Band 6.5 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 6.5 · Cambridge IELTS 19 · 2026-09-05

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 6.5)

Competition is an integral part of life, whether at work, in school, or in our everyday interactions, and people experience it to varying degrees. While some believe this competitive nature should be curbed and instead a more collaborative spirit should be adopted, I believe a competitive drive is essential to different degrees depending upon the area of life.

A drive for achievement at work can improve productivity among the employees, lead to fewer errors and more innovation in the company. Employees who are ambitious can foster a competitive mindset which can push others to also work hard. Competition among youngsters at school can make them approach their academics and extra-curriculars like a game that they have to win and therefore rank above their friends. This can have a positive boost in performance and can lead to development of qualities like discipline and time management. Competitive nature in day to day life can lead to a higher drive to maintain fitness, eat healthy and achieve what sounds like success to them more quickly.

On the other hand, workplace competition can lead to a toxic environment particularly if it is promoted and manipulated by the company management. If the workers are not compensated based on their performance this can cause a dip in motivation to work hard. Workplace rivalry can cause the development of bitter relationships and poor health. They may turn to drinking or smoking to unwind. A collaborative environment has a higher likelihood of fostering a healthy and productive environment. Rivalry at schools can cause students to develop anxiety and aversiveness towards exams. A more cooperative interaction can benefit them to develop qualities of mindfulness and helping nature. A lack of competitive spirit particularly in daily life can help one appreciate smaller things in life and live life to their fullest.

Therefore, a competitive spirit requires balance as it has both upsides and downsides in all environment. I particularly believe a rivalrous attitude should be less welcomed in everyday settings to live life to the fullest.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 6.5

You have addressed all parts of the prompt by discussing both the benefits of competition and the advantages of cooperation, while clearly stating your own position. Your ideas are relevant and generally well-developed, particularly in the body paragraphs where you contrast the two concepts across different settings. However, the development could be slightly more nuanced; for instance, the link between competition and 'drinking or smoking' is a strong claim that could benefit from more logical explanation. Overall, your position is consistent throughout the essay, and you have provided a balanced view that meets the requirements for a Band 7.0.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.5

The essay is logically organized with a clear introduction, body paragraphs, and a conclusion. You use cohesive devices effectively, such as 'On the other hand' and 'Therefore,' to signal shifts in your argument. Paragraphing is used appropriately to separate distinct ideas. While the progression of ideas is generally smooth, some transitions between sentences could be more sophisticated to avoid a slightly mechanical feel. For example, the flow within the second paragraph could be improved by using more varied linking phrases to connect the benefits of competition in school to the specific qualities mentioned. Overall, the structure is clear and easy to follow.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.5

You demonstrate a sufficient range of vocabulary to discuss the topic with precision. Phrases like 'integral part of life,' 'foster a competitive mindset,' and 'aversiveness towards exams' show a good command of language. There are occasional minor inaccuracies in collocation, such as 'positive boost in performance' (a 'boost' is usually an increase, so 'positive impact' or 'significant boost' would be more natural). You also use some less common items effectively. To reach a higher band, focus on using more sophisticated collocations and avoiding slightly repetitive phrasing when discussing the 'environment' or 'life'.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 6.5

You use a mix of simple and complex sentence structures, and the majority of your sentences are error-free. You demonstrate good control over grammar, with only occasional slips, such as 'live life to their fullest' (should be 'its' or 'one's') and 'in all environment' (should be plural 'environments'). Your punctuation is generally accurate, which helps maintain clarity. To improve, try to incorporate a wider variety of complex grammatical structures, such as conditional sentences or more varied subordinate clauses, to demonstrate greater flexibility. Your current level of accuracy is strong and does not impede communication.

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

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