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Cambridge IELTS 17 · Test 2 · Band 8

Cambridge IELTS 17 Test 2 — Band 8 model essay

156 words · 11 sentences · IELTS Writing Task 2

Writing Task 2 prompt

Some people believe governments should censor harmful online content. Others think that this threatens freedom of speech. Discuss both views and give your opinion.

有人认为政府应审查有害网络内容;另一些人认为这会威胁言论自由。讨论双方并给出观点。

Band 8 model answer

The question of whether censoring harmful online content is widely debated in modern society. While its appeal is easy to understand in modern life, I am convinced that the real question is how to manage it wisely.

The most compelling reason is that censorship can protect users from abuse and misinformation. This matters because children and vulnerable adults may be safer if extreme material is removed. Moreover, it can also create broader social benefits. These effects can continue to influence individuals and communities beyond the immediate situation.

Admittedly, heavy censorship can be abused for political control. Yet this weakness can be reduced if rules should be narrow, transparent, and independently reviewed. Furthermore, a balanced approach would allow people to keep the benefits without letting the harms dominate.

On balance, it is valuable, but only when responsibly managed. Provided that those rules are consistently enforced, this approach offers a stronger and more sustainable answer to the issue.

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Frequently asked questions

How many words should an IELTS Writing Task 2 essay be?

IELTS Writing Task 2 requires a minimum of 250 words. This Cambridge IELTS 17 Test 2 model answer is 156 words, comfortably above the minimum without padding.

What makes this a Band 8 IELTS essay?

A Band 8 answer fully addresses the task with well-supported ideas, a wide and natural range of vocabulary, skilful cohesion and very rare errors.

How do I use this model essay to improve my IELTS writing?

Read the model to see how a high-band answer is structured and argued, then practise typing it on Typehush to build the speed and accuracy the computer-based IELTS Writing test demands.