Internet access rights have become an increasingly important topic in IELTS Writing Task 2 essays. This subject frequently appears in examinations, reflecting its relevance in our digital age. As technology continues to advance, we can expect more questions centered on internet access and related issues in future IELTS tests. Let’s explore a sample question that has appeared in recent exams and analyze how to approach it effectively.
Some people think that internet access is a human right and should be provided to all citizens for free. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
Analyzing the Question
This question asks for your opinion on whether internet access should be considered a human right and provided free of charge to all citizens. It’s crucial to note that this is an opinion-based question, requiring you to clearly state your position and support it with relevant arguments and examples.
Key points to consider:
- The concept of internet access as a human right
- The feasibility and implications of providing free internet to all citizens
- Potential benefits and drawbacks of universal free internet access
- Alternative viewpoints on the topic
Should governments provide free access to the internet is a related topic that you might want to explore for additional perspectives on this issue.
Sample Essay 1 (Band 8)
In today’s digital age, the internet has become an integral part of our lives, leading some to argue that access to it should be considered a human right and provided free of charge to all citizens. While I agree that internet access is crucial for modern life, I believe that making it a free, universal right is neither practical nor entirely beneficial.
Firstly, providing free internet access to all citizens would be an enormous financial burden on governments. The infrastructure required to ensure widespread, high-quality internet coverage is extremely expensive to build and maintain. This cost would inevitably be passed on to taxpayers, potentially diverting funds from other essential services such as healthcare and education. Moreover, the rapid pace of technological advancement means that this infrastructure would require constant upgrades, further straining public resources.
Secondly, free universal internet access could lead to overuse and abuse of the system. Without any financial constraints, some individuals might consume excessive bandwidth for non-essential activities, potentially slowing down the network for everyone. This could hinder access for those who need the internet for crucial purposes such as education, job searching, or accessing government services. Should governments regulate the internet to prevent cybercrime? is a related question that highlights the potential challenges of unrestricted internet access.
However, I do believe that governments should take steps to make internet access more affordable and accessible. This could include subsidizing internet costs for low-income families, investing in public Wi-Fi spots in community centers and libraries, and encouraging competition among internet service providers to drive down prices. These measures would help bridge the digital divide without the drawbacks of completely free access.
In conclusion, while internet access is undoubtedly important in modern society, classifying it as a free human right is impractical and potentially counterproductive. A more balanced approach that focuses on improving affordability and accessibility would be more effective in ensuring that all citizens can benefit from the digital world without placing an unsustainable burden on public resources.
Internet access bridging the digital divide
Sample Essay 2 (Band 6)
In the modern world, the internet has become very important for many aspects of life. Some people think it should be a human right and free for everyone. I partially agree with this idea, but I also see some problems with it.
On one hand, free internet access for all citizens could be very helpful. It would allow more people to get information, education, and job opportunities online. This is especially important for poor people who can’t afford to pay for internet. Also, in emergencies like natural disasters, free internet could help people stay connected and get help.
However, there are some challenges with making internet free for everyone. First, it would cost a lot of money for governments to provide free internet. This money might have to come from other important things like healthcare or education. Second, if internet is free, some people might use it too much for things that are not important, which could slow down the internet for everyone else.
I think a good solution is for governments to make internet more affordable, but not completely free. They could give discounts to poor people or students who need internet for school. They could also put free Wi-Fi in public places like libraries and parks. This way, more people can use the internet without it being too expensive for the government.
In conclusion, while internet access is very important, making it completely free for everyone might not be the best idea. Instead, governments should focus on making it more affordable and accessible to those who need it most. This would help more people benefit from the internet without causing too many problems.
Affordable internet access solutions for communities
Explaining the Scores
Band 8 Essay Analysis
This essay demonstrates excellent writing skills and a sophisticated approach to the topic, warranting a Band 8 score:
- Task Response: The essay fully addresses all parts of the task, presenting a clear position with well-developed ideas and relevant examples.
- Coherence and Cohesion: The essay is well-organized with clear progression throughout. It uses a variety of cohesive devices effectively.
- Lexical Resource: The vocabulary is precise and sophisticated, with natural and accurate usage. Examples include “digital divide,” “infrastructure,” and “counterproductive.”
- Grammatical Range and Accuracy: The essay uses a wide range of structures with flexibility and accuracy. Complex sentences are handled with confidence.
Band 6 Essay Analysis
This essay shows a satisfactory attempt at addressing the task, justifying a Band 6 score:
- Task Response: The essay addresses the main parts of the task, but some ideas could be more fully developed.
- Coherence and Cohesion: There is a clear overall progression, but some paragraphs could be better linked.
- Lexical Resource: The vocabulary is adequate for the task, but lacks the precision and sophistication of higher band scores.
- Grammatical Range and Accuracy: The essay uses a mix of simple and complex sentence forms, with some errors that do not impede communication.
Key Vocabulary to Remember
- Digital divide (noun) – /ˈdɪdʒɪtəl dɪˈvaɪd/ – The gap between those who have access to modern information technology and those who don’t.
- Infrastructure (noun) – /ˈɪnfrəstrʌktʃər/ – The basic physical and organizational structures needed for the operation of a society or enterprise.
- Bandwidth (noun) – /ˈbændwɪdθ/ – The maximum rate of data transfer across a given path.
- Subsidize (verb) – /ˈsʌbsɪdaɪz/ – Support financially.
- Counterproductive (adjective) – /ˌkaʊntərprəˈdʌktɪv/ – Having the opposite of the desired effect.
- Feasibility (noun) – /ˌfiːzəˈbɪləti/ – The state or degree of being easily or conveniently done.
- Universal access (noun phrase) – /ˌjuːnɪˈvɜːsl ˈækses/ – The ability of all people to have equal opportunity and access to a service or product.
- Cybercrime (noun) – /ˈsaɪbəkraɪm/ – Criminal activities carried out by means of computers or the Internet.
In conclusion, mastering essays on internet access rights requires a nuanced understanding of the topic and the ability to articulate complex ideas clearly. As you practice, consider exploring related topics such as should there be global regulations for data privacy to broaden your perspective. Remember to structure your essays logically, use a range of vocabulary and grammatical structures, and support your arguments with relevant examples. Practice writing essays on this topic and share them in the comments section below for feedback and discussion. This active engagement will help you improve your IELTS Writing Task 2 skills and prepare you for success in the exam.