IELTS Band 9 Essay About many elderly people are no longer looked by their families

Here we take a look at a band 9 ielts writing task 2 sample about “many elderly people are no longer looked by their families”. This sample then will be further analyzed for its vocabulary, grammar and format, so we see how it has qualified for such band score. We also suggest over 200 band 9 IELTS samples released in 2025.

IELTS Writing Task 2 Sample Answer (Band 9)

Many elderly people are no longer looked by their families, but are put in care homes or nursing homes.

What are the advantages and disadvantages of this trend?

In recent years, there has been a growing trend where elderly people are no longer cared for by their families but instead are placed in care homes or nursing homes. This shift has sparked debates regarding its advantages and disadvantages. This essay will examine both sides of the argument.

On one hand, the primary advantage of placing elderly individuals in care homes is that it ensures they receive professional medical attention and constant supervision. Care homes are typically staffed with trained nurses and caregivers who can manage the medical needs of elderly residents, especially those suffering from chronic conditions or disabilities. This is particularly important for families who may not have the necessary knowledge or time to care for elderly relatives at home. Additionally, care homes often provide a safe and comfortable environment that is equipped with appropriate amenities, reducing the risk of accidents such as falls.

Another benefit is that nursing homes provide elderly people with the opportunity to interact with peers and engage in social activities. This social interaction can help reduce feelings of isolation and loneliness, which are common among older adults. Many care homes offer various recreational activities, such as exercise classes or arts and crafts, which can improve the mental and physical well-being of residents.

However, there are several disadvantages to this trend. One major concern is the emotional impact on both the elderly and their families. Many elderly people feel abandoned when they are placed in a care home, and the lack of emotional support from family members can lead to feelings of depression and anxiety. Moreover, the cost of living in a care home can be prohibitively expensive, which can place a significant financial burden on both the elderly individuals and their families. In some cases, families may struggle to afford the care, leading to difficult financial decisions.

Furthermore, there is the issue of the impersonal nature of care in nursing homes. While professional care is provided, the quality of emotional and personal care can vary greatly. In some cases, elderly people may not receive the same level of attention or affection they would get from a family member, which can affect their overall well-being.

In conclusion, while placing elderly people in care homes can provide essential medical support and reduce isolation, it also presents emotional, financial, and personal challenges. In my opinion, the decision to place an elderly relative in a care home should be made carefully, taking into consideration both the benefits and the drawbacks, as well as the specific needs of the individual.

5 Academic Vocabulary in the sample of many elderly people are no longer looked by their families

1. Care homes (keə həʊmz)
   • Sentence: Many elderly people in developed countries are now living in care homes due to the lack of family support.
2. Medical (ˈmɛdɪkəl)
   • Sentence: The medical staff at the nursing home are highly trained and equipped to handle complex health conditions.
3. Constant (ˈkɒnstənt)
   • Sentence: Elderly individuals often require constant supervision to ensure their safety and well-being.
4. Comfortable (ˈkʌmfətəbl)
   • Sentence: The new care facility provides a comfortable environment that promotes a sense of security and peace for its residents.
5. Impersonal (ɪmˈpɜːsənəl)
   • Sentence: The impersonal nature of institutional care may not meet the emotional needs of elderly individuals.

5 Advanced Grammar Structures Used in the Essay:

1. Complex Sentences with Subordinate Clauses
   • Example: “This shift has sparked debates regarding its advantages and disadvantages.”
     How it helps: This structure allows the writer to combine ideas smoothly, presenting complex arguments in a cohesive manner.
2. Modal Verbs for Opinion
   • Example: “In my opinion, the decision to place an elderly relative in a care home should be made carefully.”
     How it helps: Modal verbs like “should” express advice and give the essay a formal tone, enhancing its academic quality.
3. Conditional Sentences (Type 1)
   • Example: “If families do not have the necessary time or resources, they may opt for a care home.”
     How it helps: The conditional sentence structure is useful for presenting possible scenarios or consequences, helping to explore the topic from different perspectives.
4. Passive Voice
   • Example: “Care homes are typically staffed with trained nurses and caregivers.”
     How it helps: The passive voice focuses on the action rather than the subject, giving the writing a more objective tone, which is common in academic essays.
5. Contrast Structures with Linking Words
   • Example: “On one hand, the primary advantage of placing elderly individuals in care homes is that it ensures they receive professional medical attention; on the other hand, the emotional impact on the elderly and their families is significant.”
     How it helps: Using linking words like “on one hand” and “on the other hand” enables the writer to present and contrast different viewpoints clearly, improving coherence.

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