Cambridge IELTS 14 · Academic · Test 3 · Opinion essay

Cambridge IELTS 14 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 14 Test 3 · Writing Task 2

Some people say that music is a good way of bringing people of different cultures and ages together. To what extent do you agree or disagree with this opinion?

Write at least 250 words. You should spend about 40 minutes on this task.

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Essay plan

  1. Introduce the claim and state agreement with limits
  2. Music crosses cultures: language-free emotion, festivals, collaboration
  3. Music bridges ages: family events, choirs and orchestras
  4. Limits: identity, genre divisions, need for real interaction
  5. Conclusion

Band 7.5 sample answer (303 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.

Music is found in every society, and many people claim that it can unite individuals regardless of their background or age. I largely agree with this view, although I accept that its power has limits.

Firstly, music crosses cultural boundaries because it does not depend on language. A listener in Japan can be moved by a Brazilian samba or an Irish folk tune without understanding a single lyric, since rhythm and melody convey emotion directly. International festivals illustrate this well: thousands of strangers from different countries dance together, sing along and leave with a shared memory. Musicians themselves often collaborate across borders, blending traditional instruments with modern styles to create something new that appeals to wide audiences.

Music can also bridge generations. Grandparents and grandchildren may disagree about fashion or technology, yet a familiar song at a wedding or family gathering can draw them onto the same dance floor. Choirs and community orchestras likewise welcome members of all ages, who learn from one another while working towards a common performance. In my own experience, older relatives enjoy hearing the songs of their youth played by younger people, and this creates conversation that might not otherwise happen.

Nevertheless, music does not always unite. Tastes are shaped by identity, and some genres are associated with particular groups, which can reinforce divisions rather than dissolve them. A teenager may dismiss a parent's favourite songs as outdated, and rival fan communities sometimes display open hostility. Furthermore, simply listening to the same music does not guarantee genuine understanding; it requires people to interact and show curiosity about each other.

In conclusion, music is a powerful and accessible means of building connections between different cultures and generations, provided that people approach it with openness. Despite occasional divisions, I believe its unifying effect is considerably stronger than its divisive one.

Why this answer scores Band 7.5

  • Task Response: The writer agrees to a clear extent, develops both cultural and age aspects of the prompt, and acknowledges limits without losing the main position.
  • Coherence and Cohesion: Paragraphs are organised by culture, age and limitations, and cohesive devices like 'Firstly', 'also', 'Nevertheless' and 'Furthermore' are used naturally.
  • Lexical Resource: Phrases such as 'cross cultural boundaries', 'convey emotion' and 'shared memory' show flexible, accurate vocabulary with little repetition.
  • Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Complex sentences with 'since', 'while' and 'provided that', plus a semicolon and a participle phrase, are handled accurately.

Useful vocabulary

cross cultural boundariesconvey emotionshared memorycollaborate across bordersbridge generationscommunity orchestrasreinforce divisionsgenuine understanding

Common mistake on this question

⚠Candidates often discuss only culture and forget the age element, or give a generic list of music benefits. Both groups named in the prompt need support, and the opinion must be clear.

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