IELTS Writing Task 2 · Discussion (both views and your opinion) · General Training

Is modern life beneficial or overly demanding: discuss both

The question

Some people think that life is good for people while others believe that constant change can be too demanding on people. Discuss both sides and give your opinion.

About 40 minutes. Write at least 250 words.

Plan before you write

Position:
While modern advancements offer significant comfort, the rapid pace of change often creates unsustainable psychological pressure.
Paragraph 2:
Advocates of modern life highlight how technological and medical progress has vastly improved physical comfort and longevity.
Paragraph 3:
Conversely, the incessant requirement to adapt to shifting societal and professional landscapes can lead to severe mental exhaustion.
  1. Give each view its own paragraph, explained fairly even where you disagree.
  2. Say where you stand in the introduction and again in the conclusion; the question asks for your opinion.
  3. Do not merge the two views into one paragraph; examiners look for both to be developed.

Band 8 sample essay

The debate regarding whether contemporary existence is inherently beneficial or excessively taxing remains a subject of frequent discourse. While some argue that advancements have created an unprecedented era of ease, others contend that the relentless nature of change is detrimental to human well-being. This essay will examine both perspectives before arguing that the psychological costs of rapid adaptation often outweigh the material gains.

Proponents of modern life point to the tangible improvements in living standards. Scientific innovation has eradicated many diseases, while digital connectivity allows for instantaneous communication and access to vast archives of information. For instance, the transition to remote working models has granted many individuals greater flexibility and a better balance between their professional and personal lives. These advancements have undoubtedly mitigated many of the physical hardships that historically plagued humanity, fostering an environment where comfort is the norm rather than the exception.

However, the perpetual state of flux inherent in the twenty-first century presents significant challenges. The expectation to constantly upskill to remain relevant in a volatile job market, coupled with the pressure to manage an overwhelming influx of information, can induce chronic stress. A clear example of this is the rise in burnout rates among professionals who struggle to disconnect from digital platforms, feeling a relentless compulsion to keep pace with global shifts. This constant requirement to adapt creates a sense of instability that is fundamentally demanding for the average person.

In summary, although modern life provides undeniable improvements in physical security and convenience, the pace of change often imposes an exhausting burden on the individual. I believe that while progress is essential, society must cultivate a more sustainable rhythm to ensure that the pursuit of development does not compromise mental health.

286 words. Use the structure and the vocabulary, not the sentences.

Why this scores Band 8

The essay achieves Band 8 by addressing both sides with logical progression and precise, sophisticated vocabulary. A Band 6 response typically fails to provide a clear, consistent argument or relies on repetitive, simplistic language that does not fully explore the nuance of the prompt.

Vocabulary from the essay

unprecedented
never done or known before in history
mitigated
made less severe, serious, or painful
perpetual
never ending or changing in nature
flux
the action or process of continuous change
volatile
liable to change rapidly and unpredictably
compulsion
an irresistible urge to behave in a way
inherent
existing in something as a permanent attribute
detrimental
tending to cause harm to something

Write this one yourself and get a band

Forty minutes, then a band for task response, coherence, vocabulary and grammar, with the sentences that cost you marked.

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Frequently asked questions

What type of essay is "Is modern life beneficial or overly demanding: discuss both"?

Discussion (both views and your opinion). Give each view its own paragraph, explained fairly even where you disagree.

How long should the answer be?

At least 250 words. This sample is 286 words, written to fit 40 minutes with five minutes left to check grammar.

What is the difference between a Band 6 and a Band 8 answer here?

The essay achieves Band 8 by addressing both sides with logical progression and precise, sophisticated vocabulary. A Band 6 response typically fails to provide a clear, consistent argument or relies on repetitive, simplistic language that does not fully explore the nuance of the prompt.

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