Band 7.5 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 7.5 · IELTS Momentum Workout · 2026-08-24

IELTS Writing Task 2 question

In some societies, obesity is regarded as a major problem. Some people believe that junk food advertising is largely to blame for this problem and should be banned. However, others feel that junk food advertising does not contribute to the problem of obesity and should not be banned.

Discuss both these views and give your own opinion.

You should use your own ideas, knowledge and experience·and support your arguments with examples and relevant evidence. Write at least 250 words.

Student answer (Band 7.5)

Obesity has become a serious health concern in many societies, and the role of junk food advertising in this problem is widely debated. While some people argue that advertisements for unhealthy food should be prohibited, others believe that such advertising has little influence on obesity. In my view, although advertising is not the sole cause of obesity, restricting the promotion of unhealthy food, particularly to children, would be a sensible measure.

On the one hand, there are several reasons why people support a ban on junk food advertising. Advertising can strongly influence consumers’ choices by presenting unhealthy products as attractive, convenient and enjoyable. This is particularly concerning for children, who may not fully understand the persuasive purpose of advertisements. Colourful packaging, cartoon characters and celebrity endorsements can encourage young people to develop preferences for sugary drinks, fast food and snacks. Moreover, repeated exposure to such products can make unhealthy eating habits appear normal. Therefore, limiting advertising could reduce one important influence on people’s food choices and encourage healthier alternatives.

On the other hand, opponents of a ban argue that advertising is not directly responsible for obesity. People become overweight for a variety of reasons, including lack of physical activity, excessive calorie consumption, genetics and poor dietary habits. Even if junk food advertisements disappeared, individuals would still be able to purchase unhealthy products from supermarkets, restaurants and fast-food outlets. Furthermore, adults are generally capable of making their own decisions about what they eat. A complete advertising ban could therefore be considered an excessive restriction on businesses and consumers.

In my opinion, junk food advertising does contribute to obesity, but it should not be regarded as the only cause. A more effective approach would be to restrict advertisements aimed specifically at children while also promoting nutritional education and regular physical activity. Governments could also require clearer nutritional information on food packaging, allowing consumers to make more informed choices.

In conclusion, although obesity has multiple causes and cannot be solved simply by banning advertisements, junk food marketing can influence eating behaviour. Consequently, I believe that targeted restrictions, combined with education and healthier lifestyle policies, would be more effective than either a complete ban or taking no action.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 7.5

The response fully addresses all parts of the prompt. You have clearly discussed both sides of the argument regarding junk food advertising and provided a well-reasoned personal opinion. Your position is consistent throughout the essay, starting from the introduction and reinforced in the conclusion. The ideas are well-developed, particularly the distinction between the influence of advertising on children versus adults. You supported your arguments with relevant examples, such as the mention of 'cartoon characters' and 'celebrity endorsements,' which adds depth to your analysis. The response is balanced and demonstrates a clear understanding of the complexity of the issue, meeting all requirements for a high band score.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 7.5

The essay is logically organized with a clear progression of ideas. Each paragraph has a central theme, and the transition between paragraphs is smooth, using appropriate linking phrases like 'On the one hand,' 'On the other hand,' and 'In conclusion.' Cohesive devices are used effectively and naturally, such as 'Moreover,' 'Furthermore,' and 'Consequently,' which help guide the reader through your argument. The paragraphing is logical and contributes to the overall clarity of the text. There is no evidence of mechanical or repetitive use of cohesive devices, and the structure supports the development of your argument perfectly.

Lexical Resource — Band 7.5

You demonstrate a wide and flexible range of vocabulary that is well-suited to the topic. You use precise terms such as 'prohibited,' 'persuasive purpose,' 'excessive calorie consumption,' and 'nutritional education' with ease. The collocations are natural, and there is a good awareness of style, maintaining a formal and academic tone throughout. While the vocabulary is sophisticated, it remains clear and accurate. There are no noticeable errors in word choice or spelling, and your ability to use less common lexical items effectively contributes to the high quality of the writing.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 8.0

Your writing displays a wide range of complex structures, including conditional sentences ('Even if junk food advertisements disappeared...') and complex noun phrases. The majority of your sentences are error-free, and your control over punctuation and syntax is excellent. You use a variety of sentence lengths and structures, which makes the text engaging and easy to read. There are no significant grammatical errors that impede communication. The accuracy is high, and the few minor slips that might occur in a longer text are not present here, demonstrating a very strong command of English grammar.

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