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IELTS Writing Task 2

You should spend about 40 minutes on this task.

Some people believe that history is very important and we must study the past to understand the present. Others say that it has little or no use at all. Discuss both views and give your opinion. Use your own knowledge and experience and support your arguments with examples and relevant evidence.

Write at least 250 words.

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🤩 Sample answers

Model Essay #1:

Some people believe that history is very important and we must study the past to understand the present. Others say that it has little or no use at all.

Some people argue that studying history is crucial for understanding the present, while others claim that it holds little to no significance. Both perspectives have valid points, but I believe that history plays a fundamental role in shaping our present and future.

On one hand, those who advocate for the importance of history argue that it provides valuable insights into the roots of current societal, political, and cultural issues. By examining historical events, individuals can gain a deeper understanding of how certain conflicts, traditions, and power dynamics have evolved over time. For example, studying World War II helps us comprehend the impact of global conflicts on international relations today.

On the other hand, opponents of studying history may argue that focusing on the past takes away resources and attention from addressing current and future challenges. They may believe that historical events have little relevance to modern society and that dedicating resources to studying history is a waste of time and effort. However, this perspective overlooks the fact that historical knowledge can provide valuable lessons and prevent the repetition of past mistakes.

In my opinion, studying history is crucial for several reasons. It allows us to learn from the successes and failures of past civilizations, understand the origins of contemporary issues, and appreciate the cultural heritage that shapes our identities. Moreover, historical knowledge equips individuals with critical thinking skills and a broader perspective, which are essential for navigating the complexities of the modern world.

In conclusion, while some may argue that history has little or no use in the present day, I firmly believe that studying history is vital for understanding and addressing the challenges of today. By learning from the past, we can build a better future for generations to come.

Model Essay #2:

Some people believe that history is very important and we must study the past to understand the present. Others say that it has little or no use at all.

Some people argue that studying history is essential for understanding the present, while others claim that it holds little to no significance. Both perspectives have valid points, but I lean towards the view that history may have limited practical use in the modern world.

Advocates for the importance of history argue that it provides valuable insights into current societal, political, and cultural issues. By examining historical events, individuals can gain a deeper understanding of how certain conflicts, traditions, and power dynamics have evolved over time. For example, studying the civil rights movement in the United States helps us comprehend the struggles for equality that continue to shape contemporary society.

However, opponents of studying history may argue that focusing on the past takes away resources and attention from addressing current and future challenges. They may believe that historical events have little relevance to modern society and that dedicating resources to studying history is a waste of time and effort. Furthermore, they may argue that the rapid pace of technological advancement renders historical knowledge less essential in the face of pressing global issues.

In my opinion, while history can provide valuable insights and lessons, its direct practical application in addressing present-day challenges may be limited. While understanding historical context is important, dedicating excessive resources to studying history may detract from tackling urgent contemporary problems, such as climate change, poverty, and healthcare.

In conclusion, while some argue for the vital role of history in understanding the present, I believe that its practical use in addressing modern challenges may be limited. While historical knowledge remains valuable, we must prioritize addressing pressing contemporary issues to create a better future for generations to come.

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