Band 7.5 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 7.5 · Cambridge IELTS 15 · 2026-08-22

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 7.5)

In many countries, crime novels and TV crime dramas have become extremely popular. There are several reasons behind this growing interest.

One main reason is that crime stories are exciting and full of suspense. People enjoy following the clues, guessing who the criminal is, and watching how the mystery is solved. This type of storytelling keeps the audience engaged from beginning to end. For example, shows like Sherlock Holmes or Money Heist have millions of fans because they are thrilling and unpredictable.

Another reason is that crime fiction often reflects real-life issues. It may include topics such as corruption, justice, or social problems. Viewers and readers can relate to these themes, and it gives them a chance to think more deeply about society. These stories also show smart detectives or police officers using logic and science to solve difficult cases, which many people find interesting and inspiring.

In my opinion, crime novels and dramas are not only entertaining but also educational. They improve our thinking skills, as we try to figure out the mystery before the main character does. However, I believe it's important to keep a balance. If people watch or read too much crime content, it might affect their view of the world, making them more fearful or suspicious.

In conclusion, crime fiction and TV crime dramas are popular because they are exciting, thought-provoking, and often connected to real life. I personally enjoy them, as they keep my mind active, but I also believe we should enjoy them in moderation.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 7.5

The response addresses all parts of the prompt effectively. You clearly explain the reasons for the popularity of crime fiction, such as the suspenseful nature of the genre and its ability to reflect real-life social issues. Your personal opinion is stated clearly and maintained throughout the essay. The ideas are well-developed, with relevant examples like 'Sherlock Holmes' and 'Money Heist' used to support your points. To reach a higher band, you could further elaborate on the 'educational' aspect of crime fiction by explaining exactly how it improves critical thinking skills, perhaps by discussing the analytical process involved in following complex plot twists.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 7.5

The essay is logically organized with a clear introduction, body paragraphs, and a conclusion. Each paragraph has a central theme, and the progression of ideas is smooth. You use cohesive devices such as 'One main reason', 'Another reason', and 'In conclusion' effectively to guide the reader. The referencing is clear, and the paragraphing is appropriate. To improve, you could experiment with a wider variety of linking words and phrases to connect sentences more fluidly, as some transitions feel slightly standard or mechanical. Overall, the structure is very clear and easy to follow.

Lexical Resource — Band 7.0

You demonstrate a sufficient range of vocabulary to discuss the topic with precision. Phrases like 'reflect real-life issues', 'thought-provoking', and 'unpredictable' are used accurately. You show an awareness of collocation, such as 'keep the audience engaged' and 'active mind'. While the vocabulary is adequate and natural, it is somewhat functional. To achieve a higher score, try to incorporate more sophisticated or less common lexical items related to the genre, such as 'gripping narratives', 'psychological depth', or 'societal malaise', to demonstrate a more flexible and precise command of the language.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 7.5

Your grammar is generally accurate, and the essay is easy to read. You use a mix of simple and complex sentence structures, such as 'If people watch or read too much crime content, it might affect their view of the world'. The majority of your sentences are error-free, and your punctuation is used correctly. There are no significant errors that impede communication. To move into the higher bands, aim to incorporate a greater variety of complex grammatical structures, such as passive voice constructions or more advanced conditional forms, to show greater flexibility and control over your writing.

See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.

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