With the advancement of technology many traditional skills are no longer required. It is natural that traditional way of living is pointless in this modern era as technology is replacing the old way of life. Hence it is pointless to keep those traditional skills alive. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
Sample Response
It is true that if a country improves technologically, some traditional works and ways of life such as handwriting, mathematical calculation, post office etc. will diminish day by day. It is considered that these activities and abilities will not be necessary when the technology of a country is developed. While I accept that some certain skills and works are not essential, but I also believe that others are very important.
On the one hand, there are some good reasons why the traditional skills and ways of life are no longer required to keep them alive. Firstly, not only can technology work speedily but also it has many conveniences. As an example, in the past, although post office was very popular, it took a long time to deliver a letter. However, the e-mail has changed this boring system. Secondly, now people don’t need to read the book in a conventional way like paper based since they can study various types of books through online. Thus, the traditional skills are no longer required in this modern era.
On the other hand, the traditional expertness and the related things are very important in many ways. One is handwriting, which is very indispensable for some nations. Some people think that it is the symbol of a good character of a person. Another is mathematics calculation, if people depend on the computer for simple mathematics calculation, this will reduce the intelligent of the people. For instance, a research has been published by Melbourne University that most people are becoming lazy due to the fact that the technology has developed. Therefore, it is clear from this example that traditional skills are essential.
In conclusion, after analysing the argument it seems that both points are significant. We cannot think that traditional experience and ways of life are pointless. In my opinion, we should keep alive some traditional skills and at the same time embrace the latest technology to improve our way of living.
IELTS Writing Correction
- 1. Use precise noun Original: works Suggested revision: practices Why it matters: “Practices” is the natural noun for established activities or ways of doing things.
- 2. Repair list item Original: post office etc. Suggested revision: postal services, and so on Why it matters: A post office is a place, while “postal services” correctly names the activity being discussed.
- 3. Use possessive form Original: the technology of a country Suggested revision: a country's technology Why it matters: The possessive construction is more concise and natural here.
- 4. Fix passive structure Original: are no longer required to keep them alive Suggested revision: no longer need to be kept alive Why it matters: The original structure incorrectly makes the skills the subject of “are required to keep.”
- 5. Use standard linker Original: As an example Suggested revision: For example Why it matters: “For example” is the conventional phrase for introducing an illustration.
- 6. Add article Original: although post office Suggested revision: although the postal service Why it matters: The noun phrase needs an article, and “postal service” names the system more accurately.
- 7. Choose accurate adjective Original: boring Suggested revision: slow Why it matters: The stated problem is delayed delivery, so “slow” is more precise than “boring.”
- 8. Use general plural Original: read the book Suggested revision: read books Why it matters: A plural noun without an article is needed when referring to books in general.
- 9. Simplify awkward phrase Original: in a conventional way like paper based Suggested revision: on paper Why it matters: “On paper” expresses the intended reading format clearly and idiomatically.
- 10. Remove preposition Original: through online Suggested revision: online Why it matters: “Online” functions as an adverb here and does not take “through.”
- 11. Use natural noun Original: expertness Suggested revision: skills Why it matters: “Skills” is the natural term for learned abilities in this context.
- 12. Use specific wording Original: the related things Suggested revision: related practices Why it matters: “Related practices” is more precise and appropriately formal than “things.”
Suggested Rewrites
- works practices
- post office etc. postal services, and so on
- the technology of a country a country's technology
- are no longer required to keep them alive no longer need to be kept alive
- As an example For example
- although post office although the postal service
Why this response received Band 6.0
The essay presents a clear qualified position, logically distinguishing obsolete practices from skills worth retaining and supporting both sides with examples. Its strongest feature is the balanced structure; the main limitation is that the case for handwriting and mental arithmetic relies on vague or weak claims, while frequent language inaccuracies reduce precision. The priority is to replace the unsupported character and research claims with clear explanations of practical cognitive or cultural value.
IELTS Writing Criteria Scores
Task Response
The response directly addresses the extent question with a balanced position and relevant examples, but the reasons for preserving particular skills are not fully convincing.
Explain specifically how handwriting or mental arithmetic retains cognitive, educational, or cultural value and support this with a credible example.
Coherence and Cohesion
The introduction, opposing body paragraphs, and conclusion create clear overall progression, though mechanical signposting and weak internal links reduce fluency.
Use precise topic sentences and connect each example directly to whether a skill should be abandoned or preserved.
Lexical Resource
There is enough vocabulary to discuss technology and traditional practices, but frequent inaccurate choices such as “traditional works,” “expertness,” and “reduce the intelligent” limit clarity.
Use accurate terms such as “traditional skills,” “expertise,” “mental arithmetic,” “cognitive ability,” and “digital reading materials.”
Grammatical Range and Accuracy
Meaning is generally clear, but frequent errors in articles, countability, clause boundaries, agreement, and comparative constructions reduce control.
Build complete clauses around one subject and verb, and check forms such as “some skills,” “the post office,” “research shows,” and “people’s intelligence.”
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IELTS Writing Task 2
With the advancement of technology many traditional skills are no longer required. It is natural that traditional way of living is pointless in this modern era as technology is replacing the old way of life. Hence it is pointless to keep those traditional skills alive. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
Your response
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