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 isare a wide range of new tools, making distance less of a barrier to communicationmaking distance not a challenge of communication. While the present and past methods of communicationpresent and previous means of communication are similar in their general form, they differ in terms ofdiffer 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 telephones, mobile phones, and voice messagesthe telephone, mobile phone, and voice messages via instant messaging services.
On the other hand, there are many differences in long-distance communication, and one key difference is speedone 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 circulatepropagate. TodayIn 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, software-based video conferencingvideo conferencing via software, mobile apps and social media.
In conclusion, communication methods have changed a lot in the past 50 years. While the broad forms of communication remain similarthe form of communication is the same, there are distinct differences, such as the speed and scope of the tools.
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.