Band 7.5 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 7.5 · Cambridge IELTS 18 · 2026-09-20

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 7.5)

Science has played a fundamental role in shaping modern society, from improving healthcare to developing technologies that make everyday life easier. Some people argue that the most important aim of science should be to improve people’s lives. I largely agree with this view, although I believe that expanding human knowledge is also an essential purpose of scientific research.

There is no doubt that improving people’s quality of life should be a major objective of science. Scientific discoveries have contributed significantly to advances in medicine, transportation, communication and agriculture. For example, the development of vaccines has prevented millions of deaths from infectious diseases, while medical research has made it possible to diagnose and treat conditions that were once considered incurable. Similarly, technological advances such as smartphones and the internet have made communication and access to information considerably easier. These developments demonstrate how scientific progress can have a direct and positive impact on individuals and society.

However, not all scientific research has an immediate practical benefit, and this does not make it less valuable. Scientists also conduct research to understand how the universe, the human body and the natural environment work. For instance, research into space and fundamental physics may not directly improve people’s daily lives, but it can significantly expand our understanding of the world. Furthermore, knowledge gained through basic research can later lead to unexpected practical applications. Therefore, restricting science only to projects that provide immediate benefits could prevent important discoveries from being made.

In my view, the ultimate value of science lies in both its ability to improve human life and its contribution to knowledge. Scientific research should certainly address major challenges such as disease, climate change and food insecurity, but researchers should also be encouraged to investigate questions simply because they increase our understanding of the world.

In conclusion, I agree that improving people’s lives should be one of the most important aims of science, particularly because scientific discoveries can address serious human problems. Nevertheless, expanding knowledge and understanding should also remain a fundamental purpose of scientific research, even when its practical benefits are not immediately apparent.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 7.5

The response fully addresses all parts of the task by discussing both the importance of science in improving human lives and acknowledging the value of expanding basic knowledge. The student establishes a clear position in the introduction ('I largely agree with this view, although I believe that expanding human knowledge is also an essential purpose') and sustains it effectively throughout the essay. Ideas are well-developed with relevant examples, such as vaccines, smartphones, and space research. The arguments are extended logically, demonstrating a strong understanding of the prompt. This meets the criteria for Band 8.0.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 7.5

The essay displays a clear logical organisation and progression throughout. Each paragraph has a distinct central topic, moving smoothly from the introduction to supporting arguments, counter-arguments, synthesis, and a concise conclusion. Cohesive devices are used flexibly and appropriately (e.g., 'For example', 'Similarly', 'However', 'Furthermore', 'Therefore'), without feeling mechanical. Paragraphing is skilfully managed to separate different strands of the argument. Referencing throughout the text is clear and precise, ensuring that the reader can easily follow the progression of ideas. This performance aligns comfortably with Band 8.0 descriptors.

Lexical Resource — Band 7.0

The student demonstrates a wide and flexible lexical resource suitable for an academic task. Words and phrases such as 'fundamental role', 'contributed significantly', 'infectious diseases', and 'unexpected practical applications' are used accurately and naturally. The writer shows good control of less common vocabulary ('food insecurity', 'apparent') and maintains appropriate academic style and collocation. While there is a minor tendency to rely on standard academic phrasing rather than highly sophisticated idiom, the vocabulary is precise and effective, fully justifying a Band 7.5 score.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 7.5

The writing exhibits a wide range of structures, seamlessly combining simple and complex sentences. The majority of sentences are error-free, and complex clauses are handled with a high degree of control (e.g., 'Scientists also conduct research to understand how the universe, the human body and the natural environment work'). Grammatical control and punctuation are consistently strong throughout, with only very occasional, minor slips that never impede communication. The control over tense, modality, and subordination easily secures a Band 8.0.

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