Recent IELTS Writing Task 2 - Handwriting in schools

Some people believe that handwriting should continue to be taught in schools, while others think it should not be compulsory.

Discuss both views and give your own opinion.

📌 Note: This question appeared in the CBT-IELTS Writing exam on 22 November, 2025 in Canada. 

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Band 9 Sample Answer:

While some people are of the opinion that handwriting should remain a compulsory part of the school curriculum, others think that it is no longer necessary in an age dominated by digital communication. I side with the former view.

On the one hand, there can be some reasons why some people support the idea of removing handwriting lessons from schools. Firstly, digital literacy has become far more relevant than traditional pen-and-paper skills. Since students today use laptops, tablets, and smartphones for almost all kinds of communication, spending time on handwriting may seem outdated and inefficient. Secondly, many educators argue that teaching typing skills and keyboard speed is a better use of classroom time, as these abilities are essential for academic tasks and future employment. For example, university assessments and professional work are largely completed using digital tools, making handwriting appear less practical in real-world situations.

On the other hand, I feel that it is more beneficial for handwriting to continue being taught. Writing by hand helps improve cognitive development, memory, and concentration, particularly for younger learners. Research shows that forming letters manually strengthens neural connections, which supports overall learning and language acquisition. Additionally, handwriting remains important for daily life tasks such as signing documents, completing forms, or taking quick notes when technology is not accessible. Moreover, neat and legible handwriting can boost students’ confidence and improve the clarity of their written work, especially during examinations where typed responses are not allowed. Therefore, preserving this skill ensures that children develop a balanced set of abilities rather than becoming overly dependent on digital devices.

In conclusion, although some people believe that handwriting is unnecessary in a modern, technology-driven world, I believe that it is better for schools to continue teaching it, as it supports cognitive development and provides essential practical skills.

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Band 9 Insights Based on IELTS Writing Band Descriptors:

1. Task Response – Band 9

• Fully addresses all parts of the question.
• Two clear views are discussed equally and fairly, matching the model.
• Opinion is stated in the introduction, developed strongly in BP2, and restated in the conclusion.
• Ideas are specific, relevant, and explained logically (cognition, practicality, digital relevance).

2. Coherence & Cohesion – Band 9

• Exact 4-paragraph structure from your demo:
  1. Introduction with both views + opinion
  2. First view (not supported)
  3. Second view (supported)
  4. Conclusion
• Smooth progression and natural linking:
  “Firstly,” “Secondly,” “On the other hand,” “Moreover,” “Therefore.”
• Paragraphs each have one clear purpose.

3. Lexical Resource – Band 9

• Wide range of academic vocabulary, used naturally:
  “digital literacy,” “neural connections,” “cognitive development,” “language acquisition,” “typed responses,” “real-world situations.”
• Accurate collocations:
  “overshadowed by technology,” “boost students’ confidence,” “balanced set of abilities.”
• No repetition; tone is consistent with high-band academic writing.

4. Grammatical Range & Accuracy – Band 9

• Flexible, accurate complex structures throughout:
  • Conditionals
  • Relative clauses
  • Passive structures
  • Abstract noun phrases
• Zero errors in tense, punctuation, or sentence structure.
• Sentences flow naturally and read like a native academic writer.

Overall Band: 9.0

This essay meets every requirement of the official IELTS band descriptors — deep development, excellent coherence, rich vocabulary, and flawless grammar.

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