Some people say that travelling abroad is necessary for learning about other countries, while others do not think so because TV and the Internet can give the same information. Discuss both these views and give your own opinion.
Sample Response
Technological advancesThe technological advances over recent decades have meant it is much easier for the average person to learn about the climatefind out about the climate, landscape and tourist attractions in other parts of the world. Given such convenient access to information, some people argue that it is no longer necessary to go through the trouble of travelling to and spending time in a foreign countrytravelling to and staying in any foreign country. Is this claim justified?
Some people say that electronic media can, to some extent at least, satisfy their need to learn about exotic destinations, and I can understand their point of view. Tech-savvy young peopleThe tech-savvy young population, for instance, are no strangers to cloud-based resources on this topic, frequently exploring and recommending websites and applications that feature high-definition photos and 360-degree videos. Seniors and other community members with mobility limitations, unable to visit as many countries as they wish, probably also recognize the importance of having a wide range of media resourcesa rich media repertoire for their enjoyment.
Others, however, might argue that despite the capabilitieswonder of technology, it cannot replicate the experience of being physically presentemulate one’s physical presence. Travel enthusiasts most likely find their own journeys more memorable than watching documentaries or video blogs about their favourite destinations, given the tastes, texturestouches and smells unique to the trips. Children, similarly, can benefit from such an immersive experiencesuch immersive experience of the local landscape and culture that no educational video can offer.
Personally, I think the question depends on how much time you have. For people who are busy with work or study, it is not realistic to arrange frequent week-long vacations abroad, so professionally curated media content may be the best alternative outside of holiday seasons. However, if you have plenty of time at your disposal, paying a visit to a new country and being absorbed in the experience can be rewarding, especially during off-peak months.
To conclude, since international travel and media resources each offer their own advantages, I think there is enough choice for everyone these days.
Why this response received Band 8.0
The response is strongest in its balanced, mature discussion, using relevant examples to explain what media and direct travel can each provide. Its main limitation is that parts of the discussion drift from learning about countries toward convenience and enjoyment, while the final position is slightly less precise than the conditional view developed earlier. Keep the focus on learning outcomes and restate the time-based judgement explicitly in the conclusion.
IELTS Writing Criteria Scores
Task Response
Both views are explored in depth and a clear conditional opinion is developed, though some support emphasises enjoyment and practicality more than learning about countries.
Keep every example tied explicitly to what people can learn and restate the conditional position precisely in the conclusion.
Coherence and Cohesion
Ideas progress logically through well-focused paragraphs, with cohesive devices and referencing used naturally throughout.
Make the conclusion mirror the essay's time-based reasoning more directly so the argument closes with maximum precision.
Lexical Resource
A wide and precise vocabulary, including language for technology, mobility, and immersive experience, conveys nuanced ideas effectively.
Refine a few slightly awkward combinations, such as the phrasing around tastes, touches, and smells, to make expression fully natural.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy
A wide range of complex structures is used flexibly and accurately, with only isolated minor lapses that do not affect clarity.
Proofread noun phrases for small article errors, particularly constructions such as such an immersive experience.
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IELTS Writing Task 2
Some people say that travelling abroad is necessary for learning about other countries, while others do not think so because TV and the Internet can give the same information. Discuss both these views and give your own opinion.
Your response
Write the task yourself, then compare your choices with the annotated response.