Band 6.5 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 6.5 · Cambridge IELTS 19 · 2026-09-30

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)

Some argue that competition in educational and professional settings is beneficial, while others contend that cooperation is superior. Although competition can foster individual confidence and drive, I believe that collaboration is ultimately more valuable as it enhances communication skills and efficiency.

Proponents of competition argue that it motivates individuals to excel. When students or employees compete, they are often driven to push their limits and achieve higher standards. For instance, academic quizzes or sports tournaments can instill a sense of resilience and self-belief in participants. This competitive spirit can prepare individuals for high-pressure environments, such as multinational corporations, where standing out is crucial for career advancement. Therefore, healthy rivalry can be a powerful catalyst for personal growth and skill acquisition.

However, cooperation offers distinct advantages that competition cannot match. Working in teams fosters stronger interpersonal relationships and improves collective problem-solving abilities. In a group project, members must learn to manage time efficiently and delegate tasks based on individual strengths. Moreover, collaboration teaches respect and effective communication, which are essential soft skills in any workplace. For example, successful business ventures often rely on cross-functional teams rather than isolated individuals, demonstrating that shared goals yield better outcomes than individual pursuits.

In conclusion, while competition can build confidence and drive individual performance, I believe that cooperation is more important in the long run. It equips individuals with the social and communicative tools necessary for sustainable success in both academic and professional life.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 6.0

The response addresses both views regarding competition and cooperation and presents a clear, well-supported personal position throughout the essay. The introduction clearly states the writer's stance, and both body paragraphs present relevant arguments with supporting examples, such as academic quizzes and cross-functional business teams. However, as noted in the length check, the essay contains 239 words, falling short of the mandatory 250-word minimum. This negative constraint violation prevents the task response from achieving a higher band, as the development is slightly truncated due to the length. Consequently, Task Achievement is awarded a 6.0.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 6.5

The essay demonstrates a clear logical organisation and progression throughout. Each paragraph has a distinct focus, moving smoothly from an introduction to arguments for competition, arguments for cooperation, and a concise conclusion. Cohesive devices are used appropriately and flexibly without feeling mechanical, as seen in transition phrases such as 'Proponents of competition', 'However', and 'In conclusion'. Paragraphing is well-managed, with each paragraph serving a clear rhetorical purpose. Referencing is clear and tracking of ideas from sentence to sentence is effective. The structure fully meets the requirements for a Band 7 in this criterion.

Lexical Resource: Band 6.5

The student demonstrates a sufficient range of vocabulary with adequate flexibility and precision to discuss abstract concepts. Less common lexical items are used with some awareness of style and collocation, such as 'catalyst for personal growth', 'cross-functional teams', and 'sustainable success'. Word choices are generally appropriate, and there are no spelling or word-choice errors that impede communication. While the vocabulary is effective and allows the writer to convey their thoughts smoothly, it stops just short of the wide, flexible range and skilful use of uncommon items required for a Band 8. Therefore, a Band 7 is well-earned.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 6.5

The writing exhibits a good variety of complex structures and sentence forms, such as concessive clauses ('Although competition can foster...') and conditional or participial integration ('When students or employees compete, they are often driven...'). There is good control of grammar and punctuation throughout, and the majority of sentences are error-free. The few minor grammatical lapses do not impede communication at all. The control of complex grammar combined with a high proportion of error-free sentences aligns comfortably with the Band 7 descriptor.

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