Band 6.0 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 6.0 · Cambridge IELTS 15 · 2026-11-01

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 6.0)

Crime Series have become a global phenomenon. With more and more crime novels being adapted by film-makers into feature films or a mini series,we see a surge in the demand for this genera across the globe, especially in countries like the United States and the UK.

This is nothing new. When it comes to novel, the crime genera has always been a fan favourite. With Sherlock homes being a house-hold name for the curious kid, we have had authords writing thrillers way before make adaptations were popular. Some of the famous crime thriller writers include Agatha Cristie and Sydney Sheldon, who are both known for their cliffhangers and intricate storylines.

In recent times, along with the renowned authors, we see a lot of new authors gaining the limelight because Netflix has turned their novel into a mini series. One example is the book and mini series named "A Good Girl's Guide to Murder". We have witnessed that the younger generations prefer thrillers, and murder mystery to romance and rom-com genera. This could be one of the reasons why we see more and more movies in this particular genera being released.

I feel thrillers and murder mystery films have an edge over the traditonal romance and comedy films. They provide their spectators with the much anticipated adrenaline rush. Keeping the viewers on the edge of their seats throught the film. Therefore, viewers are not just someone on the outside, but now they actively participate in the movie by guessing who could the potential murderer could be. And because of all these reasons, viewers feel a sense of satisfaction and achievement after watching the film.

There are some negative aspects to it as well. People, especially kids might get influenced by such movies, and may attempt some unlawful or unethical activities at home. Parental guidance and caution is advised while watching such movies or mini series with kids. Even some adults can also get influenced by these films. Therefore, filmakers and authors should also take into account the degree of details they add in their work.

Everything has its ups and downs. Similarly with the crime thrillers, be it movie, mini series or a book. People should be cautious that these things can have a psychological impact as well. So, everything should be done in moderation. As long as people are aware, and take caution around kids, who doesn't like a good cliffhanger?

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 6.5

You address both questions: you explain the appeal through suspense, the “adrenaline rush,” and viewers’ opportunity to guess the murderer, then give a balanced opinion by noting both enjoyment and possible effects on children. Your position is clearest in the later paragraphs, where you favour the genre while recommending caution. The examples of Sherlock Holmes, Agatha Christie, and A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder make the discussion relevant. To develop the response further, explain more precisely why these features attract audiences, and support the concern about imitation with a reason or example rather than a broad claim. The opening focuses on adaptations and popularity in particular countries, while the final rhetorical question slightly softens your concluding position. Overall, the task is covered, but some ideas are more fully developed than others.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 6.0

The response has a clear overall arrangement: it introduces the trend, discusses its history and current popularity, presents your opinion, considers drawbacks, and concludes. Paragraphs generally have a distinct focus, and linking phrases such as “In recent times,” “Therefore,” and “Similarly” help show relationships between ideas. However, progression is sometimes weakened by repetition: the appeal of thrillers and the need for caution around children recur without much additional development. Some connections are also abrupt, such as moving from Netflix adaptations to younger viewers’ preferences. The sentence fragment “Keeping the viewers on the edge of their seats…” interrupts the flow of its paragraph, and “Similarly with the crime thrillers…” is not a complete transition. Use clearer links between claims and examples, and make each paragraph advance a distinct part of the argument.

Lexical Resource: Band 6.0

You use a relevant range of vocabulary for the topic, including “global phenomenon,” “cliffhangers,” “intricate storylines,” “adrenaline rush,” and “psychological impact.” These choices help convey the genre’s appeal and possible risks, and meaning remains clear despite some inaccuracies. However, several expressions are imprecise or repetitive: “genera” is repeatedly used where “genre” is intended, and “mini series” and “thrillers” recur often. Some collocations are awkward, such as “gaining the limelight” and “degree of details.” Spelling errors—including “traditonal,” “film-makers,” and misspelled author names—also reduce accuracy. Aim for more precise phrasing and check spelling carefully; varying terms such as “crime fiction,” “mystery dramas,” and “screen adaptations” would make the discussion more flexible.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 5.5

You attempt a mix of simple and complex structures, including subordinate clauses with “because” and “while,” and the meaning is generally understandable. Some sentences are controlled, such as “This could be one of the reasons why we see more and more movies…” However, errors in sentence formation and punctuation remain. “Keeping the viewers on the edge of their seats throught the film” is a fragment, while “Similarly with the crime thrillers…” is also incomplete. In “guessing who could the potential murderer could be,” the word order and repeated modal verb need correction. There are also article and agreement problems, for example “when it comes to novel” and “who doesn’t like” after the plural “people.” Review sentence boundaries, question word order in embedded clauses, and agreement, while continuing to use complex sentences.

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

Browse more IELTS Writing model answers or get your own writing scored by the same AI examiner.