Band descriptors course, writing task 2 ielts-simon.

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Lesson 3: task response

How to improve your ‘task response’ score

1. Moving from band 5 to band 6 (or higher)

Here are the most common reasons why people get band 5 for task response:

- Part of the task is missing i.e. they haven’t answered all parts of the question.
- The ‘position’ is only mentioned once, in the introduction, or perhaps only in the conclusion.
- Ideas are not explained in any detail, and some ideas may not be related to the task.

To move up from band 5, make sure that you cover all parts of the task. Also, state your position in
the introduction and repeat it in the conclusion. Make sure that you plan some main ideas before
you start writing, and try to explain at least one of them in detail. Add an example to illustrate one
of your ideas.

2. Moving from band 6 to band 7 (or higher)

Here are the most common reasons why people get band 6 for task response:

- Many band 6 candidates write ‘unbalanced’ essays. They spend too much time on one part of
the question (one main paragraph), and neglect the other part / paragraph. For example, they
write a big paragraph about one side of the argument, but a ‘weak’ paragraph about the other
view.
- The ‘position’ might be mentioned more than once in the essay, but it is expressed in the same
way each time (repetition). Or perhaps the position seems to change during the course of the
essay e.g. the view given in the introduction doesn’t match with the ideas that the candidate
expresses in the main paragraphs or in the conclusion.
- Main ideas are fine, but they are not developed in any detail.

Band 7 candidates address all parts of the task and present a clear position (overall view or
answer). This position is consistent in each paragraph of the essay.

3. Moving from band 7 to band 8 (or 9)

The only thing that can be improved at this level is the detail. Band 7 candidates often have some
good main ideas, but these remain quite general. To move up to band 8 or 9, you need to go
deeper into these ideas, support them with examples, and “bring them to life”.
An example of how I would give a ‘task response’ score

In the video, you’ll see me analyse the essay below. Please ignore any grammar or vocabulary
mistakes; we’re only focusing on task response.

Highlight / underline and make notes as you watch my analysis.

Public museums and art galleries are not needed because people can see historical objects
and works on their computers.
To what extent do you agree or disagree?
 

It is certainly true that computers have become a vital tool for people to learn history and art.
However, while computers are extremely useful towards seeing historical and artistic stuffs, I do
not agree with the idea that museum and galleries could be scrapped because of modern
computer technology.
 
There are several advantages to using computer in learning historical and artistic objects. Firstly,
computers allow individuals to learn more knowledge regarding historical and artistic works easily
and economically. This means that if people want to see mummification, they can have easily
access to the internet rather than flying to Egypt. Secondly, some extremely valuable treasures
may not be shown to public for security reasons. As a result, tourists may be disappointed when
they are not allowed to see their favourite stuffs and computers therefore are the only way for
people to know about historical items. Finally, museum and galleries could impose people insecure
feelings by using numerous of security cameras while computers do not.
 
However, despite all the advantages that I said before, computers cannot replace museum and
galleries and make them useless. It is believed that museum and galleries collect a great deal of
iconic treasures in many countries, and they are the best way to see historical and artistic works
because of their reality and uniqueness. Touching computer do not provide people an authentic
atmosphere as in real museum. Apart from this, computers sometimes have fake information which
may lead people having wrong concepts.
 
In conclusion, it seems to me that museum and galleries are useful and irreplaceable, though there
are some benefits to using computers to see antique stuffs. It is much reasonable to use computer
as a tool to support museum and galleries.
A quick note about ‘position’.

How do you present a position (view / stance on an issue) if the question doesn’t ask for your
opinion? Here’s an example:

Question:

The number of plants and animals is declining. Describe some reasons for this problem and
suggest some solutions.

My introduction:

It is undeniable that wildlife habitats are being destroyed and whole species of plants and animals
are disappearing. There are several causes of this alarming trend, but measures could certainly be
taken to tackle the problem.

Explanation:

The question is asking me to give reasons and suggest solutions, so this is what I must do. My
‘position’ is that there are “several causes” and that “measures could certainly be taken”.

Don’t be afraid to state such a simple and obvious position if you get this type of question in
your test!

Homework tasks / questions

1. Rewatch the part of the video in which I comment on the student’s essay. Underline the key
aspects of ‘task response’ that I mention (addressing the task, presenting a position,
developing ideas). Make notes next to the essay.
2. What is the ‘essay skeleton’?
3. Why did I give the essay a band 6 for task response? What were the main reasons?
4. What did I suggest that the student could do to improve the task response score?


5. Analyse one of your own essays in the following way:




- Highlight any words, phrases or sentences that present your position.

- Is your position consistent throughout the essay?

- Is your essay balanced? Is each part of the question covered properly?

- Choose one of your main ideas. Did you explain it in detail? Did you give an example?