Some people think history has nothing or little to tell us, but others think that studying the past history can help us better understand the present. Please discuss the two views and give your own opinion.
Sample Response
While some individuals contend that the relevance of history has been eclipsed by the rapid evolution of the modern world, others maintain that the past serves as an indispensable lens through which to interpret the present. This essay argues that while the digital age presents unprecedented challenges, the study of history remains vital.
Critics of historical study often point to the chasm between ancestral lifestyles and our current globalized, tech-centric reality. Specifically, the advent of digital technology and the acceleration of globalization have fundamentally restructured how societies function, rendering many historical precedents seemingly obsolete. As a result, because the specific socio-economic conditions of previous centuries no longer exist, traditional solutions are often viewed as inapplicable to the complexities of the twenty-first century. Furthermore, there is a burgeoning emphasis on future-oriented disciplines, such as information technology and business management, which offer more tangible career trajectories. Consequently, in an increasingly competitive professional landscape, many students prioritize pragmatic skills over the perceived abstraction of historical knowledge.
However, I believe that dismissing the past is a profound oversight, as history provides the essential blueprint for understanding modern geopolitical and social frameworks. Notably, many contemporary international conflicts and systemic inequalities are deeply rooted in historical events; for instance, the legacy of colonialism continues to dictate the economic and political disparities observed in various developing nations today. Moreover, analyzing past failures allows modern societies to avoid catastrophic repetitions of previous errors. A salient example is the aftermath of the Second World War, which catalyzed the creation of international organizations designed to curb the extreme nationalism that had previously devastated the globe. Crucially, these historical lessons provide the collective wisdom necessary for governments to make informed, prudent decisions in the present day.
In conclusion, although the rapid pace of modern innovation may suggest that history is outdated, the past remains a critical instrument for navigating the intricacies of the present as we can gain clarity on the origins of current global issues and equip ourselves with the experience required to foster a more stable and enlightened future.
IELTS Writing Correction
- 1. Clarify concession Original: while Suggested revision: although Why it matters: “Although” makes the concessive relationship with the main claim more explicit.
- 2. Avoid overstatement Original: chasm Suggested revision: gap Why it matters: “Gap” conveys the difference between past and present without the excessive force of “chasm.”
- 3. Use natural phrase Original: ancestral lifestyles Suggested revision: past ways of life Why it matters: “Past ways of life” is more natural and precise than the unusual phrase “ancestral lifestyles.”
- 4. Use formal wording Original: tech-centric Suggested revision: technology-driven Why it matters: “Technology-driven” maintains the meaning in a more formal academic register.
- 5. Remove connector clash Original: As a result, because Suggested revision: Because Why it matters: The two causal connectors duplicate the same relationship and should not be combined.
- 6. Use proportionate wording Original: burgeoning Suggested revision: growing Why it matters: “Growing emphasis” communicates the increase clearly without inflated diction.
- 7. Clarify career benefit Original: tangible career trajectories Suggested revision: direct career paths Why it matters: The replacement expresses the practical employment route more clearly and naturally.
- 8. Fix awkward nominalisation Original: perceived abstraction Suggested revision: perceived abstract nature Why it matters: “Abstract nature” is the natural noun phrase for the quality being contrasted with pragmatic skills.
- 9. Temper the metaphor Original: the essential blueprint Suggested revision: a useful framework Why it matters: The replacement keeps the claim while using a more precise and proportionate academic metaphor.
- 10. Use precise causal verb Original: dictate Suggested revision: shape Why it matters: “Shape” expresses a strong historical influence without implying complete determination.
- 11. Use natural collocation Original: catastrophic repetitions of previous errors Suggested revision: repeating catastrophic past errors Why it matters: The revision replaces the cumbersome nominal phrase with a more natural expression.
Suggested Rewrites
- while although
- chasm gap
- ancestral lifestyles past ways of life
- tech-centric technology-driven
- As a result, because Because
- burgeoning growing
Why this response received Band 9.0
The essay fully discusses both views, maintains a decisive opinion, and supports its reasoning with relevant historical and contemporary examples in a seamless progression. Its main limitation is occasional rhetorical overstatement and lexical density, which can make otherwise precise points sound slightly inflated; prioritise leaner phrasing and more measured claims while preserving the strong analytical depth.
IELTS Writing Criteria Scores
Task Response
All parts of the task are fully addressed through a clear position, sustained analysis, and specific supporting examples.
Preserve this depth while making the first view's practical relevance even more explicit at the end of its paragraph.
Coherence and Cohesion
The argument progresses seamlessly, with focused paragraphs and cohesive links that clarify rather than mechanically signal relationships.
Keep the conclusion slightly tighter so its synthesis retains maximum impact after the fully developed body paragraphs.
Lexical Resource
Vocabulary is exceptionally wide and precise, though a few highly rhetorical combinations slightly reduce naturalness.
Prefer leaner alternatives where phrases such as “essential blueprint” or “catastrophic repetitions” intensify claims beyond what is needed.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy
Complex structures are handled with consistently high flexibility and accuracy across the response.
Continue this control while occasionally shortening multi-clause sentences to sharpen emphasis and readability.
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IELTS Writing Task 2
Some people think history has nothing or little to tell us, but others think that studying the past history can help us better understand the present. Please discuss the two views and give your own opinion.
Your response
Write the task yourself, then compare your choices with the annotated response.