Band 7.5 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 7.5 · Cambridge IELTS 15 · 2026-09-17

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 this era of increasing digital entertainment, a significant number of individuals contend that crime novels and TV crime dramas are becoming increasingly popular in many countries. It is crucial to consider this issue because entertainment has a considerable influence on people’s leisure activities and interests. In my perspective, I believe that these books and programmes are popular mainly because they are exciting and thought-provoking, and I have a generally positive opinion of crime fiction when it is presented responsibly.

To substantiate my viewpoint, I firmly hold the belief that crime stories attract people because they provide suspense and curiosity. Unlike many ordinary forms of entertainment, crime novels and dramas usually contain mystery, unexpected events and unanswered questions, which encourage viewers and readers to discover what happens next. For example, a television series about a detective investigating a complicated murder case may reveal small clues throughout each episode, making the audience eager to watch the next one. As a result, people can remain emotionally engaged with the story and find this type of entertainment highly enjoyable.

Expounding on this, another important reason for the popularity of crime fiction is that it allows people to understand human behaviour and social problems. Such stories often explore issues such as fraud, violence, corruption and the work of law-enforcement agencies, which can make audiences more aware of the challenges faced by society. For instance, a crime drama may show how investigators use evidence and technology to solve a case, while also highlighting the consequences of criminal activities for victims and their families. Consequently, crime programmes can be not only entertaining but also informative and thought-provoking.

In conclusion, I am of the conviction that crime novels and TV dramas have become popular because they combine suspense with interesting insights into human behaviour and social issues. In my opinion, crime fiction can be a valuable form of entertainment as long as it does not glorify violence or criminal behaviour.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 7.5

The response fully addresses all parts of the task. Both elements—explaining why crime novels and TV dramas are popular and giving a personal opinion on them—are thoroughly covered. In the body paragraphs, you provide clear, well-supported reasons, such as suspense, curiosity, and the exploration of human behaviour and social issues. Your position is well-developed and maintained consistently throughout the introduction, body, and conclusion. For example, in the third paragraph, you effectively explain how crime dramas help audiences understand the work of law-enforcement agencies and the consequences of criminal activities. This meets the criteria for a high band by providing fully extended and supported ideas without any significant omissions.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 7.5

Your essay demonstrates a clear logical organization and progression throughout. The writing is easy to follow, with each paragraph having a distinct central topic. You utilize appropriate cohesive devices effectively, such as 'Unlike many ordinary forms of entertainment', 'Expounding on this', and 'Consequently', which help guide the reader through your arguments smoothly. Paragraphing is used sufficiently and appropriately, separating the introduction, two distinct body paragraphs with specific examples, and a concise conclusion. Referencing is clear and accurate across all sentences, contributing to a cohesive and unified piece of writing.

Lexical Resource — Band 7.0

You demonstrate a wide and flexible vocabulary range suited to the topic of entertainment and crime fiction. Phrases like 'digital entertainment', 'emotional engaged', 'law-enforcement agencies', and 'thought-provoking' showcase good control of less common lexical items and collocations. There are only occasional minor awkwardnesses, such as 'emotional engaged' instead of 'emotionally engaged', but this does not impede communication in any way. Overall, your choice of vocabulary is precise, allowing you to express complex ideas fluently and accurately.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 7.5

Your essay features a wide range of complex grammatical structures used with a high degree of accuracy. The majority of your sentences are error-free, showcasing sophisticated control over subordinate clauses and conditional phrasing, such as 'as long as it does not glorify violence or criminal behaviour'. You maintain good control of punctuation and tense consistency throughout the text. While there is a very minor slip ('emotional engaged' instead of the adverbial form 'emotionally engaged'), this is isolated, and your control over complex structures aligns comfortably with the Band 8 descriptor.

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