IELTS Band 9 Essay About the world today is a safer place than it was a hundred years ago

Here we take a look at a band 9 ielts writing task 2 sample about “The world today is a safer place than it was a hundred years ago”. 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.

Sample IELTS Writing Task 2 Answer (Band 9)

The world today is a safer place than it was a hundred years ago, and governments should stop spending large amounts of money on their armed forces.

To what extend do you agree or disagree with this statement?

The assertion that the world is a safer place today than it was a century ago, and that governments should reduce their military spending, is a contentious issue. While some may argue that advancements in diplomacy, technology, and global cooperation have made conflict less likely, others believe that the nature of security threats has evolved, necessitating continued investment in armed forces. This essay will discuss both viewpoints before offering my own opinion.

On the one hand, it is true that the world has become considerably safer in many respects. Over the past century, global conflict has decreased significantly, especially between major powers. The establishment of international organizations such as the United Nations and various treaties has contributed to the prevention of large-scale wars. Furthermore, technological innovations in communication and surveillance have made it easier for governments to detect potential threats and prevent them before they escalate into violent conflict. The proliferation of nuclear weapons, while dangerous, has also acted as a deterrent, as no country wants to engage in full-scale war for fear of mutual destruction. These factors have certainly contributed to a more stable global environment.

On the other hand, despite these positive developments, the nature of security threats has evolved, and military forces remain crucial in maintaining national and global stability. In recent years, the rise of terrorism, cyberattacks, and regional conflicts has demonstrated that traditional military forces are still necessary. For instance, terrorist organizations often operate outside the scope of international law and diplomacy, making military action an essential tool for governments to protect their citizens. Moreover, the resurgence of geopolitical tensions, particularly in regions such as Eastern Europe and the South China Sea, indicates that military preparedness is still a key factor in maintaining peace and deterring aggression.

In my view, while the world may indeed be safer in certain aspects, the threats we face today require a more nuanced approach to security. Governments should not completely reduce military spending but should focus on modernizing their armed forces to address new types of threats. For example, investing in cybersecurity, intelligence gathering, and counter-terrorism operations is just as important as maintaining traditional military capabilities.

To conclude, while the world is undoubtedly safer than it was a hundred years ago, the changing nature of global threats means that military spending remains essential. Governments must strike a balance between reducing unnecessary expenditure and ensuring adequate defense capabilities to address emerging security challenges.

Academic Vocabulary (The world today is a safer place than it was a hundred years ago)

1. Assert
   Pronunciation: /əˈsɜːt/
   Example sentence: He asserted that the new policy would lead to greater economic growth.
2. Significantly
   Pronunciation: /sɪɡˈnɪfɪkəntli/
   Example sentence: Technological advancements have significantly improved the quality of life.
3. Contribute
   Pronunciation: /kənˈtrɪbjuːt/
   Example sentence: Regular exercise contributes to better overall health.
4. Proliferation
   Pronunciation: /prəˌlɪfəˈreɪʃən/
   Example sentence: The proliferation of mobile phones has drastically changed communication.
5. Preparedness
   Pronunciation: /prɪˈpeədnəs/
   Example sentence: Emergency preparedness is crucial for minimizing the impact of natural disasters.

Advanced Grammar Structures Used in the Essay

1. Conditional Sentences (Type 1 and 2)
   • Example: If governments reduce military spending, they might invest more in social welfare programs.
   • Explanation: Conditional sentences help to show cause-and-effect relationships, adding depth to the argument. The first conditional (Type 1) here refers to a likely situation, while the second conditional (Type 2) reflects a hypothetical scenario.
2. Complex Sentences with Relative Clauses
   • Example: The establishment of international organizations, such as the United Nations, has contributed to the prevention of large-scale wars.
   • Explanation: The use of relative clauses allows the writer to add additional information without creating fragmented sentences, which enhances clarity and cohesiveness.
3. Modal Verbs for Suggestions and Opinions
   • Example: Governments should not completely reduce military spending but should focus on modernizing their armed forces.
   • Explanation: Using modal verbs like “should” shows the writer’s opinion and is key to expressing recommendations and evaluations clearly, which is a requirement for a high band score.
4. Passive Voice
   • Example: The proliferation of nuclear weapons has been seen as a deterrent.
   • Explanation: The passive voice shifts the focus from the subject to the action, providing a more formal tone and allowing the writer to emphasize important details. It also demonstrates control over sentence variety.
5. Cohesive Devices (Transition Words)
   • Example: On the one hand, On the other hand, Moreover
   • Explanation: Transition words like these improve the logical flow of ideas, making the essay more cohesive. They help guide the reader through different arguments and perspectives, making the writing easier to follow.

Using these advanced grammar structures and vocabulary ensures that the essay is both complex and clear, which is crucial for scoring highly in IELTS Writing Task 2. These elements help demonstrate the ability to present and support an argument effectively, which is key to achieving a Band 9 score.

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