User-written IELTS example
Writing Academic Task 2 Band 5.0 Example
Original task prompt, user essay, band score, and related examples in the same report workspace.
Illustrative target band for this original model answer.
Plan your answer
Try your own response before reading the samples.
Ideas to explore
- Explain how difficulty following informal conversations, humour or local customs can make it harder to form friendships and feel included.
- Show how language barriers can affect access to essential services, including healthcare, housing and employment.
- Acknowledge that interpreters and language classes can help, while explaining why they may not remove immediate difficulties.
Suggested structure
- Introduce the issue and state a clear degree of agreement.
- Develop social consequences in one focused paragraph, using a concrete everyday example.
- Explain practical consequences in a separate paragraph and connect each example to its potential impact.
- Recognise possible support, then explain its limits.
- Conclude by restating the position and summarising the two main categories of problems.
Useful vocabulary & examples
- a weaker sense of belonging
- a reduced feeling of being accepted as part of a community
Being unable to follow group conversations may give newcomers a weaker sense of belonging.
- essential services
- important services people need, such as healthcare or housing support
Language barriers can make it harder to access essential services.
- misunderstand official instructions
- interpret guidance from an organisation or authority incorrectly
A person may misunderstand official instructions when completing a form in a second language.
- translation services
- professional or organised help converting spoken or written information into another language
Translation services can help patients explain their symptoms to medical staff.
Task Prompt
User Essay Analysis
Review the public answer with report-style highlights.
Speaking a second language has its own problems, especially if someone should live in that country. These complications are usually classified into social and practical problems; however, I completely disagree with this statement, and in this article, I will explain why I do not agree. Firstly, with the advent of technology conflicts and misunderstandings are less common because people can use translation apps and online dictionaries. For example, a newcomer who does not understand a bus announcement can translate it on a phone or ask for help using simple words. This makes daily communication easier, even if the person cannot speak fluently.
Secondly, language can help people to make friends and become part of society. Although some residents may feel shy when they cannot express their ideas clearly, they can improve by talking to neighbours, colleagues and classmates. Most people understand that learning another language takes time, and many are patient with beginners. In addition, living among native speakers gives learners regular practice, which may improve their confidence.
It is true that practical tasks, such as visiting a doctor or completing official forms, can be difficult at first. However, people can prepare important phrases, use an interpreter when necessary, or ask a trusted person for assistance. These are temporary challenges rather than serious problems in every case.
In conclusion, I disagree that speaking a foreign language causes serious social and practical problems. Technology and support from other people can reduce difficulties, while daily interaction can help newcomers develop their language and social connections.
Targeted Improvement Tips
Related examples for this topic
Compare different bands on the same IELTS prompt.
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