Band 7.0 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 7.0 · Cambridge IELTS 12 · 2026-09-22

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 7.0)

In many countries, young adults make up a considerably larger proportion of the population than elderly people. Although this demographic pattern can create some challenges, I believe its advantages outweigh the disadvantages because a large working-age population can promote economic growth and innovation.

The primary benefit of having a predominantly young population is its contribution to the workforce. Young adults are generally more economically active, allowing businesses to access a larger pool of workers and increasing national productivity. They also contribute to government revenue through taxation, which can be invested in infrastructure, education and healthcare. Moreover, young people are often more willing to adopt new technologies and develop innovative ideas. A country with a substantial number of young entrepreneurs and skilled professionals, for instance, may experience faster growth in industries such as technology, healthcare and engineering.

Nevertheless, a youthful population can also create significant pressure on governments. The most obvious concern is unemployment. If the economy fails to generate enough jobs, a large number of young people may struggle to establish financially secure lives. This can also increase demand for higher education, vocational training and affordable housing. Consequently, governments may have to make substantial investments simply to meet the needs of a growing young population.

Despite these drawbacks, most of these problems can be addressed through effective planning and investment. Expanding educational opportunities, encouraging entrepreneurship and creating employment in emerging industries can help countries make productive use of their young workers.

In conclusion, although having a large young-adult population may place pressure on employment and public services, its ability to strengthen the workforce, stimulate economic activity and encouraged innovation makes it more beneficial overall.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 7.0

The response fully addresses all parts of the task by discussing both the advantages and disadvantages of a predominantly young population and presenting a clear position throughout. The writer's stance that the advantages outweigh the disadvantages is well-supported by relevant ideas, such as workforce contributions, economic growth, and technological innovation. The arguments are extended effectively, acknowledging potential challenges like unemployment and government pressure while refuting them through logical planning solutions. The ideas are well-developed and appropriate for an academic context, matching the descriptor for Band 7.0 and pushing close to Band 8.0 in terms of task coverage.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 7.0

The response demonstrates clear logical organisation and progression throughout. Each paragraph has a distinct focus, beginning with a clear introduction, followed by body paragraphs dedicated to advantages, disadvantages, solutions, and a concise conclusion. Cohesive devices such as 'The primary benefit', 'Moreover', 'Nevertheless', and 'Consequently' are used effectively to guide the reader through the argument. Paragraphing is used sufficiently and appropriately, ensuring the text flows smoothly. Referencing is clear, and the overall arrangement maintains coherence from start to finish, perfectly aligning with the Band 7.5 descriptors.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.5

The student uses a sufficient range of vocabulary with some flexibility and precision. Less common lexical items such as 'demographic pattern', 'economically active', 'entrepreneurs', and 'emerging industries' demonstrate a good awareness of style and collocation. Word choices are generally appropriate, though there is a minor grammatical slip in the conclusion ('encouraged innovation' instead of 'encouraging innovation'). Nevertheless, the vocabulary is adequate to convey precise meanings and supports the development of the arguments well, justifying a solid Band 7.0.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 7.0

The response exhibits a wide variety of complex sentence structures used with good control and accuracy. Examples include concessive clauses ('Although this demographic pattern can create...') and conditional or participial structures. There are frequent error-free sentences, and punctuation is handled well throughout. The single grammatical slip noted in the concluding sentence ('encouraged innovation' instead of the gerund 'encouraging') is a minor oversight that does not impede communication in any way. The grammatical range and accuracy comfortably meet the criteria for a Band 7.5.

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

Browse more IELTS Writing model answers or get your own writing scored by the same AI examiner.