Band 6.5 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 6.5 · IELTS Momentum Workout · 2026-09-14

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 6.5)

Obesity is becoming a common problem in many countries. Some people believe that junk food advertisements are an important cause of obesity and should be banned. However, others think that advertisements are not responsible for this problem. I believe that advertisements can have an influence, but banning them completely is not the best solution.

On the one hand, junk food advertisements can affect people's food choices. Companies make their products look very tasty and attractive in advertisements. They also use celebrities, discounts and colourful packaging to attract customers. Children are particularly affected because they may want to eat the food they see on television or the internet. For example, a child who often sees advertisements for burgers and chocolate may ask their parents to buy these products. Eating such food regularly can lead to weight gain and obesity. Therefore, reducing junk food advertising could help people, especially children, make healthier choices.

On the other hand, there are many other reasons for obesity, and advertising is not always the main cause. People may become overweight because they eat too much unhealthy food, do not exercise enough and have busy lifestyles. Today, many people spend several hours sitting at work or using their phones instead of doing physical activities. In addition, junk food is easily available in shops and restaurants, so people can buy it even without seeing an advertisement. For this reason, banning advertisements alone would not solve the problem. Health education, exercise and a balanced diet are also necessary.

In conclusion, junk food advertising can encourage people to buy and eat unhealthy food, particularly children. However, obesity is caused by several factors, not advertising alone. In my opinion, governments should control junk food advertisements, while also teaching people about healthy eating and encouraging regular exercise.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 6.5

The response fully addresses all parts of the prompt by discussing both views—that junk food advertising is to blame and should be banned versus it not being responsible—and provides a clear personal opinion throughout the essay. The position is well-developed with logical arguments and relevant examples, such as how children are targeted through bright packaging, cartoons, and television ads. Ideas are extended and supported adequately, touching on lifestyle factors, availability, and education. This aligns well with the Band 7 level, as all parts of the task are properly covered with a clear overarching perspective.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.5

The essay displays clear logical organisation and progression throughout. Each paragraph has a distinct and appropriate focus: the introduction outlines the background and writer's view, the second paragraph discusses the arguments for banning advertisements, the third explores alternative causes of obesity, and the conclusion synthesises these points. Cohesive devices such as 'On the one hand,' 'On the other hand,' 'In addition,' and 'In conclusion' are used effectively to guide the reader through the text, although paragraphing and referencing remain fairly standard and straightforward, corresponding to a solid Band 7.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.5

The student uses an adequate and sufficiently precise range of vocabulary for the task. Words and phrases such as 'obesity,' 'celebrities,' 'weight gain,' 'balanced diet,' and 'physically active' demonstrate a good control of topic-specific leksi. While the vocabulary is largely standard rather than advanced, it is used accurately and appropriately without noticeable strain. There are no major spelling or word-choice errors that impede communication. This performance fits comfortably within the Band 6.5 to 7.0 range; given the overall precision, a band 7 is appropriate.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 6.5

The essay demonstrates a good mix of simple and complex sentence structures. The writer employs subordinate clauses effectively, as seen in sentences like 'Children are particularly affected because they may want to eat the food they see on television or the internet.' Grammar and punctuation are handled with good control, resulting in many error-free sentences. Although the range of complex structures is somewhat restrained compared to higher bands, the grammatical errors are virtually absent, allowing for smooth and clear communication. This warrants a Band 7.

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