IELTS Writing Task 2: The Role of Tradition in Modern Society – Sample Essays Band 6-9 with Analysis

Introduction

The role of tradition in modern society is a recurring and significant theme in IELTS Writing Task 2 examinations. This topic has appeared consistently in tests across various countries, particularly in Asian testing centers, making it essential for candidates to understand how to approach such questions effectively. The balance between preserving cultural heritage and embracing modern progress challenges societies worldwide, making this a relevant and thought-provoking subject for academic discussion.

In this comprehensive guide, you will learn how to craft high-scoring responses to tradition-related questions through three detailed sample essays representing different band scores (Band 8-9, Band 6.5-7, and Band 5-6). Each essay includes thorough analysis, scoring justifications, and specific examples of what distinguishes each band level. Additionally, you’ll discover essential vocabulary, high-scoring sentence structures, and practical writing strategies to improve your own performance.

Verified Past IELTS Questions on This Topic:

1. “Some people believe that traditional values and practices are dying out and should be preserved, while others argue that modernization is more important. Discuss both views and give your opinion.” (British Council, 2022)

2. “Traditional customs and practices are being replaced by modern ways of life. To what extent is this a positive or negative development?” (IDP, 2021)

3. “Many old traditions are disappearing because people are following new trends. Do the advantages of this development outweigh the disadvantages?” (Cambridge IELTS Practice Tests, 2023)

Question & Analysis

Some people believe that traditions and traditional practices are no longer relevant in modern society and should be replaced with more contemporary approaches. Others argue that traditions remain important for maintaining cultural identity and social cohesion. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.

Question Type: Discussion + Opinion (Discuss Both Views)

Key Terms Explanation:

• Traditions and traditional practices: Customs, beliefs, rituals, and behaviors passed down through generations within a culture or community
• No longer relevant: Not useful, applicable, or meaningful in current times
• Contemporary approaches: Modern methods, ideas, or practices suited to present-day life
• Cultural identity: The characteristics, values, and practices that define a particular group or society
• Social cohesion: The bonds that bring society together and create a sense of unity

Common Pitfalls:

1. Focusing on only one viewpoint and neglecting balanced discussion
2. Providing generic examples without specific cultural context
3. Failing to clearly state personal opinion in the conclusion
4. Writing about “change” generally rather than specifically about traditions

Strategic Approach:

1. Introduction: Paraphrase question + briefly mention both views + thesis statement
2. Body Paragraph 1: Explain why some believe traditions are outdated (2-3 reasons with examples)
3. Body Paragraph 2: Explain why others value traditions (2-3 reasons with examples)
4. Body Paragraph 3 (Optional): Your opinion with justification
5. Conclusion: Summarize both views + restate opinion clearly

Band 8-9 Sample Essay

What Makes This Band 8-9:
This essay demonstrates sophisticated vocabulary, complex grammatical structures, seamless coherence, and nuanced argumentation with well-developed ideas. The writer presents a balanced discussion while maintaining a clear personal stance throughout.

The rapid pace of modernization has sparked debate regarding the continued significance of traditional customs and practices in contemporary society. While some contend that outdated conventions hinder progress and should be abandoned, others maintain that traditions constitute an indispensable foundation for cultural identity and communal bonds. Although I acknowledge the need for societies to evolve, I firmly believe that preserving meaningful traditions remains essential for maintaining social stability and collective memory.

Proponents of modernization argue that many traditional practices have become incompatible with contemporary values and lifestyles. Rigid gender roles embedded in certain cultural customs, for instance, contradict principles of equality that modern societies strive to uphold. Furthermore, some traditional rituals demand considerable time and resources that could be allocated more productively in today’s fast-paced world. The extended mourning periods observed in some cultures, which may require weeks away from work, exemplify how certain traditions can conflict with economic realities. Were societies to cling stubbornly to every ancestral practice, progress in areas such as women’s rights and social mobility would undoubtedly be impeded.

Nevertheless, traditions serve crucial functions that cannot be easily replicated by modern alternatives. Firstly, they provide communities with a tangible connection to their historical roots, fostering a sense of continuity across generations. The celebration of traditional festivals, such as Lunar New Year in East Asian cultures, strengthens family bonds and reinforces shared values that might otherwise erode in increasingly individualistic societies. Secondly, traditional practices often embody accumulated wisdom regarding human relationships and social organization. The Japanese concept of “omotenashi,” or wholehearted hospitality, represents not merely an antiquated custom but a philosophy that enhances social interactions even in modern contexts. Additionally, traditions contribute significantly to cultural diversity, making the global community richer and more interesting.

In my view, the most prudent approach involves selective preservation rather than wholesale abandonment or blind adherence. Societies should critically evaluate their traditions, retaining those that promote wellbeing and unity while adapting or discarding practices that cause harm or perpetuate inequality. This balanced perspective recognizes that tradition and modernity need not be mutually exclusive but can coexist harmoniously.

In conclusion, while certain traditional practices may indeed be incompatible with contemporary life, traditions generally play an invaluable role in maintaining cultural identity and social cohesion. The challenge lies not in choosing between tradition and modernity but in judiciously integrating the wisdom of the past with the necessities of the present.

(Word count: 428 words)

Band Score Analysis

Why This Essay Excels:

1. Sophisticated thesis statement: “Although I acknowledge the need for societies to evolve, I firmly believe that preserving meaningful traditions remains essential” shows nuanced thinking from the start

2. Specific, relevant examples: Rather than generic statements, provides concrete examples (Japanese omotenashi, Lunar New Year, gender roles, mourning periods) that clearly support arguments

3. Advanced cohesive devices: Uses sophisticated transitions like “Nevertheless,” “Furthermore,” “Additionally” that create seamless flow

4. Complex grammatical structures: Employs inversion (“Were societies to cling”), conditionals, and relative clauses naturally

5. Balanced but clear position: Discusses both sides thoroughly while maintaining a clear personal stance about selective preservation

6. Precise vocabulary: Terms like “indispensable,” “incompatible,” “tangible connection,” and “judiciously integrating” demonstrate lexical sophistication

7. Natural conclusion: Summarizes effectively while adding a final insight about integration rather than simple repetition

IELTS Writing Task 2 band score criteria comparison for tradition in modern society essays

Band 6.5-7 Sample Essay

What Makes This Band 6.5-7:
This essay demonstrates good control of language with clear organization and relevant ideas. However, it lacks the sophistication, complexity, and depth of analysis found in Band 8-9 writing. The vocabulary and grammar are accurate but less ambitious.

In today’s world, there is an ongoing debate about whether traditional customs should be maintained or replaced by modern ways of living. Some people think traditions are old-fashioned and not suitable for modern life, while others believe they are important for keeping culture alive. In this essay, I will discuss both sides and give my opinion.

On one hand, some people argue that traditions are no longer useful in modern society. Many traditional practices were developed a long time ago when life was very different from today. For example, in the past, women were expected to stay at home and take care of children, which was a traditional role. However, in modern society, women have equal rights and can pursue careers just like men. If we continue following such traditional ideas, it would be unfair to women. Another reason is that some traditions take a lot of time and money. Wedding ceremonies in some cultures can last several days and cost a lot of money, which many young people today cannot afford. Therefore, it makes sense to replace these expensive traditions with simpler, more practical alternatives.

On the other hand, many people believe that traditions play an important role in society. Firstly, traditions help people remember their cultural heritage and feel connected to their ancestors. When families celebrate traditional festivals together, such as Christmas or Diwali, they strengthen their relationships and pass cultural values to younger generations. This balance between cultural preservation and societal development can be similarly observed in discussions about the role of museums in education, where institutions work to maintain heritage while adapting to contemporary learning needs. Secondly, traditions give people a sense of identity and belonging. In a globalized world where many things are becoming similar everywhere, traditions help different cultures maintain their uniqueness. For instance, traditional clothing, food, and music make each culture special and interesting. Without traditions, the world would become boring and uniform.

In my opinion, I believe that both tradition and modernization are important. We should not completely abandon traditions, but we should also not follow them blindly. Some traditions that promote good values and bring people together should be preserved, while those that cause problems or inequality should be changed or removed. Finding a balance between old and new is the best approach.

In conclusion, while some people think traditions are outdated, others see them as essential for cultural identity. I believe that societies should carefully choose which traditions to keep based on whether they benefit people today. This way, we can enjoy the advantages of both tradition and modernity.

(Word count: 451 words)

Band Score Analysis

Direct Comparison with Band 8-9:

Key Differences:

• Band 6.5-7 uses more obvious signposting and simpler transitions
• Vocabulary is adequate but less precise and sophisticated
• Examples are relevant but less detailed and culturally specific
• Grammatical structures are correct but less varied and complex
• Arguments are clear but lack the nuanced depth of Band 8-9

Band 5-6 Sample Essay

What Makes This Band 5-6:
This essay demonstrates basic competence with some clear communication, but contains noticeable errors, repetition, limited vocabulary range, and less developed ideas. The organization is apparent but sometimes mechanical, and grammar accuracy is inconsistent.

Nowadays, many people have different opinions about traditions. Some people think traditions are not important anymore and we should use modern ways. Other people think traditions are still important. I will discuss both ideas in this essay.

First, some people believe traditions are not good for modern life. This is because the world is changing very fast and old traditions cannot match with new lifestyle. For example, in my country, old people always tell young people to follow traditional ways, but young people want to live in modern way. They want to have freedom to choose their jobs and partners, not following what tradition says. Also, some traditions are very expensive and take too much time. Like traditional weddings need a lot of money and many days to prepare. Young people today are busy with work and don’t have time for these long ceremonies. So they prefer simple and quick modern weddings. This shows that traditions can be problem in modern society.

Second, other people think traditions are very important and should be kept. The main reason is traditions help people to remember their culture and history. When people celebrate traditional festivals like New Year or religious holidays, they can spend time with family and learn about their culture. This is good for keeping culture alive. Another reason is traditions make people feel they belong to their community. If everyone forgets traditions, then culture will disappear and everyone will be same. Just as the role of libraries in modern society demonstrates the need to preserve cultural knowledge while adapting to new technologies, traditions must evolve to remain relevant. Traditions also teach good values to children like respecting elders and helping others. These values are important even in modern times.

I think both tradition and modern are important. We should keep good traditions that help people and make them happy. But if some traditions are bad or make problems, we should change them or stop them. For example, traditions about family and festivals are good, but traditions that discriminate people should be stopped.

In conclusion, some people think traditions are not necessary in modern world, but others think they are important for culture. In my opinion, we need both tradition and modernity. We should choose the good parts of tradition and combine with modern life. This is the best way for society to develop.

(Word count: 408 words)

Band Score Analysis

Learning from Mistakes

How to Improve from Band 5-6 to Band 7:

1. Expand vocabulary range: Instead of repeating “important,” use synonyms like “essential,” “crucial,” “significant,” “vital”

2. Develop examples more fully: Rather than “like traditional weddings need a lot of money,” write “elaborate wedding ceremonies, which can cost thousands of dollars and require months of preparation, exemplify how…”

3. Use more sophisticated cohesive devices: Replace basic “First” and “Second” with “To begin with,” “Furthermore,” “Moreover,” “Nevertheless”

4. Improve grammatical accuracy: Review articles (a/an/the), subject-verb agreement, and prepositions systematically

5. Create more complex sentences: Combine ideas using subordinate clauses, relative clauses, and participles

   • Band 5-6: “Traditions are important. They help people remember culture.”
   • Band 7: “Traditions are important because they help people remember their cultural heritage.”
   • Band 8: “Traditions, which serve as a bridge to cultural heritage, remain important despite modernization.”

6. Add nuance to arguments: Avoid absolute statements; use hedging language like “tend to,” “may,” “often,” “generally”

7. Provide specific examples: Replace “in my country” with actual country names and specific cultural practices

Common grammatical and vocabulary mistakes to avoid in IELTS tradition essays with corrections

Essential Vocabulary

The importance of understanding cultural context becomes especially apparent when examining how different societies balance preservation and progress, a theme that also resonates with discussions about the importance of traditional arts in society, where artistic heritage faces similar challenges of remaining relevant.

High-Scoring Sentence Structures

1. Inversion for Emphasis (Band 8-9)

Formula: Were/Should/Had + Subject + Infinitive, Main Clause

Example from Essay: “Were societies to cling stubbornly to every ancestral practice, progress in areas such as women’s rights and social mobility would undoubtedly be impeded.”

Why It Scores Well: Demonstrates sophisticated grammatical control and creates emphasis. This conditional inversion is more formal and impactful than standard “if” conditionals, showing advanced language proficiency that examiners reward.

Additional Examples:

• “Should governments fail to protect traditional practices, entire cultural identities could vanish within a generation.”
• “Had previous generations not preserved their customs, we would lack the rich cultural diversity we enjoy today.”
• “Were we to abandon all traditional values, society would lose its moral foundation.”

Common Mistakes to Avoid:

• ❌ “If societies would cling…” (Don’t use “would” in the if-clause)
• ❌ “Were societies cling…” (Missing “to” before infinitive)
• ✅ “Were societies to cling…” (Correct structure)

2. Non-Defining Relative Clauses (Band 7-9)

Formula: Noun, which/who + Additional Information, Verb

Example from Essay: “The celebration of traditional festivals, such as Lunar New Year in East Asian cultures, strengthens family bonds and reinforces shared values that might otherwise erode in increasingly individualistic societies.”

Why It Scores Well: Adds relevant detail without breaking sentence flow, demonstrating ability to construct complex sentences smoothly. Shows cohesion and sophistication in presenting information.

Additional Examples:

• “Traditional wedding ceremonies, which often involve entire communities, serve to strengthen social networks beyond individual families.”
• “The elderly generation, who act as guardians of cultural knowledge, play an essential role in transmitting traditional values.”
• “Cultural festivals, which bring together people from diverse backgrounds, promote understanding and social harmony.”

Common Mistakes to Avoid:

• ❌ “Traditional festivals that are important strengthen bonds” (Restrictive clause without commas)
• ❌ “Festivals, that strengthen bonds, are important” (Using “that” instead of “which”)
• ✅ “Traditional festivals, which strengthen bonds, remain important” (Correct non-defining clause)

3. Participle Phrases (Band 7-9)

Formula: Present/Past Participle Phrase, Main Clause OR Main Clause, Participle Phrase

Example from Essay: “Proponents of modernization argue that many traditional practices have become incompatible with contemporary values and lifestyles.”

Why It Scores Well: Creates sophisticated sentence variety and shows ability to express multiple ideas concisely. Reduces repetition and demonstrates advanced grammatical range.

Additional Examples:

• “Recognizing the value of both tradition and progress, forward-thinking societies adopt a selective approach to cultural preservation.”
• “Traditional crafts, passed down through generations, represent irreplaceable cultural knowledge.”
• “Having witnessed the erosion of their cultural identity, many communities now actively work to revive traditional practices.”

Common Mistakes to Avoid:

• ❌ “Recognizing the value, but societies should adapt” (Unclear subject)
• ❌ “Traditional crafts passing down remain important” (Wrong participle form)
• ✅ “Traditional crafts, passed down through families, remain important” (Clear relationship)

Advanced sentence structures for IELTS Writing Task 2 with tradition topic examples

4. Cleft Sentences for Emphasis (Band 8-9)

Formula: It is/was + Noun/Clause + that/who + Remainder OR What + Clause + is/was + Noun

Example from Essay: “The challenge lies not in choosing between tradition and modernity but in judiciously integrating the wisdom of the past with the necessities of the present.”

Why It Scores Well: Creates rhetorical emphasis on key points, showing sophisticated control of sentence structure for specific communicative purposes. Demonstrates ability to manipulate language for effect.

Additional Examples:

• “It is the symbolic meaning of traditions, rather than their practical utility, that makes them valuable to communities.”
• “What societies must recognize is that selective preservation is more realistic than complete conservation.”
• “It is through traditional practices that cultural values are most effectively transmitted to younger generations.”

Common Mistakes to Avoid:

• ❌ “What important is traditions should be kept” (Missing verb “is”)
• ❌ “It is traditions who strengthen society” (Should use “that” for things)
• ✅ “It is traditions that strengthen society” (Correct cleft structure)

5. Advanced Conditional Structures (Band 7-9)

Formula: If + Past Perfect, Would/Could Have + Past Participle (Third Conditional) OR Mixed Conditionals

Example from Context: “If previous generations had not preserved their traditions, modern societies would lack cultural diversity today.”

Why It Scores Well: Shows ability to discuss hypothetical situations and their consequences across different time frames, demonstrating sophisticated understanding of English verb system.

Additional Examples:

• “If traditional knowledge had been systematically documented, fewer cultural practices would have disappeared during modernization.”
• “Were it not for the dedication of cultural custodians, many traditional art forms would no longer exist.”
• “Should societies have prioritized modernization exclusively, they would have sacrificed invaluable cultural heritage.”

Common Mistakes to Avoid:

• ❌ “If people would preserve traditions, culture will survive” (Wrong conditional type)
• ❌ “If traditions was preserved, they would exist” (Wrong verb form in if-clause)
• ✅ “If traditions had been preserved, they would still exist” (Correct third conditional)

6. Complex Noun Phrases with Multiple Modifiers (Band 7-9)

Formula: Determiner + Pre-modifiers + Noun + Post-modifiers (Prepositional Phrases/Relative Clauses)

Example from Essay: “The extended mourning periods observed in some cultures, which may require weeks away from work, exemplify how certain traditions can conflict with economic realities.”

Why It Scores Well: Demonstrates ability to convey complex information efficiently within noun phrases, showing advanced control of English syntax and reducing the need for multiple simple sentences.

Additional Examples:

• “The intricate traditional ceremonies performed during harvest festivals reflect the agricultural societies from which they originated.”
• “The rapid technological changes characteristic of the modern era pose unprecedented challenges to traditional ways of life.”
• “The deep-rooted customs embedded in community practices serve functions that extend beyond mere entertainment or ritual.”

Common Mistakes to Avoid:

• ❌ “The traditional very important customs are disappearing” (Wrong adjective order)
• ❌ “Customs what are traditional disappear” (Wrong relative pronoun)
• ✅ “The important traditional customs that define communities are disappearing” (Correct structure)

Self-Assessment Checklist

Before Writing (Planning: 5-7 minutes)

Task Analysis:

• [ ] Have I identified the question type? (Discussion, Opinion, Problem-Solution, Advantage-Disadvantage)
• [ ] Have I underlined key words in the question?
• [ ] Do I understand what “tradition” means in this specific question context?
• [ ] Have I noted whether I need to discuss both views, give my opinion, or both?

Content Planning:

• [ ] Can I think of 2-3 specific examples for each viewpoint?
• [ ] Are my examples concrete and culturally specific (not generic)?
• [ ] Have I decided on my personal stance clearly?
• [ ] Have I organized my main ideas into logical body paragraphs?

While Writing (35 minutes)

Introduction (5 minutes):

• [ ] Have I paraphrased the question effectively without copying?
• [ ] Does my thesis statement clearly indicate my position?
• [ ] Is my introduction between 40-60 words?

Body Paragraphs (25 minutes):

• [ ] Does each paragraph start with a clear topic sentence?
• [ ] Have I provided specific examples for each main point?
• [ ] Am I using a variety of cohesive devices naturally?
• [ ] Have I explained HOW my examples support my argument?
• [ ] Am I balancing discussion of both views appropriately?
• [ ] Are my body paragraphs approximately equal in length (80-100 words each)?

Language Usage:

• [ ] Am I varying my sentence structures (simple, compound, complex)?
• [ ] Am I using topic-specific vocabulary accurately?
• [ ] Am I avoiding repetition by using synonyms and paraphrasing?
• [ ] Have I attempted at least 2-3 advanced grammatical structures?

After Writing (5 minutes)

Content Check:

• [ ] Have I fully addressed all parts of the question?
• [ ] Is my opinion clear and consistent throughout?
• [ ] Does my conclusion summarize without introducing new ideas?
• [ ] Have I written at least 250 words? (Count quickly by lines if needed)

Language Check:

• [ ] Subject-verb agreement correct throughout?
• [ ] Articles (a/an/the) used appropriately?
• [ ] Verb tenses consistent and appropriate?
• [ ] Plural forms correct?
• [ ] No sentence fragments or run-on sentences?

Common Errors to Look For:

• [ ] “People is” → “People are” (plural verb)
• [ ] “Give people freedom” → “Give people the freedom” (article needed)
• [ ] “Traditions helps” → “Traditions help” (singular/plural agreement)
• [ ] “In the other hand” → “On the other hand” (correct preposition)
• [ ] Repetitive vocabulary → Have I varied my word choices?

Time Management Tips

For 40-Minute Task 2:

• 5-7 minutes: Read, analyze question, brainstorm, plan structure
• 5 minutes: Write introduction
• 10 minutes: Write first body paragraph
• 10 minutes: Write second body paragraph
• 5 minutes: Write conclusion
• 3-5 minutes: Review and edit

Warning Signs You’re Running Out of Time:

• If you have only 5 minutes left and haven’t written conclusion → Write a short 2-3 sentence conclusion
• If you have only 8 minutes left and still on first body paragraph → Simplify your second body paragraph, keep it focused
• If you spent more than 10 minutes planning → Practice faster brainstorming techniques

Emergency Strategies:

• Keep conclusion simple: Restate position + summarize one key point from each view
• If second body paragraph is weak, make first body paragraph very strong
• Quality over quantity in examples – one excellent example beats three weak ones

Conclusion

Throughout this comprehensive guide, we have explored how to approach IELTS Writing Task 2 questions about the role of tradition in modern society through three distinct band level essays. The key distinction between band levels lies not merely in grammatical accuracy but in the sophistication of argumentation, precision of vocabulary, and nuanced understanding of the topic.

Key Takeaways:

For Band 8-9: Focus on demonstrating sophisticated vocabulary with natural collocations, complex grammatical structures used flexibly, nuanced argumentation that acknowledges multiple perspectives, and specific culturally-relevant examples that thoroughly develop your points.

For Band 6.5-7: Concentrate on consistent grammatical accuracy, expanding your vocabulary range beyond basic terms, developing examples more fully rather than listing them, and using a wider variety of cohesive devices beyond the most obvious transitions.

For Band 5-6: Prioritize eliminating fundamental errors in articles, subject-verb agreement, and verb forms. Build your vocabulary systematically, practice combining sentences to create more complex structures, and work on fully explaining your examples rather than just mentioning them.

The path to improvement requires consistent, focused practice. Begin by analyzing your current level honestly using the assessment criteria provided. Then, select specific areas for improvement—perhaps advanced conditionals or non-defining relative clauses—and deliberately practice incorporating them into your writing. Remember that improvement is gradual; expecting to jump from Band 6 to Band 8 in a few weeks is unrealistic, but progressing by 0.5 bands every 4-6 weeks with dedicated practice is achievable.

This topic of tradition versus modernity appears frequently in IELTS examinations because it touches on universal human experiences while allowing for culturally specific examples. Whether you’re discussing the role of celebrities as role models in shaping modern values or the role of women in the workforce and how it challenges traditional gender expectations, similar analytical skills apply across topics.

Your Action Plan:

1. This week: Write your own response to the question provided, spending exactly 40 minutes. Compare your essay to the band level samples honestly.

2. Next week: Focus on one specific area (vocabulary/grammar/coherence) and rewrite your essay improving only that aspect.

3. Ongoing: Practice analyzing 2-3 IELTS Writing Task 2 questions weekly, focusing on understanding what the question asks before you write.

Share your practice essays and specific questions in the comments below. What particular aspect of writing about tradition topics do you find most challenging? Are you struggling more with generating relevant examples, organizing your ideas, or expressing your thoughts with sophisticated language? Your questions help create a learning community where everyone benefits from shared experiences.

Remember, becoming proficient at IELTS Writing Task 2 is not about memorizing essays or using overly complex language unnaturally. It’s about developing the ability to think critically about important issues, express your ideas clearly and coherently, and demonstrate your English language proficiency authentically. With consistent practice using the strategies outlined in this guide, you will see measurable improvement in your writing scores.

Additional Resources:

• Practice analyzing authentic IELTS questions from official sources (British Council, IDP, Cambridge)
• Read well-written articles on cultural topics in publications like The Economist, The Guardian, or BBC News to expand your understanding and vocabulary
• Join online IELTS study groups where you can exchange feedback with other candidates
• Consider keeping a vocabulary journal specifically for academic and cultural topics
• Record yourself explaining your essay ideas aloud to improve your ability to articulate arguments clearly

Your journey to achieving your target IELTS Writing score begins with understanding what excellence looks like at each level and committing to deliberate, focused practice. Start today with the strategies and examples provided, and track your progress systematically. Success in IELTS Writing is achievable for dedicated learners who approach preparation strategically rather than hoping for improvement through osmosis.