IELTS Task 2 structures
IELTS 4-paragraph essay structures are without a doubt the best way to produce a logical and balanced response to a Task 2 question.
But I found this essay in a very old coursebook and it breaks the IELTS Task 2 rules in many ways.
It would still get a Band 9 in the test.
What do you think is so good about it?
‘Prisons are an expensive way of making bad people worse’
To what extent do you agree or disagree?
There are several generally accepted beliefs about prison. Firstly, that prison is a social defence against anti-social people. In short, it keeps us safe. Secondly that prison punishes wrongdoers through their loss of freedom. Thirdly that it teaches convicts the error of their ways, so that when they are released, they can enter back into daily life as law-abiding citizens.
However, there is growing evidence that prison is not always the best solution to the problems of crime that we face. Several scientific studies have shown that prison is not nearly as beneficial to society as we might imagine. There are several explanations for this.
The difficult conditions in most prisons mean that criminals rarely receive a positive education. Rather, they spend their time inside with other prisoners who teach them the tricks of their trade. Also, when they are released, it is very difficult for them to find a job, so they often feel that they have no choice but to reoffend. It’s the only thing they know. So the truth is that they are more likely to commit crimes again when they are released than if they hadn’t been sent to prison in the first place.
As a society, we have to pay attention to the results of these findings. In practice, we may be a lot safer if we give criminals the ability to gain the practical skills they need to get a job and live successful, productive lives, rather than just locking them away. There is little proof that prison works. Perhaps now is the time for us to take important decisions regarding our system of punishment.
Essay adapted from an old First Certificate book about Use of English.
This essay is Band 9 because…
- It outlines the background to the question very clearly in the introduction ‘There are several generally accepted beliefs about prison’ (though it does NOT show the writer’s opinion).
- It makes two simple points – in prison, prisoners learn how to commit more crime and they have no option but to reoffend because they can’t find a job.
- It structures the essay by dividing it into clear ‘opinion vs evidence’ paragraphs (People believe THIS, but evidence shows they are WRONG).
- Each point has an implication – the ‘so what?’ (they can’t get a job SO they reoffend)
- It answers the question directly and keeps answering the question (…there is little proof that prison works.)
- It uses a variety of linking words (Firstly, secondly, thirdly, However…)
- It has a powerful ‘call to action’ (recommendation or suggestion) at the end: ‘As a society we have to’, ‘Perhaps now is the time to’, ‘We need to give it more thought’.
- It uses powerful and persuasive arguments, based on fact: ‘There is growing evidence that…’, ‘Several studies have shown that…’, ‘..the results of these findings…’, ‘There is little proof that…’
- It uses lots of synonyms (wrongdoers, convicts, criminals) and vocabulary related to crime (punishes, loss of freedom, law-abiding citizens, spend time inside, to reoffend)
- It uses NOUNS to sound academic and authoritative (a social defence, loss of freedom, the ability to gain skills) and adds adjectives to be more precise (growing evidence, terrible conditions, a positive education, successful, productive lives, important decisions).
Listen to the podcast here:
Do you need motivation, high-quality materials, a roadmap, feedback, guidance and an IELTS specialist teacher?
Upgrade to the Members Academy today.
Get instant access to all courses, challenges, boot camps, live classes, interactive and engaging classes, 1:1 support, and a friendly tight-knit community of like-minded learners to get you to Band 7+.
Want more writing tips?
- 14 simple ways to improve your IELTS Writing Score.
- How to plan and structure a Task 2 essay.
- How to use different types of structures effectively.
- How to make your writing more complex – 10 ways and a YouTube 10-minute tutorial.
- How to refer to research articles in Task 2.
- How to write a Band 9 Essay
- Task 2 structures that strengthen your argument.
- The ultimate guide to the best online Writing Help for IELTS
Dear Fiona and IELTSECT,
I am a student from Vietnam and I just spontaneously found you. It was a shock, literally, with your free references. I just want to say a huge thank to you (and your team) for the videos, the quizzes and super useful tips for the IELTS Writing part 2. This page definitely is one of my most favourite English learning channels. May the peace and good health stay with you all!
Respect,
Hieu Pham
Hi Hieu Pham! Thank yo so much – it is really kind of you to take the time to leave a comment. I really appreciate your feedback and I’m so glad that you find my website useful. I wish you all the best in your studies, Best Wishes, Fiona (there’s no team! It’s just me!) xxx
Hi, I happen to stumble upon your link. It was a great great help to me to help my students out. Thank you so much for sharing!
Hi Ain. Thank you so much for your message – it’s lovely to get such positive feedback.
Best of luck to you and your students,
Best wishes
Fiona