Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 5.5 · Cambridge IELTS 15 · 2026-10-28

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 5.5)

In many countries today, Crime novels and TV crime dramas are becoming more common. The use of fictional novels and dramas for academic purpose especially for Art students and also for entertainment are some of the reasons it is so common in todays world.

Firstly, fictional novels amd dramas are now being used in instilling knowledge into students in schools. In many schools, it is taken as a seperate course or subject known as Theatre Art. Many students even write it in examinations while others take it as a career course. Furthermore, it also have a way of creating awareness in the young generation about crimes and the consequences that comes with it. Hence, I believe the constant use of frictional novels and dramas for educational purpose is a major reason why TV crime dramas and crime novels are becoming popular.

Secondly, crime novels and TV crime dramas are also a form of entertainment to the country at large. It expands the mind of individuals and make them imagine things beyond the real world. Sometimes, this single act also have a way of inspiring individuals to think beyond their comfort. Moreso, frictional novels and drams have a way of creating tension in individuals aas tehy began to predict what is to happen next in the movie which have a way of improving their cognitive reasoning.

In conclusion, crime novel and TV crime drama are majorly used for educational purpose in many schools. It also serves as a form of entertainment for many individuals and have a way of improving their cognitive functioning. Hence, with these positive impacts is the reason why it is becoming common in many countries today.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 5.0

You address both questions by giving reasons for the popularity—education and entertainment—and by presenting a positive view, especially through claims about awareness and cognitive benefits. However, the response only partially fulfils the task because the reasons are not always focused specifically on why crime fiction attracts audiences. The discussion of Theatre Art as a school subject, for example, does not explain clearly why crime stories themselves are popular. Your opinion is implied through phrases such as “positive impacts,” but it would be clearer if stated directly and supported with a specific example. Develop audience-focused reasons, such as suspense, solving a mystery, or interest in criminal investigations, and explain each one more fully.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 5.5

The response has a recognisable structure: an introduction, two body paragraphs signalled by “Firstly” and “Secondly,” and a conclusion. This makes the main points easy to locate. However, progression within the paragraphs is sometimes unclear, and several ideas are linked mechanically with “Furthermore,” “Hence,” and “Moreso.” The first paragraph moves from school courses to crime awareness without fully explaining the connection to popularity; the second shifts from entertainment to imagination and cognitive reasoning. The conclusion largely repeats these points rather than bringing the argument together. Use clearer topic sentences and explain how each supporting point connects to the question. More precise referencing and less repetitive linking would make the flow smoother.

Lexical Resource: Band 5.5

You use some relevant vocabulary, including “creating awareness,” “consequences,” “entertainment,” and “cognitive reasoning,” and you attempt to discuss the topic in an academic style. However, the range is limited and several word choices or collocations are inaccurate or repetitive. “Frictional novels” appears where “fictional novels” is intended, while “it expands the mind” and “think beyond their comfort” are not natural expressions in this context. Repeated use of “have a way of” also reduces precision. Aim for vocabulary specific to crime stories, such as “suspense,” “plot twists,” and “investigative skills,” and check spelling and collocations carefully. These changes would help express your ideas more naturally and precisely.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 5.5

You attempt both simple and more complex sentences, using structures such as “while others take it as a career course” and “as they began to predict what is to happen next.” The overall meaning is generally understandable, but errors in agreement and verb forms occur repeatedly. For example, “it also have” should be “it also has,” “the consequences that comes” should be “the consequences that come,” and “it expands … and make” should be “it expands … and makes.” There are also awkward sentence constructions, including “Hence, with these positive impacts is the reason why…”. Practise checking the subject and verb in each clause, and revise long sentences to ensure their grammatical relationships are clear.

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