Band 7.5 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 7.5 · Cambridge IELTS 12 · 2026-08-17

IELTS Writing Task 2 question

At the present time, the population of some countries includes a relatively large number of young adults, compared with the number of older people.

Do the advantages of this situation outweigh the disadvantages?

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

Student answer (Band 7.5)

It is often argued that some countries currently have a significantly higher proportion of young adults than older people. Although this situation can create certain challenges, I believe that the advantages of having a predominantly young population outweigh the disadvantages.

One of the main advantages of a large young population is that it can contribute significantly to economic growth. Young adults are generally more capable of working, starting businesses and adapting to new technologies, which can increase productivity and innovation. In addition, a larger working-age population can generate greater tax revenues for governments, enabling them to invest more in infrastructure and public services. For example, countries with a large number of young workers can benefit from a growing labour force and attract companies seeking a dynamic workforce. Therefore, a youthful population can provide a strong foundation for long-term economic development.

However, having a disproportionately young population can also create several difficulties. The most significant issue is the pressure placed on employment, education and housing. If governments are unable to create sufficient jobs and provide adequate educational opportunities, a large number of young people may face unemployment or financial insecurity. For instance, in rapidly growing countries, young adults may struggle to find suitable employment after completing their education, particularly when economic growth does not keep pace with population growth. Nevertheless, these challenges can be reduced through effective government policies, investment in education and the creation of new employment opportunities.

In conclusion, although a large young population can put pressure on employment, education and housing, I believe that its benefits are greater. A youthful workforce can stimulate economic growth, increase productivity and support government revenues, making this demographic situation more advantageous overall.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 7.5

The response addresses all parts of the prompt, providing a clear position that the advantages of a young population outweigh the disadvantages. The ideas are well-developed, with the first body paragraph focusing on economic benefits like productivity and tax revenue, and the second addressing the challenges of employment and infrastructure. The arguments are supported by logical reasoning and relevant examples, such as the mention of companies seeking dynamic workforces. The conclusion effectively summarises the main points and reinforces the writer's stance. The response is balanced and fully answers the question asked.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 7.5

The essay is logically organised with a clear progression of ideas. Each paragraph has a central theme, and the transition between the advantages and disadvantages is smooth, using appropriate cohesive devices such as 'In addition', 'However', and 'Nevertheless'. Paragraphing is used effectively to separate distinct arguments. The referencing is clear, and the flow of information is natural throughout the text. The use of linking words is neither mechanical nor excessive, contributing to a coherent and easy-to-follow argument.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.5

The vocabulary is sufficient and precise, allowing for a clear expression of ideas. The student uses a range of topic-specific vocabulary such as 'economic growth', 'productivity', 'innovation', 'labour force', and 'financial insecurity'. While the range is adequate and accurate, it lacks some of the more sophisticated or idiomatic collocations that would push the score into the 8.0+ range. However, the word choice is consistently appropriate for the context, and there are no spelling or word-choice errors that impede communication.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 7.5

The student demonstrates a good command of complex sentence structures, such as the use of conditional clauses ('If governments are unable to...') and relative clauses ('...which can increase productivity...'). The majority of sentences are error-free, and the punctuation is used correctly throughout. The grammatical control is consistent, and the variety of structures used is sufficient to convey complex ideas clearly. There are no significant grammatical errors that distract the reader or cause confusion, reflecting a high level of accuracy.

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