Band 7.0 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 7.0 · Cambridge IELTS 15 · 2026-09-04

IELTS Writing Task 2 question

Nowadays many people complain that they have difficulties getting enough sleep. What problems can lack of sleep cause? What can be done about lack of sleep?

Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience.

 

Student answer (Band 7.0)

In today's fast-paced society, getting adequate sleep has become increasingly challenging for many people. The consequences of sleep deprivation can be far-reaching and have negative impacts on both physical and mental health. This essay will discuss the problems caused by a lack of sleep and potential solutions to address this issue.

The lack of sleep can lead to a wide range of health problems, including obesity, diabetes, hypertension, and cardiovascular disease. Sleep deprivation can also weaken people's immune systems, making them more susceptible to illnesses. In addition to physical health problems, lack of sleep can also affect mental health, causing mood swings, irritability, and difficulty concentrating. Prolonged sleep deprivation can even lead to depression and anxiety disorders.

To combat the negative effects of sleep deprivation and to have enough sleep, several strategies can be employed. Establishing a regular sleep schedule and creating a sleep-conducive environment are essential steps towards better sleep. Avoiding caffeine and other stimulants, especially in the evening, can also help. In some cases, practising relaxation techniques such as meditation or yoga can help promote better sleep.

Another solution to address sleep deprivation is through the use of technology. For example, there are apps and wearable devices that can track sleep patterns and provide insights into sleep quality. These technologies can help individuals understand their sleep habits and make changes to improve sleep.

In conclusion, the problems caused by a lack of sleep are significant and can have detrimental effects on both physical and mental health. However, there are several solutions to address this issue, including establishing a regular sleep schedule, creating a sleep-conducive environment, avoiding stimulants, practising relaxation techniques, and using technology to track and improve sleep. By implementing these strategies, individuals can prioritize their sleep and improve their overall health and well-being.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 6.5

The response addresses both parts of the prompt: the problems caused by sleep deprivation and potential solutions. The ideas are relevant and clearly presented. The essay is well-structured, with a clear introduction, body paragraphs, and a conclusion. However, the development of ideas is somewhat descriptive rather than analytical. For instance, while you list health problems like 'obesity' and 'diabetes', providing a brief explanation of the mechanism—such as how sleep affects metabolic hormones—would elevate the response to a higher band. Similarly, the solutions are listed clearly, but could be further supported by explaining why these specific strategies are effective in a modern context. Overall, the task is fully addressed with a clear position.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 7.0

The essay demonstrates a clear logical progression. Each paragraph has a central theme, and the transition between the problems and the solutions is smooth. You make effective use of cohesive devices such as 'In addition to', 'To combat', and 'For example', which help guide the reader through your arguments. Paragraphing is used appropriately to separate distinct ideas. The flow is natural, and the relationship between sentences is consistently clear. To reach a higher band, you could experiment with more sophisticated referencing or varied cohesive markers to avoid a slightly formulaic structure in the body paragraphs.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.5

You demonstrate a good range of vocabulary appropriate for the topic, such as 'sleep-conducive', 'detrimental', 'stimulants', and 'cardiovascular disease'. The language is precise and conveys your meaning effectively. There are no significant spelling or word-choice errors. While the vocabulary is accurate and sufficient, it remains largely functional. To achieve a higher band, you could incorporate more idiomatic expressions or less common collocations related to the topic of health and lifestyle, such as 'chronic sleep deprivation' or 'circadian rhythm', to demonstrate a more sophisticated and flexible command of the language.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 7.0

The essay displays a good command of grammatical structures. You use a mix of simple and complex sentences effectively, such as 'In addition to physical health problems, lack of sleep can also affect mental health, causing mood swings...'. The punctuation is accurate, and there are very few grammatical errors. The sentences are generally error-free, which indicates a high level of control. To reach the next level, ensure you include a wider variety of complex grammatical forms, such as conditional sentences (e.g., 'If individuals were to prioritize...') or passive voice constructions, to demonstrate greater flexibility in your writing.

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

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