Band 7.0 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 7.0 · Cambridge IELTS 19 · 2026-09-29

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 7.0)

In contemporary society, competition has become an important part of people's lives, including workplaces, educational institutions, and daily activities. While some individuals believe that competing with others is beneficial because it encourages improvement, others argue that cooperation is a better approach. In my opinion, although competition can motivate people to achieve their goals, cooperation is more valuable for achieving long-term success.

On the one hand, competition can bring several positive outcomes in different areas of life. The main advantage is that it encourages individuals to improve their skills and work harder. When people compete with others, they often set higher goals and make greater efforts to achieve better results. For example, students who compete for higher grades may develop effective study habits and spend more time improving their knowledge. Similarly, competition among companies can lead to better products and services because businesses try to satisfy customers and remain successful in the market. Therefore, healthy competition can be a powerful source of motivation and progress.

On the other hand, many people believe that cooperation is more beneficial because it allows individuals to combine their abilities and knowledge. Working together helps people solve problems more effectively, especially when tasks are complicated and require different skills. For instance, scientific research usually depends on collaboration between experts from various fields rather than the efforts of a single person. Moreover, excessive competition can sometimes create stress, jealousy, and unhealthy relationships among individuals. As a result, cooperation can create a more supportive and productive environment.

In my view, cooperation should be given more importance, although competition also has its own benefits. A certain level of competition can encourage personal development; however, cooperation enables people to share ideas and achieve objectives that may be impossible to accomplish alone. For this reason, maintaining a balance between both approaches is the most effective way forward.

In conclusion, competition can motivate people to improve their performance and achieve higher standards, while cooperation promotes teamwork and effective problem-solving. Although both have advantages, I believe cooperation is more essential for sustainable success.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 7.5

The response fully addresses all parts of the task by discussing both views—competition and cooperation—while providing a clear and well-developed personal position throughout. The introduction sets up the discussion effectively, and each body paragraph is well-supported with relevant examples, such as students competing for grades and scientific research depending on collaboration. The arguments are extended logically, leading to a thoughtful conclusion that synthesizes the main points. The ideas are thoroughly explored without any noticeable omissions, matching the requirements of Band 8.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 6.5

The essay demonstrates a clear logical organization and progression throughout. Information and ideas are coherently sequenced, utilizing appropriate transitional phrases such as 'On the one hand', 'On the other hand', and 'In my view' to guide the reader smoothly from one point to the next. Paragraphing is used sufficiently and appropriately, with each paragraph focusing on a distinct central theme. Cohesive devices are managed well without being overly mechanical or repetitive, resulting in a cohesive and easily readable text that aligns with a Band 7 performance.

Lexical Resource: Band 6.5

The student uses a sufficient range of vocabulary with adequate flexibility and precision to discuss the topic. Appropriate academic and general collocation is evident through phrases like 'contemporary society', 'sustainable success', and 'excessive competition'. While the vocabulary is generally well-chosen and functional, it lacks the broader flexibility and skilful manipulation of uncommon lexical items required for higher bands. Nevertheless, spelling and word choice are accurate, causing no impediment to communication, which clearly fits the Band 7 descriptor.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 7.5

The essay displays a good variety of complex structures alongside simple sentence forms. The majority of sentences are error-free, and the writer demonstrates good control of grammar and punctuation. Examples of complex clauses, such as 'When people compete with others, they often set higher goals' and 'objectives that may be impossible to accomplish alone', are handled accurately. Only very occasional minor slips or slight awkwardness occur, placing the response comfortably within the Band 8 category for grammatical range and accuracy.

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