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

Get a Band 9.0 IELTS Writing Task 2 sample answer about smartphones with full scoring breakdown, vocabulary, and common mistakes to avoid.

IELTS Writing Task 2: Smartphones - Band 9.0 Sample with Full Breakdown | English AIdol Blog

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Get a Band 9.0 IELTS Writing Task 2 sample answer about smartphones with full scoring breakdown, vocabulary, and common mistakes to avoid.

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

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Prompt

Some people think that smartphones are essential for modern life, while others believe they are a waste of time. Discuss both views and give your opinion.

Model Answers

Band 6.0 Answer

The use of smartphones has become very common in today's society. Some people believe that smartphones are very important, while others think they are a waste of time. I agree with the first view.

Firstly, smartphones are important because they help us to communicate with others. We can call, text, and use social media to stay in touch with friends and family. This is very useful, especially for people who live far away from their loved ones. Secondly, smartphones can help us to work more efficiently. We can use them to check emails, manage our schedules, and even do some work tasks. This makes our lives easier and more productive.

However, some people think that smartphones are a waste of time. They argue that people spend too much time on their phones and not enough time doing other things, like exercising or reading. While this may be true for some people, it is not a reason to say that smartphones are useless. It is up to each person to use their smartphone wisely.

In conclusion, I believe that smartphones are essential for modern life. They help us to communicate, work, and stay organized. As long as we use them responsibly, they are a valuable tool.

Scoring Breakdown

  • Task Response (TR): 5.0 - Presents a position but with some irrelevant points.
  • Coherence and Cohesion (CC): 6.0 - Uses some cohesive devices but with some repetition.
  • Lexical Resource (LR): 6.0 - Uses a mix of appropriate and limited vocabulary.
  • Grammatical Range and Accuracy (GRA): 6.0 - Uses a mix of simple and complex sentence structures with some errors.

Band 7.0 Answer

The proliferation of smartphones has sparked a debate regarding their utility in contemporary society. Proponents argue that these devices are indispensable, while detractors view them as a frivolous distraction. I contend that smartphones are a valuable asset when used judiciously.

On one hand, smartphones facilitate seamless communication and access to information. They enable real-time interactions through various platforms, bridging geographical divides. Moreover, they serve as portable offices, allowing users to manage tasks efficiently. For instance, professionals can attend virtual meetings and access critical data on the go, enhancing productivity.

Conversely, critics posit that smartphones engender addiction and procrastination. Excessive screen time can lead to sedentary lifestyles and diminished social skills. However, these issues stem from misuse rather than the device itself. With disciplined usage, the benefits far outweigh the drawbacks.

In conclusion, smartphones are a double-edged sword. Their utility is undeniable, provided users exercise self-control. Therefore, it is imperative to promote mindful usage to harness their full potential.

Scoring Breakdown

  • Task Response (TR): 7.0 - Presents a clear position with relevant supporting ideas.
  • Coherence and Cohesion (CC): 7.0 - Uses cohesive devices effectively but with some repetition.
  • Lexical Resource (LR): 7.0 - Uses a range of vocabulary with some less common lexical items.
  • Grammatical Range and Accuracy (GRA): 7.0 - Uses a mix of simple and complex sentence structures with some errors.

Band 8.0 Answer

The ubiquitous presence of smartphones in modern life has ignited a contentious debate. While some extol their virtues, others decry their pernicious influence. I firmly believe that smartphones are an indispensable tool when employed responsibly.

Advocates of smartphones contend that these devices have revolutionized communication and access to information. They serve as a lifeline for staying connected with loved ones and accessing real-time news. Furthermore, smartphones have become an extension of the workplace, enabling remote work and enhancing productivity. For example, telecommuting has become feasible, allowing professionals to maintain a work-life balance.

Detractors, however, argue that smartphones foster addiction and social isolation. The constant need for digital engagement can lead to a decline in face-to-face interactions, eroding social skills. Nevertheless, these issues are mitigated when users practice moderation and self-discipline. The key lies in striking a balance between digital engagement and real-world interactions.

In conclusion, smartphones are a powerful tool that can enhance various aspects of life. Their benefits are manifold, provided users exercise restraint and prioritize meaningful engagements. Therefore, it is crucial to promote responsible usage to maximize their potential.

Scoring Breakdown

  • Task Response (TR): 8.0 - Presents a clear position with relevant, extended, and supported ideas.
  • Coherence and Cohesion (CC): 8.0 - Uses cohesive devices effectively with a clear progression of ideas.
  • Lexical Resource (LR): 8.0 - Uses a wide range of vocabulary with some less common lexical items.
  • Grammatical Range and Accuracy (GRA): 8.0 - Uses a mix of simple and complex sentence structures with some errors.

Band 9.0 Answer

The pervasiveness of smartphones in contemporary society has sparked a heated debate. While some laud their transformative impact, others bemoan their detrimental effects. I firmly assert that smartphones are an invaluable asset when utilized judiciously.

Proponents of smartphones argue that these devices have revolutionized communication and access to information. They facilitate instant connectivity, enabling users to maintain relationships and access real-time data. Moreover, smartphones have become indispensable in the professional realm, allowing for remote work and enhanced productivity. For instance, virtual collaboration tools have made it possible for teams to work seamlessly across different time zones.

Conversely, critics contend that smartphones engender addiction and social isolation. The constant allure of digital engagement can lead to a decline in face-to-face interactions, eroding social skills. However, these issues are mitigated when users practice moderation and self-discipline. The key lies in cultivating a balanced approach that integrates digital engagement with real-world interactions.

In conclusion, smartphones are a powerful tool that can significantly enhance various aspects of life. Their benefits are manifold, provided users exercise restraint and prioritize meaningful engagements. Therefore, it is imperative to promote responsible usage to harness their full potential.

Scoring Breakdown

  • Task Response (TR): 9.0 - Presents a clear position with relevant, extended, and supported ideas.
  • Coherence and Cohesion (CC): 9.0 - Uses cohesive devices effectively with a clear progression of ideas.
  • Lexical Resource (LR): 9.0 - Uses a wide range of vocabulary with less common lexical items.
  • Grammatical Range and Accuracy (GRA): 9.0 - Uses a mix of simple and complex sentence structures with minimal errors.

Vocabulary Highlights

  1. Ubiquitous (adj.) - Present, appearing, or found everywhere.
  • Example: The ubiquitous presence of smartphones in modern life.
  1. Indispensable (adj.) - Absolutely necessary.
  • Example: Smartphones are an indispensable tool when employed responsibly.
  1. Judiciously (adv.) - In a careful and thoughtful way.
  • Example: I firmly believe that smartphones are an indispensable tool when employed judiciously.
  1. Proliferation (n.) - Rapid increase in the number or amount of something.
  • Example: The proliferation of smartphones has sparked a debate.
  1. Facilitate (v.) - Make an action or process easy or easier.
  • Example: Smartphones facilitate seamless communication and access to information.
  1. Engender (v.) - Cause or give rise to (a feeling, situation, or condition).
  • Example: Smartphones engender addiction and social isolation.
  1. Mitigate (v.) - Make (something bad) less severe, serious, or painful.
  • Example: These issues are mitigated when users practice moderation and self-discipline.
  1. Striking a balance (phrase) - Achieving a harmonious blend of different elements.
  • Example: The key lies in striking a balance between digital engagement and real-world interactions.
  1. Transformative (adj.) - Effective in producing very great and usually sudden or dramatic change.
  • Example: Some laud their transformative impact.
  1. Bemoan (v.) - Express discontent or sorrow over (something).
  • Example: Others bemoan their detrimental effects.
  1. Detrimental (adj.) - Tending to cause harm.
  • Example: Others bemoan their detrimental effects.
  1. Pernicious (adj.) - Having a harmful effect, especially in a gradual or subtle way.
  • Example: Others decry their pernicious influence.
  1. Decry (v.) - Publicly denounce (someone or something) as harmful or wrong.
  • Example: Others decry their pernicious influence.
  1. Lifeline (n.) - A line (such as a rope) used to save someone from drowning.
  • Example: They serve as a lifeline for staying connected with loved ones.
  1. Telecommuting (n.) - Working from home or another location using technology to connect to one's workplace.
  • Example: Telecommuting has become feasible, allowing professionals to maintain a work-life balance.
  1. Eroding (v.) - Gradually destroy or be destroyed.
  • Example: The constant need for digital engagement can lead to a decline in face-to-face interactions, eroding social skills.
  1. Cultivating (v.) - Tending and nurturing (a plant or crop).
  • Example: The key lies in cultivating a balanced approach.
  1. Seamlessly (adv.) - Smoothly and continuously, without any breaks or interruptions.
  • Example: Virtual collaboration tools have made it possible for teams to work seamlessly across different time zones.
  1. Allure (n.) - The quality of being powerfully and mysteriously attractive or fascinating.
  • Example: The constant allure of digital engagement.
  1. Imperative (adj.) - Of vital importance; crucial.
  • Example: It is imperative to promote responsible usage.

Common Mistakes

  1. Overgeneralization: Students often make sweeping statements without providing specific examples or evidence.
  2. Lack of Coherence: Some answers fail to present a clear progression of ideas, making it difficult to follow the argument.
  3. Repetition: Repeating the same points or vocabulary can detract from the overall quality of the response.
  4. Grammatical Errors: Common grammatical mistakes, such as subject-verb agreement and tense consistency, can lower the score.
  5. Inadequate Vocabulary: Using limited or inappropriate vocabulary can hinder effective communication of ideas.

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