Band 7.0 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 7.0 · Cambridge IELTS 15 · 2026-08-18

IELTS Writing Task 2 question

In many countries today, crime novels and TV crime dramas are becoming more and more popular. Why do you think these books and TV shows are popular? What is your opinion of crime fiction and TV crime dramas?

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

 

Student answer (Band 7.0)

There is a current rise in the popularity of crime novels and TV crime dramas, and I think that this heightened interest in the genre can be alluded to several reasons.

First, it is said that art mirrors life, so people tend to turn to novels and TV dramas to understand the motivation behind criminal activity that is heard of and experienced in everyday life. Of the media that cover crime, those that deal in true crime are most popular because people look to them as a means to grasp the "why?" of criminal behavior. For example, the documentary on Jeffery Dahmer is one of the most streamed, as people are trying to understand what causes a person to turn to cannibalism.

Secondly, the growing fascination with crime novels and TV dramas can also be attributed to their entertainment value. Crime content carry a lot of thriller and suspenseful moments which heighten the consumers enjoyment of the media, releasing endorphins that make them seek out more source materials that can produce the same feelings over again. 'The Millennium' is a crime novel series by Stieg Larsson that is widely popular, with people purchasing the multiple-part books, and some of the books have even been adapted into movies because of the high demand.

Finally, crime media serve as a tale of caution to society. They expose the depravity that is possible and enjoin humanity to beware, lest we allow the things we read and see repeat themselves in our own communities and environment. Many people consider the novel by Margaret Atwood, The Handmaid's Tale, which has also been adapted into a TV series, one of such cautionary warnings. They say the American society might be on the brink of replicating the events of that book if care is not taken.

As an avid reader who also enjoys watching TV, the crime genre is one I personally enjoy for all the same reasons listed above. I do, however, limit my consumption of the novels and dramas that deal in the subject matter because I believe over-exposure to the can alter a person's psyche negatively. I believe that constantly watching a TV series like Peaky Blinders could normalize gun violence and therefore desensitize me if faced with real-life situations.

In conclusion, the rising infamy of crime novels and TV dramas can be linked to several factors including their ability to entertain as well as give reasoning to why crime happens. However, I think that their consumption needs to be managed so it does not result in societal numbing to, or hailing of the evils of crime, as well as serve as fodder for others who would go out to commit crimes themselves.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 7.0

You have addressed all parts of the prompt, providing clear reasons for the popularity of crime media and expressing a personal opinion. Your ideas are well-developed, such as the psychological need to understand criminal motivation and the entertainment value of suspense. However, your example of 'The Handmaid's Tale' is slightly off-topic as it is primarily a work of dystopian fiction rather than a crime drama, which weakens the support for your third point. To reach a higher band, ensure all examples strictly align with the 'crime' genre to maintain the relevance of your arguments.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 7.5

The essay is logically organized with a clear introduction, body paragraphs, and a conclusion. You use cohesive devices effectively, such as 'First,' 'Secondly,' and 'Finally,' to guide the reader through your arguments. Paragraphing is used appropriately, with each paragraph focusing on a central theme. The progression of ideas is smooth, and referencing is generally clear. To improve, ensure that the transition between your personal opinion and the broader societal analysis is more seamless, as the shift in the fourth paragraph feels slightly abrupt.

Lexical Resource — Band 7.0

You demonstrate a good range of vocabulary, using terms like 'heightened interest,' 'depravity,' 'enjoin,' and 'desensitize' appropriately. There is a good awareness of style and collocation. However, there are minor inaccuracies, such as 'Crime content carry' (should be 'carries') and 'rising infamy' (infamy usually implies a bad reputation, whereas 'popularity' or 'prevalence' would be more accurate here). Despite these minor slips, the vocabulary is sufficient to convey your ideas with precision and flexibility.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 7.0

You use a variety of complex structures, such as conditional sentences and relative clauses, with generally good control. Most sentences are error-free, and your punctuation is accurate. There are occasional slips, such as 'over-exposure to the can alter' (missing a noun like 'genre' or 'media') and the subject-verb agreement error mentioned earlier. These errors are non-systematic and do not impede communication. Your control over complex grammar is strong, placing you firmly in the band 7 range.

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