Band 7.0 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 7.0 · Cambridge IELTS 15 · 2026-09-19
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)
Crime novels and television crime dramas have gained considerable popularity in many countries in recent years. There are several reasons for this trend, particularly the suspense these stories create and the opportunity they give audiences to solve mysteries. In my opinion, crime fiction is an enjoyable form of entertainment, although some programmes may contain content that is unsuitable for certain viewers.
One major reason for the popularity of crime fiction is that it keeps people interested through suspense and unexpected developments. Unlike some types of entertainment, crime stories often leave viewers wondering what will happen next or who is responsible for a particular crime. This makes people want to continue reading a novel or watching the next episode. For example, a television series may reveal small clues throughout an episode and only explain the entire case at the end, encouraging viewers to keep watching.
Another reason is thatcrime stories allow audiences to become involved in solving the mystery themselves. Readers and viewers can examine the evidence, consider different suspects and try to predict the outcome before it is revealed. This can make the experience more engaging than simply watching a story unfold. In addition, some crime dramas are based on real cases, which can increase people's curiosity about how criminal investigations are conducted.
Personally, I have a positive view of crime novels and television dramas because I find them both entertaining and intellectually engaging. They can encourage people to pay attention to details and think critically. However, I believe that programmes containing excessive violence should be watched carefully, particularly by younger audiences.
In conclusion, crime fiction is increasingly popular because it provides suspense and allows audiences to participate in solving mysteries. Overall, I believe that crime novels and TV dramas are a valuable form of entertainment when their content is appropriate for the viewer.
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 7.0 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 7.0 |
| Lexical Resource | 7.0 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 7.0 |
| Overall | 7.0 |
Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 7.0
The response fully addresses all parts of the task. The writer successfully explains why crime novels and TV dramas are popular, citing factors such as suspense, unexpected developments, and the interactive nature of solving mysteries. Furthermore, a clear position is established in the introduction and maintained throughout, offering a balanced view that recognises the entertainment value while acknowledging potential concerns regarding excessive violence. The ideas are well extended and supported with relevant explanations and examples, such as the mention of how series reveal clues gradually. This meets the criteria for Band 7.0.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 7.0
The essay demonstrates clear logical organisation and progression throughout. Each paragraph has a distinct central topic, moving smoothly from the introduction to reasons for popularity, personal opinion, and a concise conclusion. Cohesive devices are used effectively and flexibly, such as 'Unlike some types of entertainment', 'For example', and 'In addition'. Paragraphing is used sufficiently and appropriately to structure the argument. While some cohesive relationships are slightly standard, the overall arrangement is coherent and easy to follow, aligning well with the Band 7.0 descriptors.
Lexical Resource — Band 7.0
The student uses a sufficient range of vocabulary to allow for flexibility and precision. Phrases such as 'considerable popularity', 'unexpected developments', and 'intellectually engaging' demonstrate a solid command of common and slightly less common lexical items. Word choice is generally appropriate, and spelling is accurate throughout. Although there are no major errors, the vocabulary occasionally stays within safe, expected boundaries for the topic rather than showcasing advanced, highly sophisticated collocations, which places this text firmly at Band 7.0.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 7.0
The writer employs a good variety of complex structures alongside simple sentences, maintaining frequent error-free constructions. Examples include conditional or participial structures such as 'encouraging viewers to keep watching' and relative clauses like 'which can increase people's curiosity'. Grammar and punctuation control is strong, with only minor formatting issues such as a missing space in the third paragraph ('is thatcrime'). The majority of sentences are accurate, and grammatical errors do not impede communication, supporting a Band 7.0 rating.
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