Some people think history has nothing or little to tell us, but others think that studying past history can help us better understand the present. Discuss both views and give your opinion.
Sample Response
While some argue that history has nothing significant to teach us, others insist that understanding the past helpshelp us better grasp the present. Personally, the lattersecond viewpoint is more reasonable since we may be better prepared for the present and the futureprepared for the present and future by learning from previous mistakes.
First, some individuals are skeptical of historical accounts because they believe they are biased. In most cases, physical and scientific evidence is insufficient to establish historical factsestablish the knowledge. For this reason, many individuals dismiss historical accountstrivia as legends or exaggerations that contribute nothing to modern life. In Vietnam, for instance, archaeologists have uncovered old remains in various locations, but they have yet to match this information with the proper knowledge provided in history books about the ancient kingdom. However, I cannot entirely agree with this idea since a lack of proof does not mean the past is not genuine and irrelevant.
On the other hand, knowledge of history is vital for comprehending the present and future. More importantly,In reality, by studying the past, not only can we learn from our mistakes and improve our future decisionsactions, but we may also be inspired to work harder by hearing about the heroic efforts and personal sacrifices that our ancestors made. In Germany, for instance, educating children about the history of World War IIWorld War II history is a must because of the many lessons and insights it provides for helping them learn from and prevent repeating past errors.
In conclusion, as a result of learning from past mistakes, it is essential to study history so that humans may be better equipped for the present and future.
Why this response received Band 7.5
The response is strongest in its clear position, purposeful paragraphing, and logical movement through both views, supported by relevant national examples. The main limitation is that the case against studying history is less convincingly explained and includes some imprecise phrasing. The highest-priority improvement is to articulate that opposing view more directly and connect its evidence more clearly to the claim that history has little present value.
IELTS Writing Criteria Scores
Task Response
Both views and the writer's opinion are addressed, with relevant support, though the first view is less fully and convincingly developed.
Explain more directly why doubts about historical reliability might make historical study seem unhelpful in present-day decision-making.
Coherence and Cohesion
Ideas progress logically through clearly focused paragraphs, and cohesive devices generally guide the reader without disrupting the flow.
Strengthen the internal link between the Vietnamese example and the paragraph's central claim so the reasoning feels fully continuous.
Lexical Resource
The response uses a flexible range of topic-appropriate vocabulary, but several imprecise combinations occasionally blur the intended meaning.
Choose more exact phrases for evidence and historical interpretation instead of expressions such as establish the knowledge and proper knowledge.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy
A wide range of complex structures is used with strong control, and the occasional errors do not impede communication.
Refine subject-verb agreement and parallel verb patterns, especially in constructions such as understanding the past helps and prevent us from repeating.
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IELTS Writing Task 2
Some people think history has nothing or little to tell us, but others think that studying past history can help us better understand the present. Discuss both views and give your opinion.
Your response
Write the task yourself, then compare your choices with the annotated response.