IELTS Writing Task 2: Same-Sex Marriage Band 7.5 Sample Answer
Related guides:
The Prompt
Paraphrased Prompt:
Some people believe that same-sex marriage is a positive development, while others view it as a threat to traditional values. Discuss both views and give your opinion.
Sample Answers
Band 6.0 Answer
Score Breakdown:
- Task Response: 5.0 (Presents a position but develops ideas inconsistently)
- Coherence & Cohesion: 6.0 (Information is logically organized but some ideas are unclear)
- Lexical Resource: 6.0 (Uses a limited range of vocabulary with some errors)
- Grammatical Range & Accuracy: 6.0 (Attempts complex sentences but with frequent errors)
Answer:
Same-sex marriage is a controversial topic. Some people support it, while others don't. Those who support it say it is about equality and human rights. They think everyone should have the right to marry who they love. Also, it can make people happier and more productive. On the other hand, those who disagree believe it goes against traditional values. They say marriage is between a man and a woman, and changing this is wrong. Additionally, they worry about the impact on children.
In my opinion, same-sex marriage should be allowed. It is a matter of fairness and love. However, I understand the concerns of those who disagree. We need to find a balance between tradition and progress.
Band 7.0 Answer
Score Breakdown:
- Task Response: 7.0 (Presents a clear position and extends ideas sufficiently)
- Coherence & Cohesion: 7.0 (Logical organization with clear progression)
- Lexical Resource: 7.0 (Uses a sufficient range of vocabulary with some errors)
- Grammatical Range & Accuracy: 7.0 (Uses a mix of simple and complex sentences with some errors)
Answer:
The issue of same-sex marriage has sparked intense debate worldwide. Proponents argue that it promotes equality and respects individual autonomy. They contend that love and commitment, rather than gender, should be the foundation of marriage. Furthermore, legal recognition of same-sex marriage can provide numerous benefits, such as healthcare and inheritance rights, which contribute to social stability.
Conversely, opponents assert that same-sex marriage undermines traditional family structures. They believe that marriage has historically been a union between a man and a woman, and altering this definition could have unintended societal consequences. Additionally, they express concerns about the potential impact on children raised in same-sex households.
In my view, same-sex marriage should be recognized as a fundamental right. While respecting traditional values is important, society must evolve to accommodate changing attitudes and ensure equality for all individuals. Governments should enact laws that protect the rights of all citizens, regardless of their sexual orientation.
Band 7.5 Answer
Score Breakdown:
- Task Response: 7.5 (Presents a clear position and develops ideas logically with relevant examples)
- Coherence & Cohesion: 7.5 (Logical organization with clear progression and effective use of cohesive devices)
- Lexical Resource: 7.5 (Uses a sufficient range of vocabulary with some less common lexical items and some errors)
- Grammatical Range & Accuracy: 7.5 (Uses a mix of simple and complex sentences with some errors but generally effective communication)
Answer:
The legitimacy of same-sex marriage has become a contentious issue in contemporary society. Advocates of same-sex marriage contend that it embodies the principles of equality and human rights. They argue that the institution of marriage should be based on mutual love and commitment, rather than the gender of the partners. Additionally, the legal recognition of same-sex marriage can confer numerous practical benefits, such as access to healthcare and inheritance rights, which can enhance the well-being of individuals and families.
On the other hand, detractors of same-sex marriage assert that it poses a threat to traditional family values. They maintain that marriage has been historically defined as a union between a man and a woman, and altering this definition could have far-reaching implications for societal norms. Furthermore, they express apprehensions about the potential impact on children raised in same-sex households, citing concerns about their psychological and emotional development.
In my opinion, same-sex marriage should be acknowledged as a fundamental right. While it is essential to respect traditional values, society must also adapt to changing attitudes and ensure that all individuals have equal rights. Governments should enact legislation that safeguards the rights of all citizens, irrespective of their sexual orientation. By doing so, we can foster a more inclusive and equitable society that values diversity and promotes the well-being of all its members.
Band 8.0 Answer
Score Breakdown:
- Task Response: 8.0 (Presents a clear position and develops ideas logically with relevant, extended examples)
- Coherence & Cohesion: 8.0 (Logical organization with clear progression and effective use of cohesive devices)
- Lexical Resource: 8.0 (Uses a sufficient range of vocabulary with less common lexical items and some errors)
- Grammatical Range & Accuracy: 8.0 (Uses a mix of simple and complex sentences with some errors but generally effective communication)
Answer:
The recognition of same-sex marriage has emerged as a significant societal issue, sparking vigorous debate. Proponents of same-sex marriage argue that it is a matter of fundamental human rights and equality. They posit that marriage should be based on the principles of love and commitment, rather than the gender of the partners. Furthermore, the legal recognition of same-sex marriage can provide practical advantages, such as access to healthcare and inheritance rights, which can significantly improve the quality of life for many individuals.
Conversely, opponents of same-sex marriage express concerns about the erosion of traditional family values. They argue that marriage has been traditionally defined as a union between a man and a woman, and changing this definition could have profound implications for societal norms. Additionally, they raise questions about the potential impact on children raised in same-sex households, citing studies that suggest possible negative effects on their development.
In my view, same-sex marriage should be recognized as a fundamental right. While it is important to respect traditional values, society must also evolve to reflect changing attitudes and ensure equality for all individuals. Governments should enact laws that protect the rights of all citizens, regardless of their sexual orientation. By doing so, we can create a more inclusive and just society that values diversity and promotes the well-being of all its members.
Vocabulary Highlights
- Controversial (adjective): causing disagreement or argument.
- Example: The issue of same-sex marriage is highly controversial.
- Proponent (noun): a person who supports or advocates for a particular idea or cause.
- Example: Advocates of same-sex marriage argue for equality and human rights.
- Undermines (verb): to make something weaker or less effective.
- Example: Opponents argue that same-sex marriage undermines traditional family values.
- Confer (verb): to give or provide something, especially an honor or advantage.
- Example: Legal recognition of same-sex marriage can confer numerous practical benefits.
- Apprehensions (noun): feelings of anxiety or fear about something that might happen.
- Example: They express apprehensions about the potential impact on children.
- Fundamental (adjective): forming the base or essence of something.
- Example: Same-sex marriage should be acknowledged as a fundamental right.
- Enact (verb): to make a law or laws.
- Example: Governments should enact legislation that safeguards the rights of all citizens.
- Inclusive (adjective): including all people or things, especially those that are usually left out.
- Example: We can foster a more inclusive and equitable society.
- Equitable (adjective): fair and just.
- Example: Society must adapt to changing attitudes and ensure that all individuals have equal rights.
- Diversity (noun): the quality of being different or varied.
- Example: A society that values diversity and promotes the well-being of all its members.
- Legitimacy (noun): the state of being lawful or recognized.
- Example: The legitimacy of same-sex marriage has become a contentious issue.
- Contentious (adjective): causing or likely to cause an argument; controversial.
- Example: The issue of same-sex marriage is highly contentious.
- Autonomy (noun): the right or condition of self-government.
- Example: They contend that same-sex marriage promotes equality and respects individual autonomy.
- Commitment (noun): the state or quality of being dedicated to a cause or activity.
- Example: Marriage should be based on mutual love and commitment.
- Enhance (verb): to increase or improve something, especially a quality, ability, or piece of equipment.
- Example: Legal recognition of same-sex marriage can enhance the well-being of individuals and families.
- Detractor (noun): a person who disparages someone or something.
- Example: Detractors of same-sex marriage assert that it poses a threat to traditional family values.
- Threat (noun): a statement of an intention to inflict evil, injury, or damage.
- Example: They believe that same-sex marriage poses a threat to traditional family values.
- Apprehension (noun): anxiety or fear that something bad or unpleasant will happen.
- Example: They express apprehension about the potential impact on children.
- Psychological (adjective): relating to the mind or mental processes.
- Example: They cite concerns about the psychological development of children raised in same-sex households.
- Emotional (adjective): relating to a person's emotions.
- Example: They express concerns about the emotional development of children raised in same-sex households.
- Acknowledged (verb): accepted or recognized as true or valid.
- Example: Same-sex marriage should be acknowledged as a fundamental right.
- Evolve (verb): to develop gradually, especially from a simple to a more complex form.
- Example: Society must evolve to reflect changing attitudes and ensure equality for all individuals.
- Enactment (noun): the process of making a law or laws.
- Example: Governments should enact legislation that safeguards the rights of all citizens.
- Safeguard (verb): to protect from harm or damage.
- Example: Governments should enact legislation that safeguards the rights of all citizens.
- Inclusive (adjective): including all people or things, especially those that are usually left out.
- Example: We can foster a more inclusive and equitable society.
- Equitable (adjective): fair and just.
- Example: Society must adapt to changing attitudes and ensure that all individuals have equal rights.
- Diversity (noun): the quality of being different or varied.
- Example: A society that values diversity and promotes the well-being of all its members.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Lack of Clear Position: Ensure your response clearly states your opinion on the issue. A vague or unclear position can lower your score.
- Insufficient Development of Ideas: Each main idea should be supported with relevant examples and explanations. Avoid superficial treatment of ideas.
- Overuse of Simple Sentences: Use a variety of sentence structures to demonstrate your grammatical range. However, ensure that complex sentences are accurate.
- Inappropriate Register: Maintain a formal tone throughout your response. Avoid using colloquial language or informal expressions.
- Poor Cohesion and Cohesion: Use cohesive devices effectively to connect ideas and ensure a logical flow of information. Avoid abrupt transitions between paragraphs.
Get Your Own Response Scored by AI on English AIdol
Practice makes perfect. Get your own IELTS Writing Task 2 responses scored by AI on English AIdol and get detailed feedback to improve your score.
