Band 8.0 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 8.0 · Cambridge IELTS 19 · 2026-08-09

IELTS Writing Task 2 question

Some people think that competition at work, at school and in daily life is a good thing. Others believe that we should try to cooperate more, rather than competing against each other.

Discuss both these views and give your own opinion.

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

Student answer (Band 8.0)

Here's a model essay for this Task 2 question:

Competition is a central feature of many aspects of modern life, from the workplace to the classroom. While some people believe that this competitive drive brings out the best in individuals and drives progress, others argue that greater cooperation would produce better outcomes for society. This essay will examine both perspectives before presenting my own view.

Those who favour competition argue that it motivates people to work harder and achieve more than they otherwise would. In the workplace, employees who compete for promotions or bonuses often become more productive and innovative, as they strive to distinguish themselves from their colleagues. Similarly, in schools, competitive exams and rankings can push students to study more diligently. On a broader level, competition between companies drives technological advancement and keeps prices low for consumers, as businesses must constantly improve to survive in the market.

On the other hand, advocates of cooperation contend that working together produces more sustainable and inclusive results. When people collaborate rather than compete, they can pool their knowledge and skills to solve problems more effectively than any individual could alone. In schools, group projects teach children valuable interpersonal skills such as communication and compromise, which are essential in adult life. Moreover, excessive competition can create stress, anxiety, and even unethical behaviour, as individuals prioritise personal success over collective wellbeing or fairness.

In my view, both competition and cooperation have valuable roles to play, and the key lies in balance rather than favouring one exclusively. Some level of competition is healthy, as it encourages effort and innovation, but this should not come at the expense of teamwork and mutual support. For instance, workplaces that combine individual performance incentives with collaborative team goals tend to achieve the best results. Ultimately, a combination of both approaches, applied appropriately to different contexts, is more likely to lead to personal growth and social progress than relying solely on one.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 8.0

The response fully addresses all parts of the task. You have clearly presented both sides of the argument regarding competition and cooperation, and your own position is well-defined and maintained throughout the essay. Each paragraph provides relevant, well-developed ideas, such as the mention of technological advancement in the context of competition and the development of interpersonal skills in the context of cooperation. The conclusion effectively synthesises these views, offering a nuanced perspective that balances both concepts. The ideas are extended with logical reasoning and relevant examples, meeting the requirements for a high band score.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 8.0

The essay demonstrates a clear logical progression throughout. Each paragraph has a central topic, and the transition between paragraphs is smooth and natural. You have used a variety of cohesive devices effectively, such as 'Similarly', 'On the other hand', 'Moreover', and 'For instance', which help guide the reader through your argument. The paragraphing is logical and contributes to the overall clarity of the response. There is no evidence of mechanical or repetitive use of linking words; instead, the structure feels cohesive and well-managed, which is characteristic of a high-level response.

Lexical Resource — Band 8.0

You have used a wide range of vocabulary with precision and natural control. The language is sophisticated and appropriate for an academic context. Examples such as 'central feature', 'sustainable and inclusive results', 'interpersonal skills', and 'personal growth' demonstrate a strong command of collocation and topic-specific terminology. There are no noticeable errors in word choice or spelling, and the vocabulary is used flexibly to express complex ideas. The range is sufficient to convey your arguments with clarity and nuance, fitting the criteria for a high band score.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 8.0

The essay displays a wide range of grammatical structures with high accuracy. You have successfully used a mix of simple and complex sentences, such as conditional structures ('If...') and relative clauses, to convey your points. The majority of sentences are error-free, and the punctuation is used correctly throughout. There are no significant grammatical slips that impede communication. The control over complex sentence forms is consistent, and the overall flow of the writing is enhanced by the variety of structures employed, which is indicative of a strong command of English grammar.

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