It is often cited that “Not everything that is learned is contained in books”. According to many, we learn most of the things from our own experience while others believe that books are our main source of knowledge. Compare and contrast knowledge gained from experience with knowledge gained from books. In your opinion, which source is more important? Why?
Sample Response
Knowledge is a central partvery important aspect of our daily lives. Applying itIts application helps us navigate lifego through life with fewer difficultieshitches. As the saying goes, “knowledge is power”. Therefore, in our society, today, the most knowledgeable person is considered to be the most powerful. Knowledge can be obtained from personal experience or through reading bookslife experiences or from reading books. In my opinion, one cannot depend on either sourceeither of the two in isolation. The best approach isThe best is to make use of both as neededat times of need. First and foremost, before an individual is able to read and write, one must obtain knowledge through life experiences. For example, children begin to learn from the dayright from the day they are born. A child learns how to sit, stand, develop the ability to distinguishdevelop a sense to distinguish right from wrongthe right from the wrong and so on. This learning experience is necessary for the child’s development. Secondly, as the child grows, theyhe/she develops qualities such as compassion, empathy, and friendlinessfriendliness and so on. These qualities are not learned fromin books but can only be developed through life experiencecan only be obtained through life experiences. On the other hand, formal education is pursuedobtained by attending classes and reading books. This formaspect of learning is equally important for an individual’s careeran individual’s future career. For instance, as a doctor, I am only able to keep myself updated by reading up on various changes on diagnosis and management of various diseases so as to offer my patients comprehensive care. In conclusion, knowledge gained from life experienceknowledge learned from life experiences is as important as knowledge acquired from reading books. The former helps one develop certain personal qualities developed informallyhuman characteristics which are informal whereas the latter helps one achieve a specifictarget career goal.
Why this response received Band 6.5
The response gives a clear, defensible view that experience and books are equally important, and relevant examples distinguish personal development from professional learning. However, the comparison remains somewhat general, the book-based side receives less development, and presenting the entire essay as one paragraph weakens organisation. Develop the contrast more evenly and divide the argument into purposeful paragraphs with clearer comparative links.
IELTS Writing Criteria Scores
Task Response
All parts of the task are addressed with a clear balanced position, though the comparison and justification are not fully developed.
Develop the book-based source in equal depth and compare the strengths and limitations of both sources more directly.
Coherence and Cohesion
Ideas follow a broadly clear sequence, but the lack of paragraphing makes the progression less effective than it could be.
Separate the introduction, each main source of knowledge, and the conclusion into distinct paragraphs linked by explicit comparison.
Lexical Resource
The response uses a sufficient range of topic vocabulary, with some repetition and occasional awkward word combinations.
Use more precise comparative language and avoid repeatedly relying on broad terms such as knowledge and important.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy
A range of complex sentences is handled with generally good control, and errors rarely interfere with meaning.
Refine punctuation and pronoun consistency, particularly when shifting between an individual, one, and children.
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IELTS Writing Task 2
It is often cited that “Not everything that is learned is contained in books”. According to many, we learn most of the things from our own experience while others believe that books are our main source of knowledge. Compare and contrast knowledge gained from experience with knowledge gained from books. In your opinion, which source is more important? Why?
Your response
Write the task yourself, then compare your choices with the annotated response.