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Positive or Negative Development Essay: IELTS Writing Task 2

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Updated on Mar 08, 2024, 11:07

There are two writing tasks for the IELTS: Task 1 and Task 2. Task 1, for academic and general training, asks you to describe charts or graphs in around 150 words within 20 minutes. You'll get a topic like "Positive or Negative Development" in Task 2, which takes about 40 minutes, where you'll share it if you agree or disagree.


In this page, we'll explore positive or negative type essays in detail. 

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1. Positive or Negative Development Essay: How to Answer

The opening of your essay should be about the topic and what will be in the essay's main body. Write whatever you feel about the topic, like your viewpoint and try to give examples that support your point of view.

 

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2. Positive or Negative Development Essay: Sample Answer

Practice with our samples for positive or negative development essay types.

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1.

Positive or Negative Development Essay: How to Answer

Introduction

 

  • The opening of your essay should be about the topic and what will be in the essay's main body.
  • Write whatever you feel about the topic, like your viewpoint and try to give examples that support your point of view.

 

Example:The rise of smartphones has undoubtedly changed our lives in a world driven by technology. I believe this development has led to many positive changes that have changed communication and accessibility.”
 

Main Part (Body of the Essay)

 

Paragraph 1

 

  • Your main thought should be expressed in your topic line at the beginning of this paragraph. 
  • Make sure you're as precise and thorough as you can be. 
  • It would be better if you were more specific about your point of view. Do not change your major idea; continue developing your previous idea. 

 

Example:First, mobile phones have made communication instantaneous and global. People worldwide can communicate easily through video calls and Instant Messaging, foster ties and bridge cultural gaps using only a couple of taps.”

 

Paragraph 2
 

  • This sentence has a distinct subject line, like the last one. 
  • Before expanding into the following sentences, start your demonstration quickly. 
  • You're capable of using incredibly powerful words. The higher your score, the more specific and in-depth you can be. 
  • There may be some further development in the last sentence. Don't say anything new about the main idea.

 

Example: “But there is a downside to that convenience. The constant connectivity can lead to addiction and negatively impact mental health. Increased stress and disturbed sleep patterns have been linked to excessive screen time.”

 

Conclusion 
 

  • At the beginning of your conclusion, talk about your overall point of view on the topic and then give a general idea.
  • At last, conclude your essay with the outcome of the topic.

 

Example: “At last, it is important to acknowledge the potential drawbacks, such as the impact on mental well-being, while the invention of smartphones has undoubtedly enhanced our lives through instant communication. To exploit the benefits of these technological developments, a balance must be struck between positive and negative aspects.”

2.

Positive or Negative Development Essay: Sample Answer

Good and Bad Changes of Technology

 

Technology has improved our lives, but it also comes with its problems. Let's just take care of the two sides. 
 

It's good that technology allows us to talk to our friends and family, even if they're far away. Apps and websites make it easy to stay in touch. In addition, doctors are using new technology to provide more effective treatments, and people have a longer life expectancy.
 

But there's also a problem here. Some people are using social media to bully, while others worry about their data. Also, machines do jobs, and some people don't have jobs, and money isn't fair to everyone. Because of phones and computers, we talk less face-to-face, making it harder for us to make friends.

 

Well, there are good and evil sides to technology. We need to be careful about the problems while still enjoying the good things it brings. We're supposed to ensure that we all benefit from technology, and that it doesn't worsen our lives.
 

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FAQs

Q. Can I use bullet points or numbered lists in my essays?

Ans.  No, using bullet points or numbered lists in your IELTS essays is not a good idea. Candidates are required to express their ideas in well-structured paragraphs and sentences in the IELTS Writing Test. In research writing, bullet points or lists are not deemed appropriate. Concentrate on developing coherent and consistent paragraphs to communicate your views and arguments effectively.


 

Q. How do you turn negative into positive answers?

Ans.  Focus on recasting the situation or emphasising a constructive aspect to make your negative answer positive. Let us find a silver lining or an opportunity for growth and express our optimism. Shift the narrative to solutions or positive results rather than dwell on the downside. This approach does not merely preserve a positive tone but also demonstrates resilience and foresight.


 

Q. What is not allowed in IELTS writing?

Ans.  You can't do certain things in IELTS writing, e.g., use casual language, slang or text abbreviations. Due to the requirement of a factual description or summary, candidates should refrain from submitting their views on Task 1. It is also not permitted to write in bullet points or numbered lists; rather, the essays must be written with consistent paragraphs. Finally, candidates shall not use erasers or corrective fluids in the test; all mistakes should be carefully accounted for.


 

Q. What type of questions are asked in the IELTS writing task?

Ans. In the IELTS writing task, you will be asked to write two tasks, they are as follows:

 1 Task 1: Candidates may be asked to describe visual information, for example, graphs, charts, diagrams or explanations of the process, as part of their educational IELTS. Candidates must usually write a letter responding to the situation when they take general training IELTS. 

2. Task 2: Responding to a specific question or statement, candidates must write an essay. They must speak their minds, talk about problems or resolve them.


 

Q. What are the rules of IELTS writing?

Ans.  The rules of IELTS writing include that each task is to be carried out in accordance with special instructions. In the first task, you have to give a clear overview and support it with appropriate details, while in Task 2, a clear position needs to be given on that subject and examples. In addition, effective management of your time using complete sentences and paragraphs, complying with word count requirements and maintaining a clear expression while avoiding spelling or grammar errors are necessary.


 

Q. How many tasks are there in the IELTS Writing section?

Ans.  Two tasks are assigned to the IELTS writing section: Task 1 and Task 2. Candidates must provide a description of visual information, e.g. graphs, charts or diagrams, within Task 1. Task 2 involves writing an essay on a topic or responding to a prompt. Each task is assessed separately and contributes to the final writing band score, with tasks 1 and 2 also contributing. For Task 2, the score is given more weight and 20 minutes are allocated to test takers for Task 1 and 40 minutes for Task 2, respectively. To complete both tasks within the specified time frame, it is necessary to manage their duration effectively.


 

Q. Are there specific word count requirements in task 1 and task 2?

Ans.  Yes, there are specific word count requirements for IELTS Writing Task 1 and Task 2. You are advised to write at least 150 words in Task 1, while a minimum word count of 250 is recommended for Task 2. Compliance with these guidelines is of great importance as it can significantly reduce the number of words, which could result in penalties and affect your overall score.


 

Q. Do IELTS Writing topics repeat?

Ans.  The exact topics of IELTS writing are not always repeated, but themes and general topics are often repeated. A candidate's ability to deal with a range of common and relevant topics is assessed in the IELTS examination. It is, therefore, possible to encounter similar themes, but the specific questions and tasks will differ. It is better to familiarise yourself with various topics and practice writing on different subjects in preparation for the exam.


 

Q. How is the writing section scored in IELTS?

Ans. The IELTS Writing section is assessed according to four criteria: the achievement of an appropriate task, coherence and cohesion for organising logical ideas with their coherent devices, Lexical resources for vocabulary usage, and grammatical range and accuracy, which demonstrate a variety of sentence structures that have only minor mistakes. The average of each criterion's scores shall be assigned to a band score between 0 and 9, determining the overall Writing Band Score.


 

Q. How can I improve my IELTS writing section?

Ans.  Practice regularly and address feedback to enhance the IELTS Writing section. Know the various types of tasks, examine model essays to learn about structure and language use, and improve your vocabulary. Pay particular attention to time management during practice to simulate the exam conditions. Lastly, you need feedback from teachers or peers to identify areas for improvement and improve your writing skills.


 

Q. What is the highest score in IELTS writing?

Ans.  The highest score on the IELTS writing test is 9. Each of the four criteria—Task Achievement, Coherence and Cohesion, Lexical Resource (Vocabulary), and Grammatical Range and Accuracy—is scored on a scale of 0 to 9. The overall Writing band score shall be determined using an average for each criterion. The attainment of the 9 band score is an excellent achievement in demonstrating a high level of English language skills and minimal mistakes in writing.