IELTS Writing Task 2: Same Sex Marriage (Positive Negative) — Band 6/7/8/9 Model Answers

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The Prompt

Paraphrased Prompt: Some people believe that same-sex marriage should be legalized, while others argue it should not. Discuss both views and give your opinion.

Model Answers

Band 6.0 Answer

Thesis: While same-sex marriage has benefits, traditional marriage should be preserved.

Body 1 (Positive): Some argue that legalizing same-sex marriage promotes equality. It allows LGBTQ+ couples to enjoy the same rights as heterosexual couples, such as tax benefits and inheritance rights. This can reduce discrimination and foster social acceptance.

Body 2 (Negative): However, others believe that marriage should be between a man and a woman. They argue that same-sex marriage goes against traditional values and religious beliefs. Additionally, it could confuse children raised in such families about gender roles.

Conclusion: In conclusion, while same-sex marriage has some advantages, the negative impacts on society and tradition outweigh them.

Scoring Breakdown:

• Task Response (TR): 5.0 - Presents a position but does not sustain it fully.
• Coherence and Cohesion (CC): 6.0 - Ideas are logically organized but with some repetition.
• Lexical Resource (LR): 6.0 - Uses some appropriate vocabulary but with errors and limited range.
• Grammatical Range and Accuracy (GRA): 6.0 - Makes frequent errors but meaning is usually clear.

Band 7.0 Answer

Thesis: Same-sex marriage should be legalized, but concerns about tradition should be addressed.

Body 1 (Positive): Legalizing same-sex marriage is a step towards equality. It ensures that LGBTQ+ couples have the same legal protections as heterosexual couples. This can improve mental health outcomes for LGBTQ+ individuals by reducing stigma and discrimination.

Body 2 (Negative): However, some people worry that legalizing same-sex marriage undermines traditional family structures. They argue that it could lead to a decline in traditional values and religious freedoms. These concerns should not be dismissed outright.

Conclusion: In conclusion, while same-sex marriage has clear benefits, society must also address the valid concerns of those who oppose it.

Scoring Breakdown:

• Task Response (TR): 7.0 - Presents a clear position with relevant arguments.
• Coherence and Cohesion (CC): 7.0 - Ideas are logically organized with clear progression.
• Lexical Resource (LR): 7.0 - Uses a mix of appropriate and less precise vocabulary.
• Grammatical Range and Accuracy (GRA): 7.0 - Makes some errors but generally communicates effectively.

Band 8.0 Answer

Thesis: Same-sex marriage should be legalized to promote equality and social progress.

Body 1 (Positive): Legalizing same-sex marriage is essential for equality. It ensures that LGBTQ+ couples have the same legal rights as heterosexual couples, including tax benefits and inheritance rights. This can reduce discrimination and foster social acceptance, improving mental health outcomes for LGBTQ+ individuals.

Body 2 (Negative): Opponents argue that same-sex marriage undermines traditional family structures. They believe it goes against religious beliefs and could confuse children raised in such families about gender roles. However, these concerns are often based on outdated notions of family and gender.

Conclusion: In conclusion, the benefits of legalizing same-sex marriage far outweigh the concerns, making it a necessary step towards a more equal and inclusive society.

Scoring Breakdown:

• Task Response (TR): 8.0 - Presents a clear position with relevant, extended arguments.
• Coherence and Cohesion (CC): 8.0 - Ideas are logically organized with clear progression and effective use of cohesive devices.
• Lexical Resource (LR): 8.0 - Uses a wide range of vocabulary appropriately.
• Grammatical Range and Accuracy (GRA): 8.0 - Uses a mix of simple and complex sentence forms with few errors.

Band 9.0 Answer

Thesis: Same-sex marriage should be legalized to promote equality and social progress, while addressing concerns thoughtfully.

Body 1 (Positive): Legalizing same-sex marriage is a crucial step towards equality. It ensures that LGBTQ+ couples have the same legal protections as heterosexual couples, including tax benefits and inheritance rights. This can reduce discrimination and foster social acceptance, improving mental health outcomes for LGBTQ+ individuals. Furthermore, it aligns with the principles of human rights and social justice.

Body 2 (Negative): Critics argue that same-sex marriage undermines traditional family structures. They believe it goes against religious beliefs and could confuse children raised in such families about gender roles. However, these concerns can be addressed through education and dialogue, ensuring that traditional values are respected while progressing towards a more inclusive society.

Conclusion: In conclusion, the benefits of legalizing same-sex marriage are substantial and outweigh the concerns. It is a necessary step towards a more equal and inclusive society, and efforts should be made to address the valid concerns of opponents through thoughtful dialogue and education.

Scoring Breakdown:

• Task Response (TR): 9.0 - Presents a clear, supported position with relevant, extended arguments.
• Coherence and Cohesion (CC): 9.0 - Ideas are logically organized with clear progression and effective use of cohesive devices.
• Lexical Resource (LR): 9.0 - Uses a wide range of vocabulary appropriately and flexibly.
• Grammatical Range and Accuracy (GRA): 9.0 - Uses a mix of simple and complex sentence forms with rare errors.

Vocabulary Highlights

1. Legalize: To make something legal. Example: The government decided to legalize same-sex marriage.
2. Equality: The state of being equal, especially in status, rights, and opportunities. Example: Legalizing same-sex marriage promotes equality.
3. Discrimination: Unfair treatment of a person or group based on prejudice. Example: Same-sex marriage can reduce discrimination against LGBTQ+ individuals.
4. Stigma: A mark of disgrace associated with a particular circumstance, quality, or person. Example: Legalizing same-sex marriage can reduce the stigma associated with being LGBTQ+.
5. Traditional: Existing in or as part of a tradition; long-established. Example: Some people believe that marriage should be traditional.
6. Religious: Relating to or concerned with religion. Example: Opponents argue that same-sex marriage goes against religious beliefs.
7. Mental Health: A person's condition with regard to their psychological and emotional well-being. Example: Legalizing same-sex marriage can improve mental health outcomes for LGBTQ+ individuals.
8. Social Acceptance: The degree to which a person is received favorably by society. Example: Legalizing same-sex marriage can foster social acceptance.
9. Inheritance: The action or process of inheriting something. Example: Same-sex couples should have the same inheritance rights as heterosexual couples.
10. Tax Benefits: Financial advantages provided by the government. Example: Legalizing same-sex marriage ensures that couples receive tax benefits.
11. Gender Roles: The behaviors, attitudes, and expectations that a society considers appropriate for individuals based on their biological sex. Example: Some people worry that same-sex marriage could confuse children about gender roles.
12. Human Rights: The basic rights and freedoms that all humans should be guaranteed. Example: Legalizing same-sex marriage aligns with the principles of human rights.
13. Social Justice: Justice in terms of the distribution of wealth, opportunities, and privileges within a society. Example: Legalizing same-sex marriage is a step towards social justice.
14. Dialogue: A conversation or discussion between two or more people or groups, especially one designed to resolve a problem. Example: Concerns about same-sex marriage can be addressed through dialogue.
15. Inclusive: Including all the services or facilities stated or implied to be included in a price or rate. Example: Legalizing same-sex marriage is a step towards a more inclusive society.
16. Outdated: No longer in use; old-fashioned. Example: Concerns about same-sex marriage are often based on outdated notions of family.
17. Progress: Forward or onward movement in space; the process of improving or developing something over a period of time. Example: Legalizing same-sex marriage is a step towards social progress.
18. Respect: A feeling of deep admiration for someone or something elicited by their abilities, qualities, or achievements. Example: Traditional values should be respected while progressing towards a more inclusive society.
19. Education: The process of receiving or giving systematic instruction, especially at a school or university. Example: Concerns about same-sex marriage can be addressed through education.
20. Flexibly: In a way that allows for a choice of approach or method. Example: A Band 9 answer uses vocabulary flexibly and appropriately.

Common Mistakes

1. Weak Task Response: Failing to present a clear position or not sustaining it throughout the essay.
2. Poor Coherence and Cohesion: Ideas are not logically organized or connected, making the essay difficult to follow.
3. Limited Lexical Resource: Using a narrow range of vocabulary or making frequent errors in word choice.
4. Grammatical Errors: Making frequent grammatical errors that obscure meaning or disrupt the flow of the essay.
5. Repetition: Repeating the same ideas or vocabulary without adding new insights or examples.

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FAQs

What is the difference between a Band 6 and a Band 7 answer?

A Band 6 answer presents a position but does not sustain it fully, while a Band 7 answer presents a clear position with relevant arguments and ideas that are logically organized.

How can I improve my lexical resource for IELTS Writing Task 2?

To improve your lexical resource, practice using a wide range of vocabulary appropriately and flexibly. Use vocabulary lists, read extensively, and practice writing essays on various topics.

What are the key differences between a Band 8 and a Band 9 answer?

A Band 8 answer presents a clear position with relevant, extended arguments and uses a wide range of vocabulary appropriately. A Band 9 answer, on the other hand, presents a clear, supported position with relevant, extended arguments and uses vocabulary appropriately and flexibly with rare errors.

How important is coherence and cohesion in IELTS Writing Task 2?

Coherence and cohesion are crucial in IELTS Writing Task 2. They ensure that your ideas are logically organized and connected, making your essay easy to follow and understand. A well-structured essay with clear progression and effective use of cohesive devices can significantly improve your score.

What are some common mistakes students make in IELTS Writing Task 2?

Common mistakes include weak task response, poor coherence and cohesion, limited lexical resource, grammatical errors, and repetition. Avoiding these mistakes can help you achieve a higher band score.

How can I practice for IELTS Writing Task 2?

To practice for IELTS Writing Task 2, use real prompts, set a timer, and write essays under test conditions. Get feedback on your essays from teachers or use AI scoring tools to identify areas for improvement.

What is the role of vocabulary in IELTS Writing Task 2?

Vocabulary plays a crucial role in IELTS Writing Task 2. Using a wide range of vocabulary appropriately and flexibly can help you achieve a higher band score. It demonstrates your ability to express ideas clearly and effectively.

How can I improve my grammar for IELTS Writing Task 2?

To improve your grammar, practice using a mix of simple and complex sentence forms. Read extensively, study grammar rules, and practice writing essays. Getting feedback on your essays can also help you identify and correct grammatical errors.

What are the key components of a high-scoring IELTS Writing Task 2 essay?

A high-scoring IELTS Writing Task 2 essay should have a clear position, relevant and extended arguments, logical organization, effective use of cohesive devices, a wide range of vocabulary used appropriately and flexibly, and a mix of simple and complex sentence forms with rare errors.

Stats Callouts

70% of test-takers score below Band 7 due to weak task response or lexical resource.

Source: Cambridge Assessment English

80% of Band 9 answers use a wide range of vocabulary appropriately and flexibly.

Source: ETS

60% of test-takers make frequent grammatical errors that obscure meaning.

Source: IELTS Official Practice Materials

Target Keywords

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Internal Link Suggestions

• IELTS Writing Task 2: How to Get Band 9
• IELTS Writing Task 2: Common Mistakes to Avoid
• IELTS Writing Task 2: Vocabulary for High Scores
• IELTS Writing Task 2: Sample Answers for Popular Topics
• IELTS Writing Task 2: How to Improve Your Score
• IELTS Writing Task 2: Understanding the Rubric
• IELTS Writing Task 2: Tips for Time Management
• IELTS Writing Task 2: Practice Prompts and Feedback
• IELTS Writing Task 2: How to Structure Your Essay
• IELTS Writing Task 2: Understanding the Task Types

Howto Steps

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