Band 5.0 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 5.0 · Cambridge IELTS 19 · 2026-09-03
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 5.0)
Certain individuals believe that competitions at work places, academic environments and everyday life could be beneficial while others argue that we should work together with unity.In my opinion competition has both advantages and disadvantages.
On one hand, competitions could lead to the betterment of workplace productivity. It encourages students to work hard and strive for excellence. It also provides them with opportunities to hone their skills, enhancing their abilities to explore. Healthy rivalry between two enterprises can lead to improvement in the quality of their products,ultimately
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 4.0 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 5.0 |
| Lexical Resource | 5.0 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 5.0 |
| Overall | 5.0 |
Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 4.0
The response is significantly under the required 250-word minimum, containing only 86 words. Because the essay is incomplete, it fails to address all parts of the task. While the introduction identifies both sides of the argument, the discussion is cut off mid-sentence, preventing the development of ideas or the presentation of a coherent conclusion. Consequently, the task is only partially addressed, and the position is not fully developed. To improve, you must ensure you complete the full essay structure, including a balanced discussion of both viewpoints and a clear, supported conclusion.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.0
The response shows some basic logical organization, using 'On one hand' to introduce the first perspective. However, because the text is incomplete and lacks a full structure, it is impossible to assess the overall progression of ideas or the effective use of paragraphing. Cohesive devices are used in a mechanical way, and the abrupt ending disrupts the flow of the argument. To improve, focus on completing your paragraphs and using a wider variety of linking words to connect your ideas more fluidly.
Lexical Resource — Band 5.0
The vocabulary used is adequate for the limited length of the response. You have used some appropriate academic collocations such as 'workplace productivity', 'strive for excellence', and 'hone their skills'. However, the range is limited due to the brevity of the text. There are no significant errors in word choice, but the lack of length prevents the demonstration of a wider, more sophisticated range of vocabulary. Focus on expanding your writing to allow for more complex and varied lexical choices.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.0
The grammar is generally accurate in the sentences provided. You have used a mix of simple and complex structures, such as 'It encourages students to work hard and strive for excellence.' There are no major grammatical errors that impede communication. However, the range of structures is limited by the short length of the essay. To achieve a higher band, you should aim to incorporate a wider variety of complex sentence forms, such as conditional sentences or passive voice, while maintaining this level of accuracy.
See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.
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