Band 7.5 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 7.5 · Cambridge IELTS 12 · 2026-09-15

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)

Nowadays, a number of countries have a markedly higher proportion of young adults than elderly people. While this demographic structure can provide a substantial economic advantage by expanding the working-age population, I believe that the associated disadvantages are ultimately more significant, particularly when employment opportunities and public resources fail to keep pace with population growth.

A youthful population can undoubtedly contribute to a country’s economic and social development. A large pool of young workers can increase productivity, broaden the tax base and help sustain economic growth. Moreover, younger people are generally more adaptable to technological change and are more likely to acquire new skills, establish businesses and contribute to innovation. This can give countries with relatively young populations a considerable advantage in an increasingly technology-driven global economy. In addition, a larger working-age population can help support older generations by generating the tax revenue required to fund pensions and other social programmes.

However, these benefits depend heavily on a country’s ability to provide sufficient opportunities for its younger citizens. If the labour market cannot absorb the rapidly increasing number of young adults, unemployment and underemployment may become widespread. This can create financial insecurity and frustration among young people and, in extreme cases, contribute to social unrest. Furthermore, a predominantly young population places substantial pressure on essential infrastructure. Governments may have to expand educational institutions, healthcare facilities, housing and public transport at a rapid pace. Where public investment fails to match this growing demand, overcrowded services and declining living standards can become serious long-term problems.

In conclusion, although a large young population can strengthen a country’s workforce, stimulate innovation and support economic growth, these advantages are not automatic. In my view, the disadvantages outweigh the benefits when employment creation and public infrastructure fail to keep pace with demographic growth. Therefore, governments must invest strategically in education, job creation and essential services if they are to turn a youthful population into a genuine national advantage.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 7.5

The response fully addresses all parts of the task by exploring both sides of the demographic issue and clearly stating a well-developed personal position. The writer introduces the topic effectively in the introduction, weighing economic advantages against infrastructural and employment disadvantages. Body paragraphs are well-developed, with clear arguments supporting the economic benefits of a young workforce, such as productivity, innovation, and tax generation, alongside logical drawbacks like unemployment and pressure on public services. The conclusion successfully synthesises these points and reaffirms the writer's stance. Ideas are thoroughly explored and extended, meeting the criteria for a high band score under Task Achievement.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 7.5

The essay demonstrates a clear, logical organisation and progression throughout. Each paragraph has a distinct central topic, starting with an introductory overview, followed by two well-structured body paragraphs, and a concise conclusion. Cohesive devices are used flexibly and appropriately without being obtrusive, as seen with transition phrases like 'While this demographic structure', 'Moreover', and 'Furthermore'. Paragraphing is handled skilfully, ensuring smooth conceptual transitions between the advantages and disadvantages. Referencing and substitution are managed exceptionally well, keeping the reader oriented throughout the argument.

Lexical Resource — Band 7.5

The candidate displays a wide, fluent, and flexible lexical resource suitable for an academic response. Sophisticated vocabulary and precise collocations are used naturally throughout the text, including terms such as 'demographic structure', 'substantial economic advantage', 'broaden the tax base', and 'underemployment'. Less common lexical items are integrated skilfully to discuss complex socio-economic concepts, for instance, 'technology-driven global economy' and 'strategic investment'. Word choice is precise, and spelling is flawless. There are only occasional minor inaccuracies, aligning well with the descriptors for a high band score.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 8.0

The essay displays a wide range of complex grammatical structures used with a high degree of accuracy. The majority of sentences are error-free, and the candidate effortlessly employs conditional structures, subordinate clauses, and participial phrases, such as 'Where public investment fails to match this growing demand, overcrowded services and declining living standards can become serious long-term problems.' Control of punctuation, tense consistency, and subject-verb agreement is consistently strong throughout the entire response. The minor slips or non-systematic errors that characterise Band 8 are virtually absent, placing this safely in the top tier for grammar.

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