Band 7.5 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 7.5 · Cambridge IELTS 12 · 2026-09-01
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)
In many countries, the proportion of young adults is significantly higher than that of older people. Although this demographic situation can create some challenges, I believe that its advantages are greater because a young population can contribute substantially to economic growth and social development.
One major advantage is that a large working-age population can strengthen the economy. Young adults are generally more physically active, adaptable and willing to learn new skills. As a result, they can fill jobs in industries such as technology, manufacturing and healthcare, increasing productivity and government tax revenues. For example, India has a relatively young population, which provides the country with a large workforce and has supported the growth of sectors such as information technology and online services. Furthermore, young people are often more willing to start businesses and introduce innovative ideas, which can create employment opportunities for others.
However, having a very young population also has disadvantages. If governments cannot provide enough jobs, education and training, high youth unemployment may become a serious problem. This can lead to poverty, frustration and even social unrest. In addition, countries with rapidly growing young populations may face pressure on housing, transportation, schools and other public services. These problems can be particularly severe in developing nations where resources are limited.
In conclusion, a large proportion of young adults can put considerable pressure on a country's economy and public services. Nevertheless, I believe the benefits outweigh the drawbacks, provided that governments invest in education, employment and infrastructure. With appropriate planning, a young population can become a valuable asset and a major driver of national progress.
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 7.5 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 7.5 |
| Lexical Resource | 7.0 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 7.5 |
| Overall | 7.5 |
Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 7.5
The response fully addresses all parts of the prompt. You clearly state your position in the introduction and maintain it throughout the essay. The arguments for both the advantages (economic growth, innovation) and disadvantages (unemployment, pressure on public services) are well-developed and supported with relevant examples, such as the reference to India. The conclusion effectively synthesizes the main points and provides a balanced view. The ideas are relevant and logically extended, meeting the requirements for a high band score.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 7.5
The essay is logically organized 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 'Furthermore', 'However', and 'Nevertheless'. Paragraphing is used effectively to separate distinct arguments. The flow of information is natural, and the relationship between sentences is clear, which makes the essay easy to follow. There is no evidence of mechanical or repetitive use of linking words.
Lexical Resource — Band 7.0
You demonstrate a good range of vocabulary appropriate for an academic essay. Phrases like 'demographic situation', 'working-age population', 'social unrest', and 'valuable asset' show a level of precision and sophistication. The word choices are accurate and contribute to the clarity of your arguments. While the vocabulary is effective and natural, incorporating a few more idiomatic or less common collocations could elevate the response further. Overall, the range is sufficient to convey complex ideas with ease.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 7.5
The essay exhibits a high level of grammatical control. You use a variety of complex structures, such as conditional sentences ('provided that...') and subordinate clauses ('Although this demographic situation...', 'If governments cannot...'), with high accuracy. Punctuation is used correctly to enhance readability. The majority of sentences are error-free, and there are no significant grammatical slips that impede communication. The sentence structure is varied, moving between simple and complex forms to maintain the reader's interest.
See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.
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