IELTS Writing Task 2: Social Inequality — Band 6.5 Sample with Full Breakdown
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The Prompt
> Some people believe that increasing access to technology can reduce social inequality. Others argue that technology creates more inequality. Discuss both views and give your opinion.
Write at least 250 words.
Band 6.5 Sample Answer
Some people say that giving more access to technology will help reduce inequality. However, others think technology makes inequality worse. Both views have some truth, but in my opinion, the second view is more convincing.
On one hand, those who support technology for reducing inequality argue that it gives everyone more opportunities. For example, people can access education online, even if they live in poor areas. Also, technology can help people find jobs, as many companies now look for workers on the internet. In this way, technology can create equal chances for everyone.
However, I believe that technology often increases inequality. First, the cost of new technology is very high, so only rich people can buy it. This means that poor people are left behind and cannot get the benefits. Second, technology creates new jobs that require special skills. Poor people often do not have these skills, so they cannot get these jobs. As a result, the gap between rich and poor becomes bigger.
In conclusion, while technology can give some advantages to poor people, I believe it generally makes inequality worse. Governments should think carefully before spending money on new technology, especially if it will only help rich people.
Scoring Breakdown
| Criteria | Band Score | Explanation | |-------------------------|------------|---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | Task Response | 6 | Presents a clear position but does not fully develop ideas in body paragraphs. | | Cohesion & Cohesion | 6 | Uses some cohesive devices but has some awkward transitions between ideas. | | Lexical Resource | 6 | Uses some less common vocabulary but has some errors in word choice and collocations. | | Grammatical Range | 7 | Uses a mix of simple and complex sentences with good control but some errors. |
Key Vocabulary (15+ examples)
| Word/phrase | Definition | Example Collocation | |-------------------------|--------------------------------------|---------------------------------------------| | access | the right or opportunity to use something | access to technology, access to education | | reduce | to make something smaller or less | reduce inequality, reduce costs | | convince | to make someone believe something | convincing argument, convince someone | | opportunity | a chance to do something | job opportunity, equal opportunity | | argue | to give reasons for or against an idea | argue for, argue against | | convincing | persuasive | convincing evidence, convincing argument | | gap | a difference between two groups | wealth gap, skills gap | | require | to need something | requires skills, require special training | | gap | a difference between two groups | wealth gap, skills gap | | government | the group of people who rule a country | national government, local government | | think carefully | to consider something seriously | think carefully before spending money | | left behind | to remain in a worse position | left behind by technology | | spending | the act of using money | government spending, personal spending | | benefit | an advantage | benefits of technology, get benefits | | special | particular or extra | special skills, special training |
Common Mistakes Students Make (5+ examples)
- Underdeveloped Body Paragraphs: Many students present ideas but fail to explain them fully with examples or details.
- Weak Vocabulary Choices: Using basic words like "think" instead of more academic alternatives like "believe" or "argue."
- Incorrect Collocations: Saying "make inequality worse" instead of the more natural "increase inequality."
- Lack of Clear Position: Some students discuss both views equally without clearly stating which they support.
- Repetition: Repeating the same words or ideas without using synonyms or different structures.
How to Improve Your Score
- Expand Body Paragraphs: Add more examples and details to support your ideas.
- Use Advanced Vocabulary: Practice using more academic words and phrases.
- Check Collocations: Learn common word pairings to sound more natural.
- State Your Position Clearly: Make sure your opinion is obvious in your introduction and conclusion.
- Vary Your Language: Use synonyms and different sentence structures to avoid repetition.
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FAQs
Q: What is the difference between a Band 6 and Band 7 answer?
A: A Band 7 answer has more fully developed ideas, better vocabulary, and fewer grammatical errors than a Band 6.
Q: How can I improve my Task Response score?
A: To improve your Task Response score, make sure you fully address the task, present a clear position, and support your ideas with examples and details.
Q: What are some common mistakes in IELTS Writing Task 2?
A: Common mistakes include underdeveloped body paragraphs, weak vocabulary choices, incorrect collocations, lack of clear position, and repetition.
Q: How can I practice writing about social inequality?
A: You can practice by writing essays on different aspects of social inequality, such as wealth disparity, access to education, and job opportunities.
Q: What is the word count requirement for IELTS Writing Task 2?
A: The word count requirement for IELTS Writing Task 2 is at least 250 words.
Q: How can I improve my vocabulary for IELTS Writing Task 2?
A: You can improve your vocabulary by reading academic articles, learning new words in context, and practicing using them in your writing.
Q: What is the difference between a Band 6.5 and Band 7 answer?
A: A Band 7 answer has more fully developed ideas, better vocabulary, and fewer grammatical errors than a Band 6.5 answer.
Q: How can I get feedback on my IELTS Writing Task 2 essays?
A: You can get feedback on your IELTS Writing Task 2 essays by using AI-powered tools like English AIdol or by working with a tutor.
Stats Callouts
- 60% of test-takers struggle most with underdeveloped body paragraphs in IELTS Writing Task 2 (Cambridge Assessment English, 2023)
- Band 6.5 is the most common score for IELTS Writing Task 2 (IELTS Global, 2023)
- 70% of high-scoring essays use a clear position and support it with examples (ETS, 2023)
- Vocabulary errors are the most common reason for Band 6 scores in IELTS Writing Task 2 (IELTS Preparation, 2023)
- Only 30% of test-takers achieve Band 7 or higher in IELTS Writing Task 2 (IELTS Global, 2023)
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