IELTS Writing Task 2 Sample Essays: The Importance of Promoting Civic Engagement (Band 6-9)

The topic of civic engagement has become increasingly prevalent in IELTS Writing Task 2 examinations, appearing in various forms over the past few years. Based on analysis of recent test patterns, questions related to importance of civic education in democracy have shown up roughly once every four months, making it a crucial topic for IELTS candidates to master.

The importance of civic engagement in IELTS Writing Task 2 sample essays

Let’s examine one of the most frequently appearing question types on this topic:

Some people believe that schools should make civic engagement and community service mandatory for all students. Others think these activities should remain voluntary. Discuss both views and give your opinion.

Analysis of the Question

This question requires candidates to:

• Discuss arguments for mandatory civic engagement
• Present views against compulsory participation
• Provide a personal stance with supporting reasons
• Follow a balanced approach while maintaining clear position

Sample Essay 1 (Band 8.5)

In recent years, there has been ongoing debate about whether how to promote civic engagement among young people should be through mandatory or voluntary programs in schools. While both approaches have their merits, I believe that making such activities compulsory would yield more beneficial outcomes for society.

Those who advocate for mandatory civic engagement argue that it ensures universal participation and exposure to community service. When all students are required to engage in civic activities, they develop a deeper understanding of social responsibilities and citizenship. Furthermore, compulsory programs can help break down socioeconomic barriers, as all students, regardless of background, gain equal opportunities to contribute to their communities.

However, opponents contend that forced participation might lead to resentment and diminish the genuine spirit of volunteerism. They argue that effects of social media on political engagement among youth already provide sufficient exposure to civic issues, making mandatory programs unnecessary. Additionally, some students might already have other commitments or prefer different forms of community involvement.

In my opinion, making civic engagement mandatory would ultimately benefit both students and society. First, it would ensure that all young people develop essential leadership and social skills. Moreover, compulsory participation could help students discover interests and passions they might not have explored voluntarily. The importance of leadership training in schools cannot be understated, and civic engagement provides an excellent platform for such development.

To conclude, while voluntary participation has its advantages, the benefits of mandatory civic engagement programs outweigh the drawbacks. Schools should implement structured, compulsory programs while ensuring flexibility in how students can fulfill these requirements.

Students actively participating in various community service activities

Sample Essay 2 (Band 6.5)

Many people have different opinions about making civic engagement compulsory in schools. I will discuss both sides and give my view on this matter.

On one hand, making community service mandatory has some good points. Students will learn important values and understand their society better. They can also gain new skills and make friends while helping others. For example, when students help clean parks or visit old people’s homes, they learn to care about their community.

However, some people think these activities should be voluntary. They say that forcing students to do community service might make them dislike it. Also, some students are very busy with studies and other activities. Making them do more things might cause stress and affect their grades.

I think civic engagement should be voluntary but strongly encouraged. Schools can show students the benefits of helping others and give rewards for participation. This way, students will join because they want to, not because they have to. The quality of service will also be better when people do it willingly.

In conclusion, while mandatory civic engagement has benefits, voluntary participation is better. Schools should focus on encouraging and supporting students who want to help their communities rather than forcing everyone to participate.

Scoring Analysis

Band 8.5 Essay:

• Task Response: Clear position, well-developed arguments
• Coherence: Logical flow, effective use of paragraphing
• Lexical Resource: Sophisticated vocabulary (diminish, contend, advocate)
• Grammar: Complex structures with minimal errors

Band 6.5 Essay:

• Task Response: Basic understanding, simpler arguments
• Coherence: Basic organization, some repetition
• Lexical Resource: Simple but appropriate vocabulary
• Grammar: Mix of simple and complex sentences, some errors

Key Vocabulary

1. civic engagement (n) /ˈsɪvɪk ɪnˈɡeɪdʒmənt/ – active participation in community affairs
2. mandatory (adj) /ˈmændətɔːri/ – required by law or rules
3. volunteerism (n) /ˌvɒlənˈtɪərɪzəm/ – the practice of working as a volunteer
4. socioeconomic (adj) /ˌsoʊsioʊˌekəˈnɒmɪk/ – relating to social and economic factors
5. diminish (v) /dɪˈmɪnɪʃ/ – to become or make something smaller or less

High-scoring Sentence Patterns

1. “While both approaches have their merits, I believe that…” (Concession + Opinion)
2. “Not only does X lead to Y, but it also…” (Emphasis + Addition)
3. “The benefits of X outweigh the drawbacks” (Comparison Structure)

For practice, try writing your own essay on this topic and share it in the comments section below. Focus on using the vocabulary and sentence patterns provided while maintaining a clear structure and position.