Some people say that now is the best time in history to be living. What is your opinion about this? What other time in history would be interesting to live in?
Same question Compare all 2 answers See different approaches and band scores for this IELTS task.Sample Response
[No, we do not live in the best time in history]
In recent times, there has been a widespread belief that the current period is the best time in history to live in. In contrast to this popular belief, I consider that there were other eras in the past which were much better in terms of prosperity, peace, and quality of life. In this essay, I will explain I would rather prefer to live in the Renaissance period than now, and why this would have been an exciting time to live in.
The current era is fraught with numerous challenges such as climate change, political instability, and economic inequality, which threaten the well-being of people around the world. The ever-increasing global population, coupled with dwindling resources, has created a dire situation that requires immediate attention. Furthermore, the current pandemic has highlighted the vulnerabilities of modern societies, particularly in terms of healthcare and social welfare systems. These issues were not as prominent during other periods in history.
One era that particularly stands out as the best time in history to live in is the Renaissance. This period marked a significant advancement in various fields such as art, literature, science, and architecture. People during the Renaissance had a zest for knowledge and creativity that is unmatched in any other period in history. The advent of printing technology led to an explosion in the dissemination of knowledge, making it accessible to a broader population. This period also witnessed peace and stability in many regions, which allowed for the flourishing of cultural and scientific endeavours.
In conclusion, while some may argue that the current era is the best time to live in, I think that it is not the most ideal time to live in. I would prefer to live in the period of the Renaissance if I had been offered the chance.
IELTS Writing Correction
- 1. Align time expression Original: In recent times, there has been Suggested revision: Currently, there is Why it matters: The present-time claim is expressed more directly with the simple present.
- 2. Use natural stance phrase Original: I consider that Suggested revision: I believe that Why it matters: 'I believe that' is the more natural phrase for stating this opinion.
- 3. Remove redundancy Original: rather prefer Suggested revision: prefer Why it matters: 'Prefer' already expresses one choice over another, so 'rather' is redundant.
- 4. Clarify relative reference Original: , which threaten Suggested revision: , all of which threaten Why it matters: Adding 'all of' clearly makes the relative clause refer to the full list of challenges.
- 5. Use plural noun Original: significant advancement Suggested revision: significant advances Why it matters: The several fields listed are better described as multiple advances.
- 6. Maintain past tense Original: that is unmatched Suggested revision: that was unmatched Why it matters: The relative clause should stay in the past because it describes people during the Renaissance.
- 7. Remove faulty intensifier Original: most ideal Suggested revision: ideal Why it matters: 'Ideal' already expresses the highest degree, so 'most' is unnecessary.
- 8. Use concise period name Original: period of the Renaissance Suggested revision: Renaissance Why it matters: The period name alone is sufficient after 'the'.
- 9. Fix conditional tense Original: if I had been offered the chance Suggested revision: if I were given the chance Why it matters: A hypothetical present preference requires a second conditional rather than a past unreal condition.
- 10. Sentence rewrite Original: One era that particularly stands out as the best time in history to live in is the Renaissance. Suggested revision: The Renaissance particularly stands out as an appealing historical period in which to live. Why it matters: The revision removes the repetitive and awkward phrase 'time in history to live in'.
Suggested Rewrites
- In recent times, there has been Currently, there is
- I consider that I believe that
- rather prefer prefer
- , which threaten , all of which threaten
- significant advancement significant advances
- that is unmatched that was unmatched
Why this response received Band 8.0
The response is strongly organised, maintains a clear position, and uses varied, precise language to answer both questions with developed explanations. Its main limitation is that several claims about the Renaissance, particularly its relative peace and quality of life, are broad and insufficiently qualified. The most valuable improvement would be to support the historical comparison with more specific, balanced reasoning while removing a few awkward or redundant expressions.
IELTS Writing Criteria Scores
Detailed feedback by IELTS writing criterion after the annotated essay.
Task Response
Both questions are answered directly through a clear position and relevant development, though some historical comparisons rely on broad assertions.
Qualify the claims about Renaissance peace and prosperity and add a concrete comparison showing why that era would be preferable to the present.
Coherence and Cohesion
The response progresses logically through a clear introduction, two focused body paragraphs, and a consistent conclusion with well-managed cohesion.
Vary sentence openings and internal references slightly to reduce repeated use of phrases such as this period.
Lexical Resource
Vocabulary is wide-ranging, natural, and generally precise, with only occasional redundancy or slightly overstated phrasing.
Remove expressions such as rather prefer and most ideal, and choose more measured wording for historical claims.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy
A wide range of complex structures is used with strong control, although a few awkward constructions and tense choices remain.
Refine clauses such as I will explain I would rather prefer and check tense consistency when comparing past characteristics with the present.
Write this task while it is fresh
Try the same task now. It helps you remember the feedback and write better next time.
IELTS Writing Task 2
Some people say that now is the best time in history to be living. What is your opinion about this? What other time in history would be interesting to live in?
Your response
Write the task yourself, then compare your choices with the annotated response.