Some people think that studying history is a waste of time while others think it is essential for us to learn history. Discuss both these views and give your own opinion.
Sample Response
In today's fast-paced world, where every minute counts, some people argue that studying history is a waste of time, while others believe it is crucial for us to learn about the past. In this essay, we will discuss both viewpoints and present an argument in favour of learning and understanding history.
Those who claim that studying history is a waste of time argue that it is a subject with little practical value, unlike math, science, and technology, which have direct applications in the real world. They also argue that history is monotonous, and students are often forced to memorize a list of names, dates, and events, without fully understanding their significance.
On the other hand, others think that there are compelling reasons why history is an essential subject to learn. Firstly, history provides a rich source of knowledge and understanding about our past and how we got to where we are today. It helps us to understand the origins of political, social, and cultural institutions, and how they have evolved over time. I believe that studying history teaches us critical thinking and analytical skills, which are essential for success in all areas of life. We learn to evaluate evidence, identify bias, and develop our own perspectives on events.
In conclusion, while some may argue that studying history is a waste of time, it is clear that learning about our past has many benefits. History provides us with a deeper understanding of the world around us and helps us to develop critical thinking skills. Therefore, it is essential for students to learn about history, and educators must make every effort to present the subject in a way that engages and inspires students.
IELTS Writing Correction
- 1. Use formal term Original: math Suggested revision: mathematics Why it matters: The full subject name is more appropriate in formal academic writing.
- 2. Avoid verb repetition Original: argue Suggested revision: contend Why it matters: Changing the repeated reporting verb improves lexical variety.
- 3. Clarify the activity Original: history is monotonous Suggested revision: studying history can be monotonous Why it matters: The revision makes clear that the learning experience, rather than history itself, is being described.
- 4. Remove the comma Original: events, without Suggested revision: events without Why it matters: The comma unnecessarily separates the verb phrase from its modifying prepositional phrase.
- 5. Avoid repeated contrast Original: On the other hand, others Suggested revision: On the other hand, some people Why it matters: Replacing the repeated form makes the contrast read more smoothly.
- 6. Make wording concise Original: compelling reasons why history is an essential subject to learn Suggested revision: compelling reasons to study history Why it matters: The revision removes an unnecessarily long and awkward construction.
- 7. Improve the collocation Original: a rich source of knowledge and understanding about Suggested revision: rich knowledge and understanding of Why it matters: Understanding of is the more natural academic collocation here.
- 8. Use concise complement Original: It helps us to understand Suggested revision: It helps us understand Why it matters: The bare infinitive after helps is a concise and natural choice in this sentence.
- 9. Remove extra comma Original: institutions, and how Suggested revision: institutions and how Why it matters: No comma is needed between the two coordinated objects of understand.
- 10. Use measured wording Original: where every minute counts Suggested revision: where time is highly valued Why it matters: The revision replaces an informal idiom with a more measured academic expression.
- 11. Use formal phrasing Original: how we got to where we are today Suggested revision: how societies reached their present state Why it matters: This wording expresses the historical development more formally and precisely.
- 12. Avoid overgeneralising Original: all Suggested revision: many Why it matters: Many preserves the intended breadth without making an absolute claim.
Suggested Rewrites
- math mathematics
- argue contend
- history is monotonous studying history can be monotonous
- events, without events without
- On the other hand, others On the other hand, some people
- compelling reasons why history is an essential subject to learn compelling reasons to study history
Why this response received Band 8.0
The response is strongest in its clear, consistently maintained support for studying history, with fluent organization and a strong range of accurate language. Its main limitation is that the case against history is treated more briefly and generally than the benefits. The highest-priority improvement is to deepen that opposing view with a concrete illustration before explaining why the benefits ultimately outweigh it.
IELTS Writing Criteria Scores
Detailed feedback by IELTS writing criterion after the annotated essay.
Task Response
Both views are addressed directly, and a clear opinion is maintained with relevant explanation throughout.
Develop the argument against studying history with a specific illustration so that the discussion is more fully substantiated.
Coherence and Cohesion
The response progresses logically through distinct viewpoints, with clear paragraphing and generally unobtrusive linking.
Use a slightly more explicit transition between the benefits of historical knowledge and the development of critical-thinking skills.
Lexical Resource
A wide and precise vocabulary conveys abstract ideas naturally, with only minor repetition of central task terms.
Vary repeated words such as "history," "learn," and "understand" where a precise alternative would preserve meaning.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy
A broad range of complex structures is used accurately, and errors are rare and non-impeding.
Refine occasional heavy comma use so that complex sentences read even more cleanly.
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 think that studying history is a waste of time while others think it is essential for us to learn history. Discuss both these views and give your own opinion.
Your response
Write the task yourself, then compare your choices with the annotated response.