Band 8.0 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 8.0 · Cambridge IELTS 19 · 2026-10-02

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)

Competition is often regarded as a driving force behind success in education, the workplace, and everyday life. However, others argue that cooperation brings greater benefits to individuals and society. While both perspectives have merit, I believe that although healthy competition can encourage personal growth, cooperation is ultimately more valuable in achieving long-term success.

On the one hand, competition motivates people to improve their performance and strive for excellence. In schools, students often work harder when they aim to achieve higher grades than their classmates. Likewise, in the workplace, employees may become more productive when promotions or rewards are based on individual performance. This competitive environment can stimulate creativity, innovation, and determination, enabling individuals to reach their full potential. Without competition, many people might lack the motivation to challenge themselves and continuously improve.

On the other hand, cooperation fosters teamwork, mutual support, and the sharing of knowledge, all of which are essential in today's interconnected world. Most modern professions require people to collaborate effectively rather than work in isolation. For example, doctors, engineers, and software developers rely on teamwork to solve complex problems that no single person could manage alone. Furthermore, cooperative environments reduce unnecessary stress and promote stronger relationships, leading to higher job satisfaction and improved overall well-being.

In my opinion, the most successful societies are those that strike a balance between these two approaches. Healthy competition can inspire individuals to perform at their best, but it should never undermine trust or teamwork. Cooperation creates opportunities for people to combine their strengths, resulting in outcomes that are often more innovative and sustainable than individual achievements.

In conclusion, although competition has undeniable advantages in motivating people, I believe cooperation is the more important quality because it promotes collective success, stronger relationships, and lasting progress.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 7.5

The response addresses all parts of the task well, providing a clear discussion of both the advantages of competition and cooperation while maintaining a well-developed personal position throughout. Ideas are extended and supported with relevant examples, such as how students and employees respond to competitive environments, and how professionals like doctors and engineers rely on teamwork. Although the arguments are well-supported, a minor tendency to over-generalise slightly prevents the response from reaching the highest tier. Nevertheless, the position is cohesive and the main aspects of the prompt are thoroughly explored.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 8.0

The essay demonstrates a clear logical organisation and progression throughout. Ideas are logically sequenced, moving smoothly from the introduction to the distinct body paragraphs examining competition and cooperation, and finally to a balanced conclusion. Cohesive devices are used flexibly and appropriately, such as 'On the one hand', 'On the other hand', and 'Furthermore', ensuring seamless transitions between paragraphs. Paragraphing is used sufficiently and appropriately, with each paragraph focusing on a central theme, contributing to an overall coherent and well-managed structure.

Lexical Resource: Band 7.5

The student uses a sufficient range of vocabulary with flexibility and precision, allowing for natural expression. Less common lexical items such as 'driving force', 'interconnected world', and 'sustainable' are integrated with an awareness of style and collocation. Word choice is generally accurate, and spelling is correct throughout. Occasional slips prevent a higher rating, but the vocabulary is fully adequate for conveying complex arguments effectively without impeding communication.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 8.0

The response exhibits a wide range of sentence structures, successfully combining complex and simple forms. The majority of sentences are error-free, reflecting a strong control of grammar and punctuation. Complex structures, such as concessive clauses ('While both perspectives have merit, I believe that...') and conditional or participial phrases, are handled accurately. Very occasional minor inaccuracies or awkward phrasings appear, but overall, the grammatical control is highly secure and polished.

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