Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 5.5 · Cambridge IELTS 12 · 2026-09-12
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 5.5)
In recent era globally the population of young generation is comparatively higher than the older ones. According to my point of view this condition carry more advantages in all terms rather than disadvantages.
Firstly if we talk about young generation they are the backbone of their country. Every country needs youth for its development. The young and evolved minds are required for growth. The young minds are more efficient to handle every kind of situation and deal with them according. For instance if we compare the IQ of a young and a old we will definitely see the difference in both of them the problem solving skills the pressure bearing ability both are more in young one. Today the young ones are very keen toh learn new things.
On the other hand if we talk about older generation they are not efficient as much as young ones. Even they have more life experience but they can't work efficiently as younger generation. Older generation is also physically and mentally weak and depends on their family members for daily activities. So their contribution in development of a country is negligible because of that age factor.
Furthermore if we take example of a company who is hiring candidates we can see that they give more preference to young people rather than old ones.
In conclusion young people have more efficiency than the older ones and they can contribute more to a developing country rather than older ones so the advantages of having young generation in Higher number definitely outweigh the disadvantages
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 6.0 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 5.5 |
| Lexical Resource | 5.5 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 5.5 |
| Overall | 5.5 |
Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 6.0
The response addresses the prompt by discussing the advantages and disadvantages of having a population with a large proportion of young adults, taking a clear position that the advantages outweigh the disadvantages. Ideas are introduced, such as the economic contribution and problem-solving skills of young people compared to the limitations of older generations. However, the development of these ideas tends to rely on sweeping generalisations rather than well-supported examples or deep elaboration. For instance, the claim that older generations are entirely dependent and that their contribution is 'negligible' is extreme and lacks nuanced reasoning. Overall, the task is addressed, but the support for the arguments remains somewhat superficial, aligning well with the Band 5.5 to 6.0 range.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.5
The essay has a coherent overall arrangement and follows a basic essay structure with an introduction, body paragraphs, and a conclusion. Paragraphing is attempted, though some paragraphs combine multiple ideas loosely. Cohesive devices such as 'Firstly', 'On the other hand', and 'In conclusion' are used to signal the structure of the essay. However, referencing and transitions can be mechanical or repetitive, such as the constant use of 'young generation' and 'older generation'. Furthermore, logical progression within paragraphs is sometimes hindered by abrupt shifts and simplistic linking. Overall, the organisational structure is apparent, but cohesion is occasionally faulty, supporting a Band 5.5.
Lexical Resource — Band 5.5
The lexical resource displayed is adequate for the task, allowing the writer to communicate basic arguments about age demographics. Words such as 'backbone', 'development', 'efficient', and 'contribution' are used correctly. However, the range of vocabulary is limited and repetitive, with frequent reliance on basic words and phrases like 'young generation', 'older generation', and 'efficient'. There are also spelling and typographical issues, such as 'toh' instead of 'to', and minor collocation slips, such as 'carry more advantages in all terms'. Less common vocabulary is attempted with limited success. This performance fits the Band 5.5 descriptor.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.5
The writer uses a mix of simple and complex sentence forms, though complex structures are often basic or prone to structural errors. There are frequent punctuation omissions, such as missing commas after introductory phrases (e.g., 'Firstly', 'In conclusion') and missing periods at the ends of sentences. Grammatical errors occur throughout the text, including subject-verb agreement issues like 'this condition carry' and missing articles or prepositions. While these errors do not completely impede communication, they are frequent enough to disrupt the flow of reading and prevent the essay from reaching a higher band. The grammar is characteristic of a Band 5.5 level.
See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.
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