Band 6.5 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 6.5 · Cambridge IELTS 18 · 2026-09-13
IELTS Writing Task 2 question
The most important aim of science should be to improve people’s lives. To what extent do you agree or disagree with this statement? Give reasons for your answers and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience.
Student answer (Band 6.5)
As far as this topic is concerned, I do agree with the statement that the most important aim of science should be to improve people’s lives. In my opinion, scientific progress should mainly focus on making human life healthier, safer, easier and more comfortable.
Firstly, science has greatly improved people’s health and quality of life. Many important medicines, vaccines and medical machines have been developed through scientific research. These discoveries help doctors treat serious diseases and save millions of lives. For example, modern medical technology allows doctors to detect diseases at an early stage and provide better treatment. In addition, science has improved daily life through inventions such as smartphones, computers and modern transportation. These technologies save time and make communication much easier.
On the other hand, science also has other important purposes, such as understanding the natural world and exploring space. Scientific research can increase human knowledge even when it does not provide an immediate benefit to society. For example, space research helps scientists understand the universe and may lead to new technologies in the future. However, I believe that such research should also have a positive impact on humanity in the long term.
In conclusion, I strongly agree that improving people’s lives should be the main aim of science. Although increasing knowledge and exploring the world are also important, scientific discoveries are most valuable when they make human life healthier, safer and better.
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 5.5 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 7.0 |
| Lexical Resource | 6.0 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 7.0 |
| Overall | 6.5 |
Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 5.5
The student presents a clear and well-developed position throughout the essay, agreeing with the statement that science should primarily aim to improve people's lives. The main ideas are relevant and supported with appropriate examples, such as medical research, smartphones, and space exploration. However, a significant limitation is the word count: the response contains 235 words, falling short of the mandatory 250-word minimum. This constitutes a negative impact on task completion under official IELTS guidelines, preventing the score from reaching higher bands. Consequently, the task achievement is marked down due to the length requirement not being met.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 7.0
The essay demonstrates a clear overall progression and logical arrangement of ideas. Each paragraph has a distinct focus, moving from an introduction of the student's stance to health and daily life benefits, then considering alternative views on space exploration, and finally concluding effectively. Cohesive devices such as 'Firstly', 'In addition', 'On the other hand', and 'In conclusion' are used appropriately to guide the reader through the argument. Referencing is clear and paragraphing is used sufficiently and appropriately, reflecting the descriptors for a Band 7 in this category.
Lexical Resource — Band 6.0
The student deploys an adequate and natural range of vocabulary suitable for the task, with terms like 'scientific progress', 'immediate benefit', 'positive impact', and 'universe'. While the vocabulary is generally precise and communicates the intended meaning clearly, it lacks the broader flexibility and skilful manipulation of less common lexical items characteristic of Band 7. Word choice and spelling are accurate throughout, and communication is never impeded. The lexical range is solid and sufficient for a Band 6.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 7.0
The writing exhibits a good mix of simple and complex sentence forms, with generally accurate control of grammar and punctuation. Examples include conditional-like structures and subordinate clauses such as 'Scientific research can increase human knowledge even when it does not provide an immediate benefit to society.' There are very few grammatical errors, and sentence structures are clear and easy to follow. The majority of sentences are error-free, and punctuation is handled correctly, matching the expectations of a Band 7.
See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.
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