AI-powered learning English

English guide

IELTS Writing Task 2:
Social Inequality (Problem Solution) — Band 6/7/8/9 Model Answers

Master IELTS Writing Task 2 social inequality problem solution essays with Band 6, 7, 8, and 9 model answers. Get expert strategies for a high score.

IELTS Writing Task 2: Social Inequality (Problem Solution) — Band 6/7/8/9 Model Answers | English AIdol Blog

What this guide covers

Search answer

What this page helps you decide

Master IELTS Writing Task 2 social inequality problem solution essays with Band 6, 7, 8, and 9 model answers. Get expert strategies for a high score.

Focus Quick answer
Includes 2026 update
Best for Practical checklist
Next step Related practice
  1. Scan the direct answer first.
  2. Check examples or score rules.
  3. Open the related practice page.

IELTS Writing Task 2: Social Inequality (Problem Solution) — Band 6/7/8/9 Model Answers

Related guides:

Prompt

Some people believe that the government should address social inequality, while others argue that individuals should take responsibility. Discuss both views and give your opinion.

Model Answers

Band 6.0 Answer

Social inequality is a significant issue in many countries. Some people think the government should solve this problem, while others believe individuals should take responsibility. This essay will discuss both views.

On one hand, the government can help reduce social inequality. For example, the government can provide better education and healthcare for everyone. This can help people from poor backgrounds have more opportunities. Additionally, the government can create laws to ensure fair pay and working conditions. These measures can help reduce the gap between rich and poor.

On the other hand, individuals also have a role to play. People can work hard to improve their lives and support their communities. For instance, volunteering and donating to charities can help those in need. Moreover, individuals can educate themselves and their children to break the cycle of poverty. By taking personal responsibility, people can contribute to a more equal society.

In conclusion, both the government and individuals have important roles in addressing social inequality. The government can implement policies to create a fairer society, while individuals can take actions to improve their own lives and help others.

Band 7.0 Answer

The issue of social inequality has become increasingly prominent in recent years. While some argue that the government should be primarily responsible for tackling this problem, others contend that individuals must take personal responsibility. This essay will explore both perspectives before presenting a personal view.

Those who advocate for government intervention point to several compelling arguments. Firstly, governments have the resources and authority to implement large-scale solutions. For example, they can fund education and social welfare programs that lift people out of poverty. Secondly, governments can enact legislation to ensure fair wages and working conditions, thereby reducing income disparities. These measures can create a more level playing field for all citizens.

However, proponents of individual responsibility also present valid points. Personal effort and initiative can drive social mobility. For instance, individuals can pursue education and skill development to improve their economic status. Additionally, community involvement and volunteerism can address local inequalities. By taking proactive steps, individuals can contribute to a more equitable society.

In my opinion, both approaches are necessary. Governments should create policies that support equal opportunities, while individuals should seize these opportunities to better their lives. A combination of top-down and bottom-up efforts is essential for addressing social inequality effectively.

Band 8.0 Answer

The persistent issue of social inequality has sparked debate regarding the primary responsibility for its resolution. While some contend that governments should spearhead efforts to mitigate this problem, others assert that individuals must take personal responsibility. This essay will critically examine both viewpoints before advocating for a balanced approach.

Advocates of government intervention present compelling arguments. Governments possess the institutional capacity to implement comprehensive solutions. For instance, they can allocate resources to education and healthcare, ensuring that all citizens have access to these fundamental services. Furthermore, governments can enact legislation to promote economic equality, such as progressive taxation and minimum wage laws. These measures can create a more equitable society by addressing systemic inequalities.

Conversely, proponents of individual responsibility highlight the role of personal agency. Individuals can drive social mobility through education and career advancement. For example, pursuing higher education can lead to better job opportunities and higher incomes. Additionally, community engagement and philanthropy can address local inequalities. By taking proactive measures, individuals can contribute to a more just society.

In my view, a synergistic approach is most effective. Governments should create policies that foster equal opportunities, while individuals should leverage these opportunities to improve their lives. This dual strategy can address both systemic and personal barriers to equality.

Band 9.0 Answer

The pervasive issue of social inequality has engendered a contentious debate regarding the locus of responsibility for its amelioration. While some posit that governments should assume the primary role in addressing this issue, others contend that individuals must take personal responsibility. This essay will meticulously evaluate both perspectives before advocating for a nuanced approach.

Those who advocate for government intervention present persuasive arguments. Governments possess the institutional capacity to implement large-scale, systemic solutions. For instance, they can allocate substantial resources to education and healthcare, ensuring that all citizens have access to these fundamental services. Moreover, governments can enact legislation to promote economic equality, such as progressive taxation and robust labor protections. These measures can create a more equitable society by addressing structural inequalities.

Conversely, proponents of individual responsibility highlight the transformative power of personal agency. Individuals can drive social mobility through education, skill development, and entrepreneurial endeavors. For example, pursuing higher education can lead to better job opportunities and higher incomes. Additionally, community engagement and philanthropy can address local inequalities. By taking proactive measures, individuals can contribute to a more just and equitable society.

In my view, a synergistic approach is most effective. Governments should create policies that foster equal opportunities, while individuals should leverage these opportunities to improve their lives. This dual strategy can address both systemic and personal barriers to equality, creating a more just and equitable society for all.

Scoring Breakdown

Band 6.0 Answer

Task Response (TR): 5.0 - Presents a clear problem and solution but lacks depth and sophistication in analysis. Coherence and Cohesion (CC): 6.0 - Ideas are logically organized but with some repetition and lack of clear progression. Lexical Resource (LR): 5.5 - Uses a mix of appropriate and limited vocabulary, with some errors in word choice and collocation. Grammatical Range and Accuracy (GRA): 5.5 - Uses a mix of simple and complex sentence structures, with some grammatical errors.

Band 7.0 Answer

Task Response (TR): 6.5 - Presents a clear problem and solution with some depth and sophistication in analysis. Coherence and Cohesion (CC): 7.0 - Ideas are logically organized with clear progression and some use of cohesive devices. Lexical Resource (LR): 6.5 - Uses a range of appropriate vocabulary with some sophistication, but with occasional errors in word choice and collocation. Grammatical Range and Accuracy (GRA): 6.5 - Uses a range of simple and complex sentence structures, with some grammatical errors.

Band 8.0 Answer

Task Response (TR): 7.5 - Presents a clear problem and solution with depth and sophistication in analysis. Coherence and Cohesion (CC): 8.0 - Ideas are logically organized with clear progression and effective use of cohesive devices. Lexical Resource (LR): 7.5 - Uses a range of appropriate and sophisticated vocabulary with few errors in word choice and collocation. Grammatical Range and Accuracy (GRA): 7.5 - Uses a range of simple and complex sentence structures with few grammatical errors.

Band 9.0 Answer

Task Response (TR): 8.5 - Presents a clear problem and solution with sophisticated analysis and insightful discussion. Coherence and Cohesion (CC): 9.0 - Ideas are logically organized with clear progression and effective use of cohesive devices. Lexical Resource (LR): 8.5 - Uses a range of appropriate and sophisticated vocabulary with precise word choice and collocation. Grammatical Range and Accuracy (GRA): 8.5 - Uses a range of simple and complex sentence structures with minimal grammatical errors.

Vocabulary Highlights

  1. Persistent (adj.) - continuing firmly or obstinately, despite difficulty or opposition.
  • Example: The persistent issue of social inequality has sparked debate.
  1. Prominent (adj.) - important, famous, or noticeable.
  • Example: The issue of social inequality has become increasingly prominent.
  1. Intervention (n.) - the act of intervening or interposing.
  • Example: Advocates of government intervention present compelling arguments.
  1. Allocate (v.) - to distribute or apportion something.
  • Example: Governments can allocate resources to education and healthcare.
  1. Enact (v.) - to make (a bill or law) official.
  • Example: Governments can enact legislation to promote economic equality.
  1. Proactive (adj.) - creating or controlling a situation rather than just responding to it after it has happened.
  • Example: By taking proactive measures, individuals can contribute to a more just society.
  1. Synergistic (adj.) - involving the interaction or cooperation of two or more organizations, substances, or other agents to produce a combined effect greater than the sum of their separate effects.
  • Example: A synergistic approach is most effective.
  1. Amelioration (n.) - the act of making something better.
  • Example: The pervasive issue of social inequality has engendered a contentious debate regarding the locus of responsibility for its amelioration.
  1. Transformative (adj.) - effective in changing someone or something in a fundamental way.
  • Example: Individuals can drive social mobility through education, skill development, and entrepreneurial endeavors.
  1. Philanthropy (n.) - the desire to promote the welfare of others, expressed especially by the generous donation of money to good causes.
  • Example: Community engagement and philanthropy can address local inequalities.
  1. Leverage (v.) - to use (something) to maximum advantage.
  • Example: Individuals should leverage these opportunities to improve their lives.
  1. Structural (adj.) - relating to the structure of something.
  • Example: Governments can address structural inequalities.
  1. Systemic (adj.) - relating to a system, especially as opposed to a particular part.
  • Example: Governments can implement systemic solutions.
  1. Equitable (adj.) - fair and impartial.
  • Example: These measures can create a more equitable society.
  1. Just (adj.) - based on or behaving according to what is morally right and fair.
  • Example: By taking proactive measures, individuals can contribute to a more just society.
  1. Nuanced (adj.) - having or involving subtle differences in shade or meaning.
  • Example: This essay will advocate for a nuanced approach.
  1. Comprehensive (adj.) - including or dealing with all or nearly all elements or aspects of something.
  • Example: Governments possess the institutional capacity to implement comprehensive solutions.
  1. Robust (adj.) - strong and healthy; vigorous.
  • Example: Governments can enact robust labor protections.
  1. Engender (v.) - to cause or give rise to (a situation, feeling, etc.).
  • Example: The pervasive issue of social inequality has engendered a contentious debate.
  1. Locus (n.) - the place or point where something occurs or is situated.
  • Example: The pervasive issue of social inequality has engendered a contentious debate regarding the locus of responsibility.

Common Mistakes

  1. Lack of Depth in Analysis - Many students present a clear problem and solution but fail to provide a sophisticated analysis. To avoid this, ensure that your discussion includes detailed examples and insightful commentary.
  2. Poor Vocabulary Choice - Using inappropriate or limited vocabulary can lower your score. To improve, practice using a range of appropriate and sophisticated vocabulary in your writing.
  3. Grammatical Errors - Grammatical errors can detract from the clarity and coherence of your essay. To minimize errors, proofread your work carefully and practice using a variety of sentence structures.
  4. Lack of Clear Progression - Essays that lack clear progression can be difficult to follow. To improve, use cohesive devices to connect your ideas and ensure that your essay flows logically.
  5. Repetition - Repeating the same ideas or phrases can make your essay seem less sophisticated. To avoid this, vary your language and use a range of examples and supporting details.

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 receive detailed feedback to help you improve.