Video Lesson

Writing Task 2
I E LT S W R I T I N G T A S K 2

Model answer
Question type: Opinion
Topic: Only Children
IN THIS PART…
LEXICAL RESOURCE
TASK RESPONSE
COHERENCE AND COHESION
GRAMMATICAL RANGE AND ACCURACY
LOOK AT THE TASK 2 QUESTION

‘Children who have brothers and sisters often have better

social development than an only child. The government
should therefore give money to parents to have two or
more children.’ What do you think about this proposal?

Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your
own knowledge or experience. Write at least 250 words

GET A HIGH IELTS GRADE

BAND 9 MODEL ANSWER (300 WORDS)
In the past, due to high levels of infant mortality and the unavailability of birth control methods, families
tended to be extensive. Recently, there has been a marked reduction in the number of babies born. The
percentage of children who are growing up without siblings is definitely on the rise and leading experts
have suggested that this trend could be damaging. However, I find the proposal to offer a financial
incentive for parents to have extra children quite frankly appalling and abhorrent.
The first point worth making is that even if it could be proved that those who grow up surrounded by
siblings are more mature and better adapted to society, it does not naturally follow that society would be
healthier if everyone had this background. Variety is necessary in order for a culture to be harmonious
and successful. Even though those from large families might have better communication skills, only
children possess other abilities like determination, independence or higher levels of concentration. It is
precisely the interaction of individuals with different strengths, weaknesses and character traits which
makes society stronger.
In addition, it could be argued that this policy would have several unfortunate consequences. Parents who
only wanted one child might be attracted by the possibility of receiving a payment for a second one,
resulting in unwanted and unloved babies being born. Furthermore, revenue wasted on this strategy
could not be used to fight poverty or build infrastructure. Finally, childless couples may resent public
funds being used to incentivise others to produce more babies.
In conclusion, I see absolutely no benefits to paying parents to increase the size of their family. I would be
upset if any government attempted to implement this approach. It would suggest to me that the political
leaders concerned did not have a fundamental grasp of how the world works.
IELTS BAND DESCRIPTORS WRITING TASK 2
LEXICAL RESOURCE
BAND DESCRIPTOR
• Uses a wide range of vocabulary with very natural and sophisticated control of

9 lexical features
• Rare minor errors occur only as ‘slips’

• Uses a wide range of vocabulary fluently and flexibly to convey precise meanings

8 • Skilfully uses uncommon lexical items but there may be occasional inaccuracies in
word choice and collocation
• Produces rare errors in spelling and/ or word formation
• Uses a sufficient range of vocabulary to allow some flexibility and precision

7 • Uses less common lexical items with some awareness of style and collocation
• May produce occasional errors in word choice, spelling and/ or word formation

• Uses an adequate range of vocabulary for the task

6 • Attempts to use less common vocabulary but with some inaccuracy

• Makes some errors in spelling and/ or word formation, but they do not impede
communication
LEXICAL RESOURCE: INTRODUCTION
In the past, due to high levels of infant mortality and the unavailability
of birth control methods, families tended to be extensive. Recently,
there has been a marked reduction in the number of babies born.The
percentage of children who are growing up without siblings is definitely
on the rise and leading experts have suggested that this trend could be
damaging. However, I find the proposal to offer a financial incentive for
parents to have extra children quite frankly appalling and abhorrent.
= the number, proportion or percentage of babies and small
children who die in a particular place or time (This number
can rise, fall, remain constant, be extremely high, be
comparatively low) (We can refer to levels of unemployment,
levels of inflation, levels of petty/violent crime etc.)
LEXICAL RESOURCE: INTRODUCTION
In the past, due to high levels of infant mortality and the unavailability
of birth control methods, families tended to be extensive. Recently,
there has been a marked reduction in the number of babies born.The
percentage of children who are growing up without siblings is definitely
on the rise and leading experts have suggested that this trend could be
damaging. However, I find the proposal to offer a financial incentive for
parents to have extra children quite frankly appalling and abhorrent.
= the fact that something cannot be
bought, found or owned (This is a
good example of using prefixes and
suffixes: un- makes the word negative
and –ity makes the word a noun)
LEXICAL RESOURCE: INTRODUCTION
In the past, due to high levels of infant mortality and the unavailability
of birth control methods, families tended to be extensive. Recently,
there has been a marked reduction in the number of babies born.The
percentage of children who are growing up without siblings is definitely
on the rise and leading experts have suggested that this trend could be
damaging. However, I find the proposal to offer a financial incentive for
parents to have extra children quite frankly appalling and abhorrent.
= strategies and equipment which
allow people to have sex without
having children (We could also
write methods of birth control)
LEXICAL RESOURCE: INTRODUCTION
In the past, due to high levels of infant mortality and the unavailability
of birth control methods, families tended to be extensive. Recently,
there has been a marked reduction in the number of babies born.The
percentage of children who are growing up without siblings is definitely
on the rise and leading experts have suggested that this trend could be
damaging. However, I find the proposal to offer a financial incentive for
parents to have extra children quite frankly appalling and abhorrent.
= large; covering a large area (Try to
find ways of avoiding basic words like
big and small) (Here we could use
enormous, massive, extremely large)
LEXICAL RESOURCE: INTRODUCTION
In the past, due to high levels of infant mortality and the unavailability
of birth control methods, families tended to be extensive. Recently,
there has been a marked reduction in the number of babies born.The
percentage of children who are growing up without siblings is definitely
on the rise and leading experts have suggested that this trend could be
damaging. However, I find the proposal to offer a financial incentive for
parents to have extra children quite frankly appalling and abhorrent.
= a fall (It is good to know complex
words to describe changes in numbers,
levels, quantities etc.) (We could use a
notable fall, a significant drop)
LEXICAL RESOURCE: INTRODUCTION
In the past, due to high levels of infant mortality and the unavailability
of birth control methods, families tended to be extensive. Recently,
there has been a marked reduction in the number of babies born.The
percentage of children who are growing up without siblings is definitely
on the rise and leading experts have suggested that this trend could be
damaging. However, I find the proposal to offer a financial incentive for
parents to have extra children quite frankly appalling and abhorrent.

= an amount, shown as a number out of 100 (%) (It can

be useful to put statistical information in the
INTRODUCTION to show the importance of the
issue) (We can use the proportion in a similar way)
LEXICAL RESOURCE: INTRODUCTION
In the past, due to high levels of infant mortality and the unavailability
of birth control methods, families tended to be extensive. Recently,
there has been a marked reduction in the number of babies born.The
percentage of children who are growing up without siblings is definitely
on the rise and leading experts have suggested that this trend could be
damaging. However, I find the proposal to offer a financial incentive for
parents to have extra children quite frankly appalling and abhorrent.
= brothers and sisters (Many IELTS
essays are related to the family so it is
good to know complex words for family
members such as brother-in-law; step-
mother; nieces and nephews)
LEXICAL RESOURCE: INTRODUCTION
In the past, due to high levels of infant mortality and the unavailability
of birth control methods, families tended to be extensive. Recently,
there has been a marked reduction in the number of babies born.The
percentage of children who are growing up without siblings is definitely
on the rise and leading experts have suggested that this trend could be
damaging. However, I find the proposal to offer a financial incentive for
parents to have extra children quite frankly appalling and abhorrent.

= certainly (using words like definitely,

certainly, undoubtedly can make your
opinion or point seem stronger)
LEXICAL RESOURCE: INTRODUCTION
In the past, due to high levels of infant mortality and the unavailability
of birth control methods, families tended to be extensive. Recently,
there has been a marked reduction in the number of babies born.The
percentage of children who are growing up without siblings is definitely
on the rise and leading experts have suggested that this trend could be
damaging. However, I find the proposal to offer a financial incentive for
parents to have extra children quite frankly appalling and abhorrent.
= going up (Ways of describing statistics can be
useful as statistics can be used to support your
arguments or show how important this issue is)
LEXICAL RESOURCE: INTRODUCTION
In the past, due to high levels of infant mortality and the unavailability
of birth control methods, families tended to be extensive. Recently,
there has been a marked reduction in the number of babies born.The
percentage of children who are growing up without siblings is definitely
on the rise and leading experts have suggested that this trend could be
damaging. However, I find the proposal to offer a financial incentive for
parents to have extra children quite frankly appalling and abhorrent.
= people who know a lot about a subject (It is often
good to include the opinions of others so that you can
either agree with them or show why you think they
are wrong) (We could write widely-trusted experts in
the field of developmental psychology)
LEXICAL RESOURCE: INTRODUCTION
In the past, due to high levels of infant mortality and the unavailability
of birth control methods, families tended to be extensive. Recently,
there has been a marked reduction in the number of babies born.The
percentage of children who are growing up without siblings is definitely
on the rise and leading experts have suggested that this trend could be
damaging. However, I find the proposal to offer a financial incentive for
parents to have extra children quite frankly appalling and abhorrent.
= pattern; change in a number,
level etc. which continues over a
period of time (A trend can be
upward or downward)
LEXICAL RESOURCE: INTRODUCTION
In the past, due to high levels of infant mortality and the unavailability
of birth control methods, families tended to be extensive. Recently,
there has been a marked reduction in the number of babies born.The
percentage of children who are growing up without siblings is definitely
on the rise and leading experts have suggested that this trend could be
damaging. However, I find the proposal to offer a financial incentive for
parents to have extra children quite frankly appalling and abhorrent.

= causing harm or problems (It is important

to avoid basic words like bad and good)
(Here we could use harmful, problematic,
disruptive, concerning, worrying)
LEXICAL RESOURCE: INTRODUCTION
In the past, due to high levels of infant mortality and the unavailability
of birth control methods, families tended to be extensive. Recently,
there has been a marked reduction in the number of babies born.The
percentage of children who are growing up without siblings is definitely
on the rise and leading experts have suggested that this trend could be
damaging. However, I find the proposal to offer a financial incentive for
parents to have extra children quite frankly appalling and abhorrent.

= a suggestion for how to deal with a problem; a suggestion which

you ask other people to think about (IELTS questions often include a
possible solution and this can be referred to as a proposal)
LEXICAL RESOURCE: INTRODUCTION
In the past, due to high levels of infant mortality and the unavailability
of birth control methods, families tended to be extensive. Recently,
there has been a marked reduction in the number of babies born.The
percentage of children who are growing up without siblings is definitely
on the rise and leading experts have suggested that this trend could be
damaging. However, I find the proposal to offer a financial incentive for
parents to have extra children quite frankly appalling and abhorrent.

= money which you give to people to encourage them to behave in a

way you want them to behave (A financial incentive may be a
possible solution to some problems described in IELTS questions)
LEXICAL RESOURCE: INTRODUCTION
In the past,
To find due to
something high levels
+ adjective ofofinfant
is a way mortality
expressing a and the unavailability
strong feeling (Many questions ask candidates to give an
ofopinion
birth and
control methods,
this structure families
lets you indicate tended to be extensive. Recently,
how you feel
about an issue) (We could write I find it appalling that
there anyone
has beenwouldasuggest
marked suchreduction
an atrocious in the number of babies born.The
idea)

percentage of children who are growing up without siblings is definitely

on the rise and leading experts have suggested that this trend could be
damaging. However, I find the proposal to offer a financial incentive for
parents to have extra children quite frankly appalling and abhorrent.
LEXICAL RESOURCE: INTRODUCTION
In the past, due to high levels of infant mortality and the unavailability
of birth control methods, families tended to be extensive. Recently,
there has been a marked reduction in the number of babies born.The
percentage of children who are growing up without siblings is definitely
on the rise and leading experts have suggested that this trend could be
damaging. However, I find the proposal to offer a financial incentive for
parents to have extra children quite frankly appalling and abhorrent.
= genuinely; honestly; truthfully;
really (This adverb phrase can
intensify an adjective to help
you express strong feelings)
LEXICAL RESOURCE: INTRODUCTION
In the past, due to high levels of infant mortality and the unavailability
of birth control methods, families tended to be extensive. Recently,
there has been a marked reduction in the number of babies born.The
percentage of children who are growing up without siblings is definitely
on the rise and leading experts have suggested that this trend could be
damaging. However, I find the proposal to offer a financial incentive for
parents to have extra children quite frankly appalling and abhorrent.

= very bad; disgusting (Knowing formal ways of

expressing strong dislike is very useful, especially for
questions which ask you for an opinion)
LEXICAL RESOURCE: PARAGRAPH 2
The first point worth making is that even if it could be proved that
those who grow up surrounded by siblings are more mature and better
adapted to society, it does not naturally follow that society would be
healthier if everyone had this background.Variety is necessary in order
for a culture to be harmonious and successful. Even though those from
large families might have better communication skills, only children
possess other abilities like determination, independence
To make a or higher
point = to put
forward an argument which
levels of concentration. It is precisely the interaction
supportsofanindividuals with
opinion (This is a
strong collocation and obviously
different strengths, weaknesses and character traits which
useful makes
when you want to
support an opinion from your
society stronger. INTRODUCTION)
LEXICAL RESOURCE: PARAGRAPH 2
The first point worth making is that even if it could be proved that
those who grow up surrounded by siblings are more mature and better
adapted to society, it does not naturally follow that society would be
healthier if everyone had this background.Variety is necessary in order
for a culture to be harmonious and successful. Even though those from
large families might have better communication skills, only children
possess other abilities like determination, independence
Worth + -ingor
= ithigher
is a good idea;
there is a purpose or value in
levels of concentration. It is precisely the interaction
doingofit individuals
(Phrases like Itwith
is
worth noting…; It is worth
different strengths, weaknesses and character traits
makingwhich makes
the point…; It is worth
emphasizing that… can make
society stronger. your writing seem academic)
LEXICAL RESOURCE: PARAGRAPH 2
The first point worth making is that even if it could be proved that
those who grow up surrounded by siblings are more mature and better
adapted to society, it does not naturally follow that society would be
healthier if everyone had this background.Variety is necessary in order
for a culture to be harmonious and successful. Even though those from
large families might have better communication skills, only children
possess other abilities like determination, independence or higher
= people with brothers and sisters (We can
levels of concentration. It is precisely theuseinteraction
those who with of aindividuals
description ofwith
a
characteristic, situation or behaviour to
different strengths, weaknesses and character traits
describe people which ways)
in complex makes (We could
write those who experienced the benefits
society stronger. and drawbacks of growing up with siblings)
LEXICAL RESOURCE: PARAGRAPH 2
The first point worth making is that even if it could be proved that
those who grow up surrounded by siblings are more mature and better
adapted to society, it does not naturally follow that society would be
healthier if everyone had this background.Variety is necessary in order
for a culture to be harmonious and successful. Even though those from
large families might have better communication skills, only children
Using two adjectives
possess other abilitieswhich
like are
determination,
both relevant independence or higher
and quite complex can
levels of concentration. It is precisely
impress the examinerthe interaction of individuals with
different strengths, weaknesses and character traits which makes
society stronger.
LEXICAL RESOURCE: PARAGRAPH 2
The first point worth making is that even if it could be proved that
those who grow up surrounded by siblings are more mature and better
adapted to society, it does not naturally follow that society would be
healthier if everyone had this background.Variety is necessary in order
for a culture to be harmonious and successful. Even though those from
large families might have better communication skills, only children
Using two adjectives
possess other abilitieswhich
like are
determination,
both relevant independence or higher
and quite complex can
levels of concentration. It is precisely
impress the examinerthe interaction of individuals with
different strengths, weaknesses and character traits which makes
society stronger.
LEXICAL RESOURCE: PARAGRAPH 2
The first point worth making is that even if it could be proved that
those who grow up surrounded by siblings are more mature and better
adapted to society, it does not naturally follow that society would be
healthier if everyone had this background.Variety is necessary in order
for a culture to be harmonious and successful. Even though those from
large families might have better communication skills, only children
Using two adjectives
possess other abilities likeare
which determination,
both relevant independence or higher
and quite complex can
levels of concentration. It is the
impress precisely
examinerthe interaction of individuals with
different strengths, weaknesses and character traits which makes
society stronger.
LEXICAL RESOURCE: PARAGRAPH 2
The first point worth making is that even if it could be proved that
those who grow up surrounded by siblings are more mature and better
adapted to society, it does not naturally follow that society would be
healthier if everyone had this background.Variety is necessary in order
for a culture to be harmonious and successful. Even though those from
large families might have better communication skills, only children
Using two adjectives
possess other abilities likeare
which determination,
both relevant independence or higher
and quite complex can
levels of concentration. It is the
impress precisely
examinerthe interaction of individuals with
different strengths, weaknesses and character traits which makes
society stronger.
LEXICAL RESOURCE: PARAGRAPH 2
The first point worth making is that even if it could be proved that
those who grow up surrounded by siblings are more mature and better
adapted to society, it does not naturally follow that society would be
healthier if everyone had this background.Variety is necessary in order
for a culture to be harmonious and successful. Even though those from
large families might have better communication skills, only children
possess other abilities like determination, independence or higher
levels of concentration. It is precisely the interaction
= the of individuals
result is not always withand
that (This phrase
It naturally follows that can be used to
different strengths, weaknesses and character traits which makesrelationships
describe logical/normal/expected
and causes)
society stronger.
LEXICAL RESOURCE: PARAGRAPH 2
The first point worth making is that even if it could be proved that
those who grow up surrounded by siblings are more mature and better
adapted to society, it does not naturally follow that society would be
healthier if everyone had this background.Variety is necessary in order
for a culture to be harmonious and successful. Even though those from
large families might have better communication skills, only children
possess other abilities like determination, independence or higher
levels of concentration. It is precisely the interaction of individuals with
= upbringing (If you can use different
different strengths, weaknesses and character
language totraits which
describe makes
upbringing, such as to
be raised; to be brought up; background the
society stronger. examiner will give you credit)
LEXICAL RESOURCE: PARAGRAPH 2
The first point worth making is that even if it could be proved that
those who grow up surrounded by siblings are more mature and better
adapted to society, it does not naturally follow that society would be
healthier if everyone had this background.Variety is necessary in order
for a culture to be harmonious and successful. Even though those from
large families might have better communication skills, only children
possess other abilities like determination, independence or higher
levels of concentration. It is precisely the interaction of individuals with
= lots of different things or different types of things
different strengths, weaknesses and(We
character traitsis which
say that variety the spicemakes
of life though you
might avoid this saying in IELTS Writing)
society stronger.
LEXICAL RESOURCE: PARAGRAPH 2
The first point worth making is that even if it could be proved that
those who grow up surrounded by siblings are more mature and better
adapted to society, it does not naturally follow that society would be
healthier if everyone had this background.Variety is necessary in order
for a culture to be harmonious and successful. Even though those from
large families might have better communication skills, only children
possess other abilities like determination, independence or higher
levels of concentration. It is precisely
= the the interaction
ability to speak of individuals
and write in a way which with
clearly shows your meaning (We can refer to
different strengths, weaknesses and character traits which makes
language skills or interpersonal skills)
society stronger.
LEXICAL RESOURCE: PARAGRAPH 2
The first point worth making is that even if it could be proved that
those who grow up surrounded by siblings are more mature and better
adapted to society, it does not naturally follow that society would be
healthier if everyone had this background.Variety is necessary in order
for a culture to be harmonious and successful. Even though those from
large families might have better communication skills, only children
possess other abilities like determination, independence or higher
levels of concentration. It is precisely the interaction of individuals with
= to have (Using this word
different strengths, weaknesses and
allows us to character
avoid repetition oftraits which makes
have) (To possess collocates
society stronger. well with skills and abilities)
LEXICAL RESOURCE: PARAGRAPH 2
The first point worth making is that even if it could be proved that
those who grow up surrounded by siblings are more mature and better
adapted to society, it does not naturally follow that society would be
healthier if everyone had this background.Variety is necessary in order
for a culture to be harmonious and successful. Even though those from
large families might have better communication skills, only children
possess other abilities like determination, independence or higher
levels of concentration. It is precisely the interaction of individuals with
When you have the
different strengths, weaknesses andtocharacter
opportunity give a list, traits which makes
include 2-4 complex items
society stronger.
LEXICAL RESOURCE: PARAGRAPH 2
The first point worth making is that even if it could be proved that
those who grow up surrounded by siblings are more mature and better
adapted to society,
= the it continue
ability to does not naturally
trying hard evenfollow
when that society would be
the situation is difficult (This word comes from
healthier if everyone hadasthis
the same family background.
to be determined to Variety is necessary in order
do/finish/complete something)
for a culture to be harmonious and successful. Even though those from
large families might have better communication skills, only children
possess other abilities like determination, independence or higher
levels of concentration. It is precisely the interaction of individuals with
different strengths, weaknesses and character traits which makes
society stronger.
LEXICAL RESOURCE: PARAGRAPH 2
The first point worth making is that even if it could be proved that
those who grow up surrounded by siblings are more mature and better
adapted to society, it does not naturally follow that society
This word would
is used to be
emphasize the point you
healthier if everyone had this background.Variety is necessary
are making. It meansin order
something like exactly this
for a culture to be harmonious and successful. Even though those from
and nothing else
large families might have better communication skills, only children
possess other abilities like determination, independence or higher
levels of concentration. It is precisely the interaction of individuals with
different strengths, weaknesses and character traits which makes
society stronger.
LEXICAL RESOURCE: PARAGRAPH 2
The first point worth making is that even if it could be proved that
those who grow up surrounded by siblings are more mature and better
adapted to society, it does not naturally follow that society would be
= communication; situation
healthier if everyone had this background.Variety is necessary
where two in order
or more people react
to each other (This word can be
for a culture to be harmonious and successful. Even though
a substitute those from
for communication)
large families might have better communication skills, only children
possess other abilities like determination, independence or higher
levels of concentration. It is precisely the interaction of individuals with
different strengths, weaknesses and character traits which makes
society stronger.
LEXICAL RESOURCE: PARAGRAPH 2
The first point worth making is that even if it could be proved that
those who grow up surrounded by siblings are more mature and better
adapted to society, it does not naturally follow that society would be
healthier if everyone had this background.Variety is necessary in order
for a culture to be harmonious and successful. Even though those from
large families might have better communication skills, only children
possess other abilities like determination, independence or higher
levels of concentration. It is precisely the interaction of individuals with
different strengths, weaknesses and character traits which makes
society stronger. When you have the opportunity to give a
list, include 2-4 complex items
LEXICAL RESOURCE: PARAGRAPH 2
The first point worth making is that even if it could be proved that
those who grow up surrounded by siblings are more mature and better
adapted to society, it does not naturally follow that society would be
healthier if everyone had this background.Variety is necessary in order
for a culture to be harmonious and successful. Even though those from
large families might have better communication skills, only children
possess other abilities like determination, independence or higher
levels of concentration. It is precisely the interaction of individuals with
different strengths, weaknesses and character traits which makes
society
Showingstronger.
the examiner that you can make nouns
from adjective is a good idea. (Here, we turn to be
strong and to be weak into countable nouns)
Copyright