Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 5.5 · Cambridge IELTS 16 · 2026-11-04

IELTS Writing Task 2 question

In some countries, more and more people are becoming interested in finding out about the history of the house or building they live in.

What are the reasons for this?

How can people research this?

Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience.

Student answer (Band 5.5)

Nowadays, many people find it interesting to know about the history of their home or building they live in. I believe this research is mostly done by people who live in historic houses in order to find a connection with some historical events and some to find a treasure from their ancestors.

The first reason could be to find out if their ancestors had any relation to kingdom in that time. This can be a biggest attraction to have your grandparents name in the pages of history and it can make people famous in this era of social media. For example, if someone discovered a sword of his great grandfather who was a soldier in the king's army, he can show that historic sword on social media and can also earn money from that. The second reason could be the desire of finding treasure in their houses. In earlier times, people used to hide their ornaments and gold coins in their houses. People can try Knowing about the history of their homes to know if they can find anything precious.

There can be some ways to research about this, first of all, asking your parents or grand parents about their history. This could be the easiest way to find out because people do not have to research about it. The second way could be looking for a map of their house or building to find out what was their before the house built on it.

People find it exciting finding out about the history of the place where they live in

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 5.5

You address both questions and give relevant reasons, including interest in family connections to historical events and the possibility of finding valuables. The example of a sword belonging to an ancestor helps illustrate the first reason. However, the discussion is narrow and some claims, such as researching mainly to become famous or find treasure, are not sufficiently explained or balanced. The research methods are also only briefly covered: asking relatives and consulting a map are mentioned, but you do not explain how archives, property records, local libraries, or previous owners could help. A clearer, more developed account of why people investigate their homes and how they can do so would make the response more complete.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 5.5

The response has a recognisable structure: an introduction, a paragraph on reasons, a paragraph on research methods, and a concluding sentence. Sequencing phrases such as “The first reason” and “The second way” help readers follow the main points. However, progression is limited because the final sentence repeats the general topic rather than summarising the reasons and methods, and the research paragraph ends abruptly. Some links are mechanical, particularly the repeated use of “could be” and “the second.” Improve the flow by grouping related ideas clearly, using more varied transitions, and ensuring that the conclusion draws together the response rather than introducing no further development.

Lexical Resource: Band 5.5

You use enough topic-related vocabulary to communicate the main ideas, including “ancestors,” “historical events,” “treasure,” and “ornaments.” These choices show an attempt to discuss family history and the contents of older homes. However, the range is limited and several phrases are awkward or imprecise, such as “a connection with some historical events,” “a biggest attraction,” and “looking for a map of their house.” Repetition of “history,” “people,” and “find out” also reduces flexibility. Aim for more precise collocations and a wider range of terms for research, such as property records, archives, former occupants, and local history. Check word forms and spelling, including “grandparents’” and the capitalisation of “knowing.”

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 5.5

You attempt both simple and more complex sentences, including a conditional example beginning “if someone discovered a sword” and a sentence explaining why asking relatives may be easy. Meaning is generally understandable, but errors occur in sentence structure, articles, agreement, and punctuation. For example, “a biggest attraction” needs a different article, while “what was their before the house built on it” has faulty structure and an incomplete passive construction. The opening also has an awkward relative clause in “the home or building they live in.” The final sentence lacks a full stop, and the conclusion is a fragment-like repetition. Practise accurate complex clauses and review articles, possessives, and passive forms.

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