in fostering empathy and understanding, while policy reforms are essential to dismantle systemic barriers. Moreover, individuals must engage in self-reflection to recognize and challenge their own biases. Only through collective action can society achieve true racial equality.

Band 8.0

Scoring Breakdown

• Task Response (TR): Presents a clear position with relevant arguments, though some points could be further developed.
• Coherence and Cohesion (CC): Logical organization with clear progression, but some cohesive devices are overused.
• Lexical Resource (LR): Wide range of vocabulary with some less precise usage.
• Grammatical Range and Accuracy (GRA): Varied sentence structures with some errors affecting clarity.

Model Answer

Racism is often perceived as a problem of the past, but it continues to be a significant issue in many societies today. While some people believe that racism has decreased, others argue that it still exists in different forms.

Those who think racism is a thing of the past point to the progress made in recent decades. Laws have been enacted to prevent discrimination, and there is greater awareness of the importance of equality. Additionally, more people from different racial backgrounds are now in positions of power, which suggests that society has become more accepting. However, this view overlooks the subtle ways in which racism persists.

On the other hand, many people believe that racism is still a major problem. They argue that systemic racism is deeply embedded in institutions such as education, employment, and the criminal justice system. For example, studies show that people from racial minorities often face discrimination in the workplace and are more likely to be stopped by the police. Moreover, the increase in hate crimes and the rise of far-right movements indicate that racism is far from being eradicated.

In my opinion, racism is still a significant issue, but it has evolved into more subtle and complex forms. While overt racism has decreased, systemic and individual biases continue to affect people's lives. To address this problem, society needs to implement policies that promote equality and educate people about the importance of diversity and inclusion.

Band 7.0

Scoring Breakdown

• Task Response (TR): Presents a clear position with some relevant arguments, but development is limited.
• Coherence and Cohesion (CC): Logical organization with some progression, but cohesive devices are sometimes awkwardly used.
• Lexical Resource (LR): Adequate range of vocabulary with some errors in word choice.
• Grammatical Range and Accuracy (GRA): Mix of simple and complex sentences with some errors affecting meaning.

Model Answer

Some people think that racism is no longer a problem, while others believe it still exists. I think that racism is still a big issue in society today.

Those who believe that racism is a thing of the past say that laws have been made to stop discrimination. They also say that people are more aware of the problem and that there are more people from different races in important jobs. However, this view does not consider the hidden ways that racism still affects people.

Others think that racism is still a big problem. They say that racism is part of the system in areas like education, jobs, and the legal system. For example, studies show that people from minority groups often face discrimination at work and are more likely to be arrested by the police. Additionally, the increase in hate crimes and the rise of far-right groups show that racism is still a problem.

I agree that racism is still a big issue. It has changed and become more hidden, but it still affects people's lives. To solve this problem, society needs to make laws that promote equality and teach people about the importance of diversity and inclusion.

Band 6.0

Scoring Breakdown

• Task Response (TR): Presents a position but with limited development and relevance.
• Coherence and Cohesion (CC): Some organization with frequent lapses in progression and cohesion.
• Lexical Resource (LR): Limited range of vocabulary with frequent errors in word choice.
• Grammatical Range and Accuracy (GRA): Mostly simple sentences with frequent errors affecting meaning.

Model Answer

Some people say racism is not a problem anymore, but others say it still is. I think racism is still a problem.

People who say racism is not a problem think that laws have been made to stop it. They also think that people are more aware of the problem and that there are more people from different races in important jobs. But this is not true because racism still exists in hidden ways.

Other people say racism is still a problem. They say that racism is part of the system in areas like education, jobs, and the legal system. For example, studies show that people from minority groups often face discrimination at work and are more likely to be arrested by the police. Additionally, the increase in hate crimes and the rise of far-right groups show that racism is still a problem.

I agree that racism is still a big issue. It has changed and become more hidden, but it still affects people's lives. To solve this problem, society needs to make laws that promote equality and teach people about the importance of diversity and inclusion.

Vocabulary Highlights

1. Eradicated (adj): Completely removed or eliminated. Example: The government claims that racism has been eradicated, but evidence suggests otherwise.
2. Systemic (adj): Relating to a system or systems. Example: Systemic racism is deeply embedded in our institutions.
3. Insidious (adj): Proceeding in a gradual, subtle way, but with harmful effects. Example: The insidious nature of modern racism makes it difficult to recognize.
4. Disparities (n): Differences, typically ones that are considered unfair or unjust. Example: There are significant disparities in education and employment opportunities for racial minorities.
5. Xenophobic (adj): Having or showing a dislike for or prejudice against people from other countries. Example: The rise of xenophobic rhetoric in political discourse is alarming.
6. Pervasive (adj): Spreading widely throughout an area or a group of people. Example: Racism is a pervasive issue that affects all aspects of society.
7. Multifaceted (adj): Having many different aspects or features. Example: Combating racism requires a multifaceted approach.
8. Empathy (n): The ability to understand and share the feelings of another. Example: Education plays a crucial role in fostering empathy and understanding.
9. Institutional (adj): Relating to or characteristic of an institution. Example: Institutional racism is a significant barrier to equality.
10. Marginalized (adj): Treated as insignificant or peripheral. Example: Racial minorities are often marginalized in society.
11. Unconscious biases (n): Prejudices that people may not be aware they hold. Example: Unconscious biases can affect hiring decisions and other aspects of life.
12. Dismantle (v): Take apart or dismantle something. Example: Policy reforms are essential to dismantle systemic barriers.
13. Sustained effort (n): Continuous and prolonged effort. Example: Addressing racism requires sustained effort from all members of society.
14. Hate crimes (n): Crimes motivated by bias against race, religion, disability, sexual orientation, or ethnicity. Example: The increase in hate crimes is a concerning trend.
15. Far-right movements (n): Political movements that advocate extreme conservative or reactionary views. Example: The rise of far-right movements is a cause for concern.

Common Mistakes

1. Overgeneralizing: Making sweeping statements without sufficient evidence or examples.
2. Lack of Specificity: Failing to provide detailed examples or evidence to support arguments.
3. Poor Organization: Presenting ideas in a disorganized or illogical manner.
4. Inadequate Vocabulary: Using limited or inappropriate vocabulary, which can detract from the overall quality of the response.
5. Grammatical Errors: Making frequent grammatical mistakes that affect the clarity and coherence of the response.

Get Your Own Response Scored by AI on English AIdol

Practice makes perfect. Get your own IELTS Writing Task 2 response scored by AI on English AIdol and receive detailed feedback to help you improve your score.