Band 7.5 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 7.5 · IELTS Momentum Workout · 2026-08-27

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)

Many concerned members of society believe that non-realistic violence and fictional crime depicted in television series and other forms of entertainment have little or no influence on people's mentality. Others, however, argue that repeated exposure to such content can encourage criminal thinking and aggressive behaviour. In my view, although fictional violence is primarily intended to entertain, its excessive consumption can have a significant negative impact on individuals and society as a whole.

In the modern entertainment era, people's choices are no longer limited to traditional forms of media. Through televisions, smartphones, computers and streaming platforms, audiences can access films, web series, documentaries and countless other forms of content. Among these, crime, thriller, suspense, murder and mystery programmes have become particularly popular among both young people and adults. One reason for their popularity is that suspenseful and emotionally stimulating content can provide pleasure and excitement, encouraging viewers to consume such programmes repeatedly. For mature adults, occasional exposure to fictional violence is unlikely to be problematic because they are generally capable of distinguishing between fictional narratives and real-life behaviour.

Nevertheless, prolonged and excessive exposure to violent entertainment may gradually influence the way some individuals perceive aggression and crime. Human behaviour is shaped by repeated observation, learning and reinforcement, and constantly witnessing violence may contribute to the normalisation of aggressive behaviour. In particular, younger and more impressionable viewers may struggle to understand the distinction between entertainment and reality. When violence is repeatedly portrayed as glamorous, heroic or consequence-free, it may create distorted perceptions of criminal behaviour. Furthermore, there have been instances in which real-life crimes have reportedly resembled scenes portrayed in films or web series, raising concerns about the influence that such content can have on vulnerable individuals. Although entertainment cannot be regarded as the sole cause of criminal behaviour, it can potentially contribute to an environment in which aggression becomes more acceptable.

Therefore, rather than imposing an outright ban on violent entertainment, governments and media organisations should adopt reasonable safeguards. Age restrictions and appropriate content classifications should be strictly enforced, particularly for programmes containing graphic violence or criminal acts. Streaming platforms should also provide clear warnings before such content is shown. In addition, educational messages could remind viewers that the events depicted are fictional and that violence is neither encouraged nor acceptable in real life.

In conclusion, fictional violence may be harmless entertainment for mature and responsible viewers, but excessive exposure can potentially have undesirable psychological and social consequences, especially among younger audiences. Consequently, a balanced approach involving age restrictions, responsible content regulation and clear warnings would be more effective than censorship alone in protecting society while preserving freedom of entertainment.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 7.5

The response fully addresses all parts of the prompt. You clearly present both sides of the argument—the view that fictional violence is harmless and the counter-argument that it encourages aggression—while maintaining a consistent personal position throughout. Your ideas are well-developed, particularly in the third paragraph where you discuss the psychological impact of 'normalisation' and the vulnerability of younger audiences. The conclusion effectively synthesises your arguments and offers a balanced recommendation. The response is well-structured and demonstrates a sophisticated understanding of the task requirements, providing relevant examples and logical reasoning to support your claims.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 7.5

The essay is logically organised with a clear progression of ideas. Each paragraph has a central theme, and the transition between paragraphs is smooth, using effective cohesive devices such as 'Nevertheless', 'In particular', and 'Consequently'. You use a variety of linking words and phrases naturally, which helps the reader follow your argument without effort. Paragraphing is used appropriately to separate the introduction, the two sides of the argument, the proposed solutions, and the conclusion. The referencing is clear, and the flow of information is consistent throughout the text.

Lexical Resource — Band 7.5

You demonstrate a wide and flexible range of vocabulary that is well-suited to the academic context. You use precise collocations and sophisticated terminology such as 'impressionable viewers', 'distorted perceptions', 'normalisation of aggressive behaviour', and 'outright ban'. The vocabulary is used naturally and accurately, contributing to the clarity and academic tone of the essay. There are no noticeable errors in word choice or spelling, and the range of vocabulary allows for precise expression of complex ideas, which is characteristic of a high-level response.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 8.0

The essay displays a wide range of grammatical structures with a high degree of accuracy. You successfully employ complex sentences, such as 'Although entertainment cannot be regarded as the sole cause of criminal behaviour, it can potentially contribute to an environment in which aggression becomes more acceptable.' Punctuation is used correctly throughout, and the majority of your sentences are error-free. The control over tense, aspect, and modal verbs is excellent, and there are no grammatical slips that impede communication. The writing is fluent and demonstrates a strong command of English syntax.

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