Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 5.5 · IELTS Summit Mastery · 2026-09-24

IELTS Writing Task 2 question

The position of women has changed a great deal in many societies over the past 50 years. But these societies cannot claim to have achieved gender equality

To what extent do you agree or disagree?

Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your knowledge or experience.

Student answer (Band 5.5)

The status of a woman has been gradually elevated over the duration of 50 years in many societies. However, in my opinion, I believe that to some extent they lack behind in terms of gender equality.

Women in society has been outstanding in terms of building career and are undertaking financial responsibilities independently. They now hold the power to take decisions and understand the associated outcomes . Subsequently, females no longer stand with the injustice that used to happen to them a long time ago. To give a clear example, in a patriarchy system, women usually suffered with the hands of a man, while being a homemaker. However, present day women with a desire to work and earn no longer stand injustice.

On the other hand, while they have gained the position, they still lack gender equality. Though they work and earn the same amounts, still men do get preferred in many areas of work. For instance, in a professional environment or work that involves physical strength, they are not considered for promotions compared to men.

However, this may be true, from my perspective, I believe, the situations have changed. In work environment, getting recognition and promotion is now based on the skills, regardless of the gender. Consequently, if physical work is required, I do see women are not mostly considered. Additionally, while the circumstances have changed, still in many households, it can be observed that men usually takes the decision.

In conclusion, though the position of a woman has uplifted, effective measures are to be taken for gender equality by standing against the injustice.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 5.5

The student addresses the task by discussing the changes in the position of women over the past 50 years and presenting an opinion on gender equality. A position is maintained throughout the response, though the progression of ideas is slightly contradictory and confusing in places, particularly in the transition between body paragraphs where the stance on whether women still lack equality shifts back and forth. Ideas are supported with relevant examples, such as mentioning career progression and physical strength requirements in the workplace. However, some arguments remain somewhat underdeveloped, leaning towards over-generalisation. Overall, the response addresses all parts of the task with relevant ideas, corresponding well to the requirements for a Band 6.0.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 5.5

The essay demonstrates a coherent overall arrangement with logical paragraphing used to separate distinct ideas. The student attempts to use cohesive devices to link sentences and paragraphs, such as 'Subsequently', 'To give a clear example', and 'On the other hand'. However, referencing and transitions are sometimes faulty or mechanical, as seen in the confusing shift beginning with 'However, this may be true, from my perspective, I believe, the situations have changed.' This creates a lack of clear progression within the argument. Paragraphing is adequate, but the logical flow between consecutive sentences occasionally falters due to awkward transitions. These features place the response firmly at Band 6.0.

Lexical Resource: Band 5.5

The student demonstrates an adequate range of vocabulary for the task, successfully communicating ideas relating to careers, financial responsibilities, and gender roles. There are successful attempts to use less common vocabulary, such as 'elevated', 'patriarchy system', and 'professional environment'. However, there are noticeable word choice and collocation inaccuracies throughout the text, such as 'lack behind' instead of 'lag behind', 'in a patriarchy system' instead of 'in a patriarchal system', and 'suffered with the hands' instead of 'suffered at the hands'. While these errors are present, they do not impede overall communication, reflecting the characteristics of Band 6.0.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 5.5

The response exhibits a mix of simple and complex sentence forms, demonstrating attempts at subordination and relative clauses. There are instances of good structures, but also frequent grammatical errors and awkward phrasing. Examples of errors include 'Women in society has been' (subject-verb agreement), 'do get preferred' (unnecessary auxiliary emphasis), 'I do see women are not mostly considered' (awkward phrasing and word order), and 'men usually takes' (subject-verb agreement). Despite these errors in grammar and punctuation, the meaning is generally clear and they rarely impede communication, aligning with the criteria for Band 6.0.

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

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