Cambridge IELTS Book 18 Academic writing Test 1 – Task 2
This is an ‘Opinion’ type question. In an opinion type question, you get one opinion stated in the situation and then asking whether you agree with same.
Question wording in an ‘opinion’ type question will be one of the following.
- To what extent do you agree or disagree with this statement/opinion?
- Do you think this is a positive or negative situation/development?
- Do you agree or disagree?
In this question let us focus on writing two essays. That is one essay where we agree with the opinion and another we disagree with the opinion. Because in this kind of a scenario some may agree but there may others who will not agree. So let us have sample answers for both groups.
The background information says…
‘The most important aim of science should be to improve people’s lives.
Next you are questioned about your opinion.
‘To what extent do you agree or disagree with this statement?’
This can be discussed in two different ways.
- Yes, it is main aim of science should be to improve people’s lives.
- No, there are other important areas to focus on.
In here you are going to find two essays focusing on each of the above.
First let us consider the option 1, that is science should be to improve people’s lives.
Sample essay 1
The question analysis, after brainstorming, can be presented as follows on a table.
Accordingly, the structure …
o Introduction – background to the situation as in the question but in your own words
o Body paragraph 1 – science is needed to improve human health for survival
o Body paragraph 2 – human’s have other basic needs where science will bring solutions
o Body paragraph 3 – science is needed to focus on ecological balance for the sustainability of the eco system
o Conclusion – summary of the topic sentences of the body paragraphs and your opinion saying science’s main aim is to improve the human life
Sample essay 1
Many definitions are in existence for science, and some believe the purpose of same should be to bring about positive changes for human survival. It is a fact that mankind has made enormous innovations, and we consider these as scientific and technological development. Therefore, this opinion is an agreeable status without much doubt.
To begin with, continuity of generations will subject to living a healthy life avoiding adverse circumstances. This relates to several important essential needs, such as healthy food and drinks and fresh air to inhale. Another important issue to address is numerous diseases which surfaces concurrently, and then to recover from them medication is necessary. If it is a pandemic, vaccinations are needed to prevent the spread of same. Hence, all these are undoubtedly positive benefits of science. For example, in order to stop the spread of corvid virus, vaccinations were discovered because of the advances in science.
In the same line of thought, many other innovations have been invented to bring about conveniences to the world population. Be it transportation, household appliances, agricultural equipment, communication, entertainment, clothing, shelter, all these areas dramatically enhanced with the scientific advancement. For instance, the smart phones have replaced usage of multi devices such as alarm clock, camera, scheduler, gaming pcs, calculators, radio, television, solid cash and so on resulting in a sophisticated lifestyle.
Contrastively, existence of earth depends on the ecological balance which includes the existence of animals, plants and environment. Also, manmade and natural disasters should be managed, if not the consequences would be disastrous. Namely droughts, floods, bush fires, landslide, air-water-sound-land-visual-industrial pollution could lead to such devastation. To illustrate this, action must be taken to address the global warming which could destroy the entire planet if no solutions are found.
To conclude, while the primary aspect of science should be to focus on existence of humans, there is a fair share which must address the problems related to ecosystems. However, I bear the view, improvement of lives of humankind should be the utmost objective.
Sample essay 2
Now let us consider the opposite of the given opinion, that is disagree with the statement. Which means science should focus on other important issues rather than human survival.
The brainstorming is included in the table below.
As we have decided to take the opposing view it is necessary to write the two points in the first two body paragraphs. Third body paragraph here will be agreeing to the given statement.
Accordingly, the structure …
o Introduction – background to the situation as in the question but in your own words
o Body paragraph 1 – ecological balance is more important for the existence
o Body paragraph 2 – natural and manmade disasters must be well managed
o Body paragraph 3 – human health, food needs scientific solutions to save mankind
o Conclusion – summary of the topic sentences of the body paragraphs and your opinion saying science’s main aim is to improve necessary things for the sustainability of the planet.
Sample essay
Undoubtedly, science has impacted human life to an immense extent. Naturally then one may automatically interpret that the prime focus of science should be to develop the lives of mankind. However, while I agree that there is a considerable truth in that, there are other vital areas that scientists should focus on.
For a start, ecological balance is the utmost factor which helps the existence of the world. Over the millenniums extinction of many faunae and flora has been observed. If this is not addressed humankind too will face extinction eventually. For example, extinction of thylacine the Tasmanian tiger, and Dodo birds in Mauritius completely disappeared in the recent centuries may be due to the ignorance of public and authorities.
Another alarming aspect is natural and manmade disasters including climate change which could be a catastrophe for the entire globe. In fact, global warming is already melting down the glaciers, and ozone depletion is another critical issue. Add to the misery droughts, floods, hurricanes, forest fires, tsunami cause much destruction to the earth. For instance, many developed nations are concentrating on these issues to bring about sustainable solutions.
On the contrary, science has greatly impacted human life and therefore much of research work is focused on upgrading the lifestyle and lifespan. Initially the health and nutrition are the most important. Having done many studies and experiments, medicines and vaccinations have been developed to combat deceases and pandemics. At the same time identifying nutrients in food items has helped people to choose the healthiest. To illustrate this, manufactured food must now indicate the nutritional levels by displaying the ratios.
To conclude, contributions made by science to improve human life is noteworthy, but it is necessary to concentrate on global critical issues which could do more harm. While admitting science is important in the betterment of people’s lives, I believe there are other significant areas needing more attention of the scientists.
Assessment criteria
Task response –
as this is an opinion question two sides are discussed in 3 paragraphs in order to provide a balance argument.
two paragraphs on writer’s view and one on opposition each supported with evidence and examples
written over 250 words.
Coherence and cohesion –
five paragraphs in total in the particular order, first two body
paragraphs on writer’s view third body paragraph for opposing view
cohesive devises are in bold
Lexical resource –
higher level vocabulary included, synonyms and different forms are used, spelling taken care of
Grammatical range and accuracy –
mix of complex sentences, different tenses
Paragraph construction
Introduction – broad view, narrow down, opinion
Body paragraph construction – topic sentence, supportive information, examples
Conclusion – summary of topic sentences, own opinion expressed