There have been many advances in technology over the past fifty years. These have revolutionized the way we communicate with people who are far away. Compare and contrast methods of communication used today with those which were used in the past.
Sample Response
Before the invention of modern technology, people communicated through traditional means. Nowadays, there are a wide range of new tools, making distance not a challenge of communication. While the present and previous means of communication are similar in their general form, they differ in regard to their speed and the range of tools available.
One similarity between current and previous methods of communication relates to the form of communication. In the past, both written forms such as letters were frequently used, in addition to oral forms such as telephone calls. Similarly, people nowadays use both of these forms. Just as in the past, written forms of communication are prevalent, for example via email and text messaging. In addition, oral forms are still used, including the telephone, mobile phone, and voice messages via instant messaging services.
On the other hand, there are many differences in long-distance communication, and one of them is speed. In the past, letters took days to reach their destination. By contrast, emails arrive almost instantly and can be read within seconds of being sent. Previously, when a short message needed to be sent, such as at work, a memo could be passed around the office, which took some time to propagate. In the current situation, text messages can be sent immediately.
Another difference is the scope of communication methods. Fifty years ago, phone calls and letters were the primary means of communication. In contrast, people today have a wider range of communication options such as email, text messaging, video conferencing via software, mobile apps and social media.
In conclusion, communication methods have changed a lot in the past 50 years. While the form of communication is the same, there are distinct differences, such as the speed and scope of the tools.
IELTS Writing Correction
- 1. Fix agreement Original: are Suggested revision: is Why it matters: The singular head noun 'range' requires the singular verb 'is'.
- 2. Use natural collocation Original: making distance not a challenge of communication Suggested revision: making distance less of a barrier to communication Why it matters: This wording expresses the idea of overcoming distance more naturally.
- 3. Clarify time contrast Original: present and previous means of communication Suggested revision: present and past methods of communication Why it matters: 'Past methods' is the natural counterpart to present methods in this comparison.
- 4. Improve phrasing Original: differ in regard to Suggested revision: differ in terms of Why it matters: This is a more concise and natural phrase for introducing comparison criteria.
- 5. Use parallel plurals Original: the telephone, mobile phone, and voice messages Suggested revision: telephones, mobile phones, and voice messages Why it matters: Parallel plural nouns make the list grammatically consistent.
- 6. Replace vague reference Original: one of them is speed Suggested revision: one key difference is speed Why it matters: Naming the difference directly is clearer than using the vague pronoun 'them'.
- 7. Choose natural verb Original: propagate Suggested revision: circulate Why it matters: Messages or memos 'circulate' naturally, whereas 'propagate' is awkward here.
- 8. Use concise time marker Original: In the current situation Suggested revision: Today Why it matters: 'Today' provides a direct and natural contrast with the past.
- 9. Tighten expression Original: video conferencing via software Suggested revision: software-based video conferencing Why it matters: The revision expresses the same idea more compactly and precisely.
- 10. Qualify the comparison Original: the form of communication is the same Suggested revision: the broad forms of communication remain similar Why it matters: The revision avoids the overly absolute wording 'the same' while preserving the comparison.
- 11. Sentence rewrite Original: In the past, both written forms such as letters were frequently used, in addition to oral forms such as telephone calls. Suggested revision: In the past, written forms such as letters were frequently used alongside oral forms such as telephone calls. Why it matters: The original incorrectly uses 'both' with one category before adding the second category separately.
- 12. Reduce repeated setup Suggested revision: Combine the repeated general statements about written and oral forms so the examples advance the comparison more directly. Why it matters: Several consecutive sentences restate the same similarity before adding specific examples.
Suggested Rewrites
- are is
- making distance not a challenge of communication making distance less of a barrier to communication
- present and previous means of communication present and past methods of communication
- differ in regard to differ in terms of
- the telephone, mobile phone, and voice messages telephones, mobile phones, and voice messages
- one of them is speed one key difference is speed
Why this response received Band 7.5
The response is strongest in its clear compare-and-contrast structure, with relevant examples showing continuity in communication forms and changes in speed and range. Its main limitation is that some comparisons, especially the discussion of the wider range of tools, are brief and a few expressions are imprecise. The highest-priority improvement is to develop each comparative point more fully while choosing more natural collocations.
IELTS Writing Criteria Scores
Task Response
The response directly compares past and present communication through a clear similarity and two relevant differences, although the final point receives limited development.
Develop the comparison of available tools with a fuller explanation of how the broader range changes long-distance communication.
Coherence and Cohesion
Ideas progress logically through a focused introduction, separate comparative points, and a concise conclusion, with clear referencing and linking.
Use transitions more selectively so that relationships between examples and claims feel less formulaic.
Lexical Resource
A varied vocabulary conveys the comparisons clearly, but several combinations, such as expressions about distance and the general form of communication, sound unnatural.
Prioritize precise, idiomatic collocations when describing communication methods, accessibility, and technological change.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy
A good range of simple and complex structures is generally well controlled, with only occasional agreement and construction errors.
Check subject-verb agreement and parallel structures carefully, particularly in sentences that classify written and oral forms.
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IELTS Writing Task 2
There have been many advances in technology over the past fifty years. These have revolutionized the way we communicate with people who are far away. Compare and contrast methods of communication used today with those which were used in the past.
Your response
Write the task yourself, then compare your choices with the annotated response.