Band 9 Model Essay & Analysis
Official Task 2 Question Prompt
Life was better when technology was simpler. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
Band 9.0 Model Answer
Follows the standard 4-paragraph structure required by IELTS examiners
It is argued that our lives were more fulfilling when technology was less complex. I completely disagree with this statement and believe that technology has made life much better because smartphones save us time and the internet has improved education.
New phones, such as the iPhone, have made our daily lives much less laborious and have given us more free time. Tasks that used to require a lot of energy and time can now be done at the touch of a button. For example, if people wanted to communicate with one another in the past, they had to write a letter, take it to the post office, and then wait for it to be delivered, whereas these days people can simply tap the email icon on their touch screen and send a message to whomever they want to communicate with within seconds.
The internet has also enriched education. In the past, students had to rely on a teacher and physical books for their education, and these were often either unavailable or in a format that most people did not want, but now the internet provides us with more information than we could ever dream of, and this has made us more independent and effective learners. For example, there are now thousands of free online courses available on YouTube that anyone can watch and learn from anywhere in the world.
In conclusion, I believe that life has been greatly improved by technological advancements, particularly labour-saving phones and the learning opportunities provided by the internet.
Examiner Assessment & Strategy
How this essay achieves a perfect score across all 4 official grading criteria
Fully addresses every part of the prompt. Presents a well-developed position with relevant, extended, and supported ideas throughout.
Logical sequencing with effortless paragraphing. Sentences link naturally through referencing and substitution rather than repetitive connectors.
Uses a wide range of vocabulary with natural and sophisticated control of lexical features. Rare minor slips occur only as slips.
Employs a full range of complex structures naturally and flexibly. Produces error-free sentences with native-level accuracy.
Avoid sitting on the fence when you have strong arguments for one side. A total agreement or disagreement is often much easier to organize within the 40-minute exam timeframe.
Practice this prompt with our AI Evaluator
Write your response and get instant Band score feedback across all 4 criteria.
Related Study Resources
Sample Essays
- ›As most people spend a major part of their adult life at work, job satisfaction is an important element of individual wellbeing. What are the factors that contribute to job satisfaction? How realistic is the expectation of job satisfaction for all workers?
- ›At present, the media affects people’s lives significantly. What impact does this have on society? Is it a negative or positive development?
- ›More and more people in developing countries are purchasing cars for the first time. What problems does this cause? What do you think are some possible solutions?