Band 6.5 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 6.5 · IELTS Momentum Workout · 2026-09-28

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)

While some argue that advertising fast food is the main issue connected to obesity and that it should be prohibited, others believe that advertisements are not the primary issue and it should not be banned. I believe that costs and time play more of a pivotal role.

On the one hand, in some communities, there is a valid argument that using junk food for advertising is causing obesity. By watching unhealthy food appear in a screen or television, people could be persuaded into buying fast food, which might be a factor contributing towards obesity. As a result, individuals who spend hours every day watching social media are likely to buy fast food since companies can make food look appealing to a majority of the population. For instance, if a person arrives home from work and decides to unwind by watching videos online, they would probably see advertisements for unhealthy food and be tempted to order takeaways because they are already tired.

On the other hand, a stronger argument is that there are other factors, such as junk food being cheaper compared to healthy food and people wanting something quick and easy to eat, that are causing obesity. The general public prefers the cheaper and reliable option when eating, which at most times lead to ordering ast food since it would not require any cooking or cleaning. Ultimately, these factors play a bigger role in affecting obesity rates in a nation. For example, in the US, over half of the population is considered obese since they have a high number of fast food chains that are cheaper compared to other healthy alternatives.

In conclusion, despite the arguments that advertising is to blame for obesity, I believe that the cost of unhealthy food and reliability of fast food chains are the main factors causing the issue.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 6.5

The response successfully addresses all parts of the task by discussing both views on junk food advertising and providing a clear personal opinion. In the introduction, the writer outlines the two perspectives and takes a stance. The first body paragraph explores the argument supporting the ban on advertising, while the second presents the alternative view that cost and convenience are greater drivers of obesity, supported by an example regarding fast food chains in the US. The position is maintained consistently throughout the essay, and the main ideas are extended and supported, fitting well within the Band 7 descriptors.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 6.5

The essay demonstrates a clear logical organisation and progression throughout. Information and ideas are arranged coherently, with distinct paragraphs dedicated to introduction, opposing views, counter-arguments, and conclusion. Cohesive devices such as 'On the one hand', 'On the other hand', 'As a result', and 'In conclusion' are used effectively to guide the reader through the argument. Paragraphing is used sufficiently and appropriately, ensuring that each new point or perspective has its own distinct block of text, which aligns with the requirements for a Band 7 score.

Lexical Resource: Band 6.0

The student uses an adequate and generally sufficient range of vocabulary for the task, successfully attempting less common items such as 'pivotal role', 'tempted', 'alternatives', and 'unwind'. However, there are minor awkward phrasings like 'using junk food for advertising' instead of 'advertising junk food' and a typographical error ('ast food'). The range allows for flexibility and precision, but occasional inaccuracies in word choice prevent the writing from achieving a higher band. Overall, the lexical control is solid and fully appropriate for a Band 6.5 or 7.0, supported by clear communication throughout.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 6.5

The writer demonstrates a good mix of simple and complex sentence structures, incorporating conditional structures and relative clauses effectively (e.g., 'if a person arrives home from work...'). There are frequent error-free sentences, and the overall control of grammar and punctuation is good. A few minor slips occur, such as 'appear in a screen' instead of 'on a screen' and 'lead to ordering' instead of 'leads to ordering'. Nevertheless, these errors do not impede communication, and the grammatical range justifies a solid Band 7 rating.

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