Cambridge IELTS 13 · Academic · Test 3 · Discuss both views
Cambridge IELTS 13 Test 3 Writing Task 2: Sample Answer
The question, a plan, a Band 7.5 sample answer written by IELTS 9, why it scores that band on the 4 criteria, and the mistake most candidates make on this prompt.
Cambridge IELTS 13 Test 3 · Writing Task 2
Some people say History is one the most important school subjects. Other people think that, in today's world, subjects like Science and Technology are more important than History. Discuss both these views and give your own opinion.
Write at least 250 words. You should spend about 40 minutes on this task.
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Write and score my answer →Essay plan
- Introduction: both views, own opinion = balance
- View 1: History teaches lessons, identity, critical skills
- View 2: Science and Technology drive economies and solve modern problems
- Own opinion: the two complement each other; conclusion
Band 7.5 sample answer (307 words)
Written by IELTS 9 to the Band 7.5 descriptors, not the book's own answer and not scored by an examiner. Use it for structure and language, then write your own.
People disagree about which school subjects deserve the most attention. Some argue that History is the most important, while others claim that Science and Technology matter more in the modern world. I will examine both views, but my own opinion is that a good education needs both, with neither being sacrificed.
Supporters of History believe that understanding the past helps societies avoid repeating their mistakes. A student who studies the causes of past wars or economic crises, for instance, is better equipped to judge present-day political debates. History also nurtures national identity and cultural awareness, and it teaches valuable skills such as weighing evidence, spotting bias and constructing a reasoned argument. These abilities are useful in almost any career and in everyday citizenship.
On the other hand, advocates of Science and Technology point out that economies now depend on innovation. Graduates who understand engineering, computing or medicine are in high demand, and governments see these disciplines as the key to competitiveness and public health. The climate emergency and the spread of artificial intelligence are further reasons why young people need strong technical knowledge. From this perspective, spending large amounts of classroom time on events that happened centuries ago can seem like a luxury.
In my view, this contrast is partly misleading. Technology can be used wisely only by people who understand its social consequences, and History offers exactly that perspective, from the effects of the industrial revolution to the ethics of nuclear weapons. Equally, the study of the past cannot feed a population or cure a disease. Schools should therefore protect a core place for both areas and, where possible, link them, for example by teaching the history of scientific discoveries.
In conclusion, History develops judgement and Science and Technology drive progress, so I believe a balanced curriculum serves students and society better than favouring either one.
Why this answer scores Band 7.5
- Task Response: Both views receive a full paragraph each, and the writer's opinion is announced in the introduction and developed in paragraph four, so every part of the prompt is covered.
- Coherence and Cohesion: Paragraphs open with clear topic sentences ('Supporters of...', 'On the other hand...', 'In my view...') and the conclusion echoes the introduction without copying it.
- Lexical Resource: Accurate collocations such as 'nurtures national identity', 'weighing evidence' and 'in high demand' show range beyond basic vocabulary.
- Grammatical Range and Accuracy: The essay uses conditionals, relative clauses, comparative structures and 'only by' inversion-like emphasis with few errors.
Useful vocabulary
Common mistake on this question
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