Quality of life now and in the past: IELTS Task 2 essay #1, band 8.0
A student’s answer to this repeated IELTS question, shared without their name and marked by Axiom on the four criteria. Select a highlighted passage to see how it could be revised, and why.
380 words. Marked by Axiom on 26 October 2026. Estimated by AI. It isn’t an official IELTS score.
Task 2380 words
People living in the 21st century have a better quality of life than people who lived in previous times To what extent do you agree or disagree?
Nowadays, people have different opinions about whether life in the 21st century is better than it was in the past.
Grammar & accuracy
RevisedAlthough modern life has some disadvantages, I firmly believe that the improvements in technology and healthcare have generally enhanced people's quality of life to a greater extent.
The revised sentence provides a more formal and academic tone to the writer's opinion.
Firstly, one of the main reasons why people have a better life nowadays is the development of technology. However, today, many household appliances and modern vehicles make people's lives easier and more comfortable. As a result, people have more opportunities to improve their knowledge and save time.
Lexical resource
RevisedIn the past, people had to invest a significant amount of time in performing basic tasks like handwashing clothes or covering long distances without the aid of modern transportation.
The revised sentence uses a more varied and precise vocabulary to express the same idea.
Lexical resource
RevisedFurthermore, the internet facilitates rapid communication across the globe.
The revised sentence uses a more concise and precise wording to express the same idea.
Grammar & accuracy
RevisedFor instance, students can participate in online classes and acquire new skills from the comfort of their homes.
The revised sentence provides a more formal and academic tone to the example given.
Secondly, healthcare has improved significantly compared to previous centuries. In the past, many people died from diseases that are easily treated today because medical knowledge and equipment were limited. Nowadays, doctors can diagnose illnesses more accurately, and many diseases can be prevented through vaccination. In addition, people have access to better hospitals and medicines, which helps them live longer and healthier lives. For instance, children today have a higher chance of surviving serious illnesses than children in many previous generations. Therefore, modern healthcare has played an important role in improving people's quality of life.
People nowadays face problems such as stress, pollution and excessive dependence on technology. Many individuals spend too much time on their phones instead of communicating with others in person. In the past, people may have had stronger relationships with their neighbours and families because they spent more time together. Nevertheless, I believe that these problems do not outweigh the benefits of modern life, as people today have more resources and opportunities to deal with them.
Coherence & cohesion
RevisedHowever, it is important to acknowledge that modern life also has certain drawbacks.
The word 'recognise' is a bit repetitive as it was used in the previous sentence. 'Acknowledge' is a more appropriate word in this context.
Although modern society has introduced some new challenges, advances in technology and healthcare have made life more convenient, safer and healthier.
Coherence & cohesion
RevisedIn conclusion, the 21st century has generally provided a better quality of life than the past, in my view.
The revised sentence provides a more formal and academic tone to the conclusion.
Select a highlighted passage to see its suggested revision.
What Axiom wrote for each criterion: why the answer earned its band, and what to work on next.
Coherence & cohesion
Band 8.0/ 9
The essay is logically organized and ideas are connected well. The introduction and conclusion are clear and relevant. The essay is well-organized, with clear paragraphs dedicated to each main point. Transitions between ideas are smooth, and the conclusion effectively summarizes the arguments.
Suggestions
- Try to use a wider range of linking words to connect your ideas more effectively.
- Ensure that your arguments are fully developed and supported. For example, in the second main body paragraph, you could provide more specific examples of diseases that can be treated today but were incurable in the past.
Sentence revisions 2
RevisedHowever, it is important to acknowledge that modern life also has certain drawbacks.
The word 'recognise' is a bit repetitive as it was used in the previous sentence. 'Acknowledge' is a more appropriate word in this context.
RevisedIn conclusion, the 21st century has generally provided a better quality of life than the past, in my view.
The revised sentence provides a more formal and academic tone to the conclusion.
Grammar & accuracy
Band 8.0/ 9
The essay demonstrates a wide range of grammatical structures, used accurately and effectively. Complex sentences are used to express detailed ideas, and there are no significant grammatical errors.
Sentence revisions 2
RevisedAlthough modern life has some disadvantages, I firmly believe that the improvements in technology and healthcare have generally enhanced people's quality of life to a greater extent.
The revised sentence provides a more formal and academic tone to the writer's opinion.
RevisedFor instance, students can participate in online classes and acquire new skills from the comfort of their homes.
The revised sentence provides a more formal and academic tone to the example given.
Lexical resource
Band 8.0/ 9
The essay uses a wide range of vocabulary and there is evidence of less common and idiomatic language. The writer demonstrates a good control of a variety of sentence structures. The essay uses a variety of vocabulary to express ideas about technology and healthcare. Terms like "household appliances," "modern vehicles," and "vaccination" are used appropriately and contribute to a clear and formal tone.
Sentence revisions 2
RevisedIn the past, people had to invest a significant amount of time in performing basic tasks like handwashing clothes or covering long distances without the aid of modern transportation.
The revised sentence uses a more varied and precise vocabulary to express the same idea.
RevisedFurthermore, the internet facilitates rapid communication across the globe.
The revised sentence uses a more concise and precise wording to express the same idea.
Task response
Band 8.0/ 9
The essay addresses the task effectively, presenting a clear position throughout. The writer's opinion is well-supported by relevant examples. The essay addresses the prompt by discussing both the advantages and disadvantages of 21st-century living. The writer presents a clear position, arguing that the overall quality of life has improved due to technological and healthcare advancements. However, the essay could be enhanced by providing more specific examples and statistics to support the claims made, especially in the discussion of modern challenges like stress and pollution.
Suggestions
- Consider providing more specific examples to support your arguments. For example, in the second main body paragraph, you could provide more specific examples of diseases that can be treated today but were incurable in the past.
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