IELTS Writing Task 2 Sample Answer Band 9

The IELTS writing task 2 sample answer below has examiner comments and is band score 9. The topic of social media is common and this IELTS essay question was reported in the IELTS test. Check the model essay and then read the comments.

Target Band 7, 8 and 9 in IELTS Essays

Many people think that the techniques used to get a band score 7 vary from those to get a band score 9. This is not the case. The techniques for a band score 9 essay are the techniques for all essays regardless of what score you are aiming for. The result of your band score will be decided by how well you apply those techniques, how well you address the task, and the level of your English language. So, the essay below is one that all IELTS candidates can learn from.

IELTS BAND 9 MODEL ESSAY

Many people believe that social networking sites (such as Facebook) have had a huge negative impact on both individuals and society.

To what extent do you agree?

Social networking sites, for instance Facebook, are thought by some to have had a detrimental effect on individual people as well as society and local communities. However, while I believe that such sites are mainly beneficial to the individual, I agree that they have had a damaging effect on local communities.

With regards to individuals, the impact that online social media has had on each individual person has clear advantages. Firstly, people from different countries are brought together through such sites as Facebook whereas before the development of technology and social networking sites, people rarely had the chance to meet or communicate with anyone outside of their immediate circle or community. Secondly, Facebook also has social groups which offer individuals a chance to meet and participate in discussions with people who share common interests.

On the other hand, the effect that Facebook and other social networking sites have had on societies and local communities can only be seen as negative. Rather than individual people taking part in their local community, they are instead choosing to take more interest in people online. Consequently, the people within local communities are no longer forming close or supportive relationships. Furthermore, society as a whole is becoming increasingly disjointed and fragmented as people spend more time online with people they have never met face to face and who they are unlikely to ever meet in the future.

To conclude, although social networking sites have brought individuals closer together, they have not had the same effect on society or local communities. Local communities should do more to try and involve local people in local activities  in order to promote the future of community life.

Examiner Comments: This essay was about how social media impacts two aspects: 1) individuals, which means people  2) society, which also means communities. This essay did address both of these aspects of social media and developed them both sufficiently for a high score. The writer presented a clear opinion and retained this opinion throughout the essay. Organisation of ideas into paragraphs was logical. Signposting and linking were also flexible. Furthermore, the word length of this essay is typical for anyone aiming for band score 7 and above. Words 280 = this is a sufficient length for a high score. A long essay (well over 300 words) is not helpful for a high score in Task Response, particular as IELTS essays are designed to be highly focused and quite short.

Useful IELTS Pages for Writing and Other Sections

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Types of Films: Vocabulary

It is common to be asked about films / movies in all parts of the IELTS speaking test and therefore it is necessary that you have plenty of examples of films ready to tell the examiner.

Listening Practice: Film Types

Below is a list of film types and a listening recording.

Film Genres

  • action films
  • comedies
  • romantic films
  • rom-coms
  • adventure films
  • musicals
  • dramas
  • period films or historical dramas (films set in another historical time)
  • real life films
  • war films
  • horror films
  • science fiction (Sci-Fi or SF)

Listen and decide which type of film is being described from the list above.

There are 12 descriptions. Get your paper and pencil ready!!

Answers

Click below to reveal the descriptions and the answers. The descriptions contains very useful vocabulary.

Written Descriptions
  1. These films are serious and plot driven (story line motivated) with realistic characters and lots of character development as well as character interaction.
  2. These films usually have high energy, stunts and quite a few fights.
  3. These films contain both romantic and very amusing elements.
  4. Often set in another world or on another planet, these films are full of imagination.
  5. These films are based on a life event that actually happened with characters that really existed. Portrayal is supposed to be accurate but that isn’t always the case.
  6. The plot of these films is mainly based around a conflict between two countries or two groups and is usually set on land, in the air or at sea.
  7. These films are exciting and often follow a search or an expedition to find something.
  8. Not all people like these films in which words are often sung rather than spoken.
  9. These films confront our hidden fears.
  10. These films have you in stitches with tears rolling down your cheeks.
  11. The story in these films is heartwarming and often preferred by women.
  12. Often set in the past in a well-known time and usually depicts a famous historical character or event.
Answers

Listen to the recording below to hear the answers. This will also help you with your pronunciation of the vocabulary.

  1. dramas
  2. action films
  3. romcom
  4. science fiction
  5. real life films
  6. war films
  7. adventure films
  8. musicals
  9. horror films
  10. comedy (have you in stitches = make you laugh very much)
  11. romantic films
  12. historical films

 

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