Band 7.5 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 7.5 · IELTS Momentum Workout · 2026-08-18

IELTS Writing Task 2 question

Some people think that the fictional violence portrayed on television is harmless entertainment. Others disagree and think that it encourages violent behaviour.

Discuss both these views and give your own opinion.

Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience.

Student answer (Band 7.5)

The impact of fictional media violence on viewers remains a widely debated topic. While some contend that televised violence is merely a harmless form of escapism, others argue that it actively desensitizes individuals and fosters real-world aggression.

Proponents of the view that fictional violence is benign argue that audiences can clearly distinguish between fantasy and reality. Viewers consume action-packed films or dramatic thrillers to unwind, release stress, or enjoy compelling storytelling rather than to copy dangerous behaviors. From this perspective, watching a choreographed fight sequence or a superhero battle is no different from reading a dark novel. Furthermore, millions of people consume violent entertainment daily without ever committing crimes, suggesting that media exposure alone is not a primary driver of violent behavior.

Conversely, critics argue that repeated exposure to graphic depictions of violence can lead to desensitization. When violent acts are repeatedly glorified, normalized, or presented without realistic consequences, viewers—particularly impressionable children—may gradually adopt aggressive mindsets. Psychological studies often point to the "social learning theory," where individuals mimic behaviors they regularly observe. For instance, children who watch aggressive cartoons or action movies may imitate those actions during play, occasionally leading to real harm.

In my opinion, fictional violence is not inherently dangerous for mature adults with well-established moral boundaries, but it poses genuine risks for younger audiences. While adult viewers can contextualize graphic scenes as dramatic art, prolonged exposure to unpunished violence in media can imperceptibly warp a child's perception of conflict resolution. Therefore, strict parental controls and clear content rating systems are essential to ensure media remains harmless entertainment.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 7.5

The response fully addresses all parts of the prompt. You have clearly discussed both perspectives—the view that fictional violence is harmless and the counter-argument regarding desensitization—while maintaining a consistent and well-developed personal opinion throughout. The ideas are extended with relevant examples, such as the mention of 'social learning theory' and the distinction between mature adults and children. The position is clear from the introduction and is maintained logically through to the conclusion. The response is well-balanced, providing sufficient depth for each viewpoint without over-generalizing, which meets the requirements for a high band score.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 7.5

The essay demonstrates a clear logical progression. Each paragraph has a central theme, and the transition between the two opposing views is handled smoothly with the use of the cohesive device 'Conversely'. The introduction effectively sets the stage, and the conclusion provides a concise summary of your stance. Cohesive devices such as 'Furthermore', 'For instance', and 'Therefore' are used naturally to link ideas. Paragraphing is used appropriately, with each paragraph serving a distinct purpose in the overall argument. The flow of ideas is logical and easy to follow throughout the text.

Lexical Resource — Band 7.5

You demonstrate a wide and flexible range of vocabulary, which allows for precise expression. Phrases such as 'merely a harmless form of escapism', 'actively desensitizes', 'well-established moral boundaries', and 'imperceptibly warp' show a high level of lexical control. The use of academic terminology like 'social learning theory' is appropriate and adds to the sophistication of the argument. There are no noticeable errors in word choice or collocation, and the vocabulary is used naturally to convey complex ideas effectively. The range is sufficient to meet the criteria for a high band score.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 7.5

The essay displays a wide range of grammatical structures with high accuracy. You successfully employ complex sentence forms, such as the conditional structure in 'if... then' contexts and the use of participial phrases like 'When violent acts are repeatedly glorified...'. Punctuation is used correctly to manage sentence flow, and there are no significant grammatical errors that impede communication. The majority of sentences are error-free, and the control over complex structures is consistent throughout the response. The grammatical performance is strong and demonstrates a high level of proficiency.

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