Band 9.0 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 9.0 · Cambridge IELTS 13 · 2026-07-31

IELTS Writing Task 2 question

Some people say History is one of the most important school subjects. Other people think that in today’s world subjects like Science and technology are more important than History.

Discuss both views and give your own opinion.

Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant example form your own knowledge or experience.

Student answer (Band 9.0)

It is often argued that History should remain one of the core subjects in schools, while others believe that Science and Technology deserve greater emphasis because of their relevance to the modern world. Although both subjects play significant roles in education, I believe that Science and Technology should be given higher priority, while History should continue to be taught as a fundamental subject.

On the one hand, supporters of History argue that it helps students understand the events that have shaped today's society. By studying the successes and failures of previous generations, young people can develop critical thinking skills and avoid repeating the mistakes of the past. History also strengthens cultural identity by teaching students about their nation's traditions, achievements and struggles. For example, learning about world wars, independence movements and civil rights campaigns enables students to appreciate peace, democracy and equality. Without historical knowledge, societies may lose their sense of identity and fail to learn valuable lessons from earlier generations.

On the other hand, many people believe that Science and Technology are more important because they prepare students for the demands of the twenty-first century. Scientific knowledge and technological skills are essential in almost every profession, from medicine and engineering to finance and information technology. As automation and artificial intelligence continue to transform the global economy, employers increasingly seek individuals with strong technical abilities. Furthermore, scientific education encourages problem-solving, innovation and logical reasoning, all of which are indispensable for economic development and improving people's quality of life. Countries that invest heavily in science education often become leaders in technological advancement and enjoy stronger economic growth.

In my opinion, although History provides valuable moral and cultural lessons, Science and Technology should receive greater emphasis in school curricula because they equip students with the practical knowledge and skills required in today's rapidly changing world. Nevertheless, History should not be neglected, as it develops informed citizens who can make wiser decisions by understanding the past.

In conclusion, History plays a crucial role in preserving cultural heritage and teaching important life lessons, whereas Science and Technology are indispensable for innovation, career opportunities and national development. Therefore, while both subjects are essential, I believe that greater importance should be given to Science and Technology in modern education.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 9.0

The response fully addresses all parts of the prompt. You clearly discuss both views regarding the importance of History versus Science and Technology, and you maintain a consistent, well-supported position throughout the essay. The ideas are extended logically, such as the link between historical knowledge and critical thinking, and the connection between scientific education and economic growth. The conclusion effectively synthesises your arguments while reiterating your stance. The response is well-balanced, and the development of each point is sufficient to meet the requirements of a Band 8 or 9 performance.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 9.0

The essay is logically organised with a clear progression of ideas. Each paragraph has a central theme, and the transition between paragraphs is smooth, using effective cohesive devices such as 'On the one hand', 'On the other hand', and 'Nevertheless'. The use of referencing is precise, and the paragraphing is used appropriately to separate the different viewpoints. The flow of the argument is natural and easy to follow, demonstrating a high level of control over the structure of the essay.

Lexical Resource — Band 8.5

You demonstrate a wide and flexible range of vocabulary, which is used with precision. Phrases such as 'fundamental subject', 'indispensable for economic development', and 'rapidly changing world' show a sophisticated command of language. The collocations are natural, and there are no noticeable errors in word choice. You successfully use less common lexical items to convey your ideas with clarity and nuance, which is characteristic of a high-level response.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 9.0

The essay displays a wide range of complex grammatical structures with high accuracy. You use a variety of sentence types, including conditional structures and complex subordinate clauses, with very few, if any, errors. Punctuation is used correctly to enhance readability. The control over tense and aspect is consistent, and the overall grammatical quality is excellent, with almost all sentences being error-free. This level of accuracy and range is consistent with the highest band descriptors.

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