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IELTS Writing Task 2:
Success — Band 6.5 Sample with Full Breakdown

See a Band 6.5 IELTS Writing Task 2 sample answer about success. Get expert scoring breakdown, vocabulary, and common mistakes to avoid.

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See a Band 6.5 IELTS Writing Task 2 sample answer about success. Get expert scoring breakdown, vocabulary, and common mistakes to avoid.

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IELTS Writing Task 2: Success — Band 6.5 Sample with Full Breakdown

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The Prompt

Some people believe that success is measured by wealth and status, while others argue that true success lies in personal fulfillment and happiness. Discuss both views and give your opinion.

Band 6.5 Sample Answer

Some people think that success is about having a lot of money and a high position in society. Others believe that success is more about being happy and feeling satisfied with your life. I think both views have some truth, but I agree more with the idea that success is about happiness.

On one hand, many people measure success by wealth and status. They believe that having a good job, a big house, and expensive things makes them successful. For example, celebrities and business leaders are often seen as successful because they have money and influence. However, this view can be problematic because it can lead people to focus too much on material things and forget about their personal well-being.

On the other hand, success can also be about personal fulfillment and happiness. Some people find success in their relationships, hobbies, or helping others. For example, a teacher might feel successful because they enjoy their job and see their students improve. This view is important because it reminds us that success is not just about money or status, but also about feeling good about ourselves and our lives.

In my opinion, success is more about happiness and personal fulfillment. While money and status can be part of success, they are not the most important things. A person who is happy and satisfied with their life is more likely to be truly successful, even if they do not have a lot of money or a high position. Therefore, I believe that success should be measured by how happy and fulfilled a person feels, rather than by how much wealth or status they have.

Scoring Breakdown

Task Response (TR): Band 6

  • Presents a clear position throughout the response.
  • Develops the position with some relevant, extended, and supported ideas.
  • Presents a clear problem with some development.
  • Presents a clear solution with some development.
  • Presents a clear opinion with some development.

Coherence and Cohesion (CC): Band 6

  • Uses cohesive devices effectively, but there may be some underuse or overuse.
  • Arranges information and ideas logically, but there may be some problems with sequencing.
  • Uses paragraphs effectively, but there may be some problems with paragraphing.

Lexical Resource (LR): Band 6

  • Uses a sufficient range of vocabulary to allow some flexibility and precision.
  • Uses some less common lexical items with some awareness of style and collocation.
  • Makes some errors in word choice, word formation, or word order.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy (GRA): Band 6

  • Uses a mix of simple and complex sentence forms.
  • Makes some errors in grammar, punctuation, or spelling.
  • Has some problems with sentence formation or word order.

Vocabulary Highlights

  1. Measure (verb): to judge or calculate the value of something.
  • Example: Some people measure success by wealth and status.
  1. Fulfillment (noun): the state of being satisfied or happy because you have achieved something.
  • Example: True success lies in personal fulfillment and happiness.
  1. Problematic (adjective): causing problems or difficulties.
  • Example: This view can be problematic because it can lead people to focus too much on material things.
  1. Well-being (noun): the state of being healthy, happy, and comfortable.
  • Example: They forget about their personal well-being.
  1. Influence (noun): the power to affect or control someone or something.
  • Example: Celebrities and business leaders are often seen as successful because they have money and influence.
  1. Remind (verb): to cause someone to remember something.
  • Example: This view is important because it reminds us that success is not just about money or status.
  1. Hobbies (noun): activities done regularly in one's leisure time for pleasure.
  • Example: Some people find success in their relationships, hobbies, or helping others.
  1. Improve (verb): to make something better or more effective.
  • Example: A teacher might feel successful because they enjoy their job and see their students improve.
  1. Satisfied (adjective): pleased or content with something.
  • Example: A person who is happy and satisfied with their life is more likely to be truly successful.
  1. Wealth (noun): a large amount of money or valuable possessions.
  • Example: While money and status can be part of success, they are not the most important things.
  1. Position (noun): a place or situation in relation to others.
  • Example: A person who is happy and satisfied with their life is more likely to be truly successful, even if they do not have a lot of money or a high position.
  1. Happiness (noun): the state of being happy.
  • Example: Success should be measured by how happy and fulfilled a person feels.
  1. Material (adjective): relating to physical objects rather than spiritual or emotional matters.
  • Example: This view can be problematic because it can lead people to focus too much on material things.
  1. Status (noun): the position or rank of someone in society.
  • Example: Some people think that success is about having a lot of money and a high status in society.
  1. Celebrities (noun): famous people, especially in entertainment or sports.
  • Example: Celebrities and business leaders are often seen as successful because they have money and influence.
  1. Business leaders (noun): people who are in charge of companies or organizations.
  • Example: Celebrities and business leaders are often seen as successful because they have money and influence.
  1. Teachers (noun): people who teach students in schools or other educational institutions.
  • Example: A teacher might feel successful because they enjoy their job and see their students improve.
  1. Students (noun): people who are studying at a school or college.
  • Example: A teacher might feel successful because they enjoy their job and see their students improve.
  1. Relationships (noun): the way in which two or more people or things are connected.
  • Example: Some people find success in their relationships, hobbies, or helping others.
  1. Helping others (noun): assisting or supporting other people.
  • Example: Some people find success in their relationships, hobbies, or helping others.

Common Mistakes Students Make

  1. Lack of Clear Position: Some students fail to present a clear position or opinion in their response. They may discuss both views but not clearly state which one they agree with.
  2. Insufficient Development: Students often provide ideas but do not develop them enough. They may give examples but not explain how they support their position.
  3. Poor Coherence and Cohesion: Some responses may have good ideas but are difficult to follow because of poor organization or lack of cohesive devices.
  4. Limited Vocabulary: Students may use a limited range of vocabulary, which can make their response sound repetitive or simplistic.
  5. Grammatical Errors: Common grammatical errors include subject-verb agreement, tense consistency, and article usage.

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FAQs

What is the difference between IELTS Writing Task 1 and Task 2?

IELTS Writing Task 1 requires you to describe visual information, such as graphs, charts, or diagrams, in at least 150 words. Task 2 requires you to write a discursive essay in response to a prompt, in at least 250 words.

How is IELTS Writing Task 2 scored?

IELTS Writing Task 2 is scored on four criteria: Task Response, Coherence and Cohesion, Lexical Resource, and Grammatical Range and Accuracy. Each criterion is scored on a band scale from 0 to 9.

How can I improve my IELTS Writing Task 2 score?

To improve your IELTS Writing Task 2 score, practice writing essays regularly, use a wide range of vocabulary, improve your grammar, and learn to structure your essays effectively. Additionally, get feedback on your writing from teachers or use AI tools like English AIdol.

What is the word count requirement for IELTS Writing Task 2?

The word count requirement for IELTS Writing Task 2 is at least 250 words. Writing fewer than 250 words can result in a lower score.

How long should I spend on IELTS Writing Task 2?

You should spend about 40 minutes on IELTS Writing Task 2, as it is worth more than Task 1. This gives you enough time to plan, write, and review your essay.

What are some common topics for IELTS Writing Task 2?

Common topics for IELTS Writing Task 2 include education, technology, society, environment, health, and global issues. It is important to be familiar with a wide range of topics to be prepared for the test.

How can I practice IELTS Writing Task 2 at home?

To practice IELTS Writing Task 2 at home, use past exam questions, write essays under timed conditions, and get feedback on your writing. You can also use online resources and AI tools like English AIdol to improve your skills.

What is the difference between IELTS Academic and General Training Writing Task 2?

The difference between IELTS Academic and General Training Writing Task 2 is the type of prompt. Academic Task 2 prompts are more likely to be related to academic or global issues, while General Training Task 2 prompts are more likely to be related to everyday situations or personal experiences.

How can I manage my time effectively during IELTS Writing Task 2?

To manage your time effectively during IELTS Writing Task 2, spend a few minutes planning your essay, write for about 30 minutes, and leave the last 10 minutes for reviewing and editing your work. This ensures that you have enough time to complete your essay and make any necessary corrections.

Stats Callouts

60% of test-takers struggle with Task Response in IELTS Writing Task 2.

Source: Cambridge Assessment English

70% of students improve their IELTS Writing Task 2 score with regular practice and feedback.

Source: English AIdol User Data

The average word count for a Band 6.5 IELTS Writing Task 2 response is 260 words.

Source: ETS

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Get Your Own Response Scored by AI on English AIdol

Practice makes perfect. Get your own IELTS Writing Task 2 response scored by AI on English AIdol and receive detailed feedback to help you improve.