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)

The portrayal of violence on television has become increasingly common, particularly in action films, crime dramas and video games adapted for television. While some people believe that such violence is simply harmless entertainment, others argue that it can encourage aggressive behaviour. This essay will discuss both views before explaining why I believe that excessive exposure to violent content can have negative effects on viewers.

On the one hand, fictional violence can be considered harmless entertainment because most viewers understand the difference between fiction and reality. People watch violent films for the same reason they watch horror or science-fiction programmes: they want excitement, suspense and emotional stimulation. Furthermore, violence in television programmes is often exaggerated and unrealistic. For example, audiences can see characters surviving explosions, shootings or fights that would have serious consequences in real life. As a result, it is unlikely that most mature viewers will simply copy what they see on screen. Television can therefore provide an enjoyable way to relax without necessarily influencing a person's behaviour.

On the other hand, repeated exposure to violent programmes may encourage aggressive attitudes, especially among children and teenagers. Young viewers may not have enough life experience to distinguish between acceptable and unacceptable behaviour, and they may regard violent characters as role models if these characters are presented as powerful or successful. In addition, frequent exposure to violence can make aggressive behaviour appear normal and reduce sensitivity towards its consequences. For instance, a child who regularly watches programmes in which conflicts are solved through fighting may gradually develop the idea that violence is an appropriate way to deal with disagreements.

In my opinion, fictional violence is not inherently harmful, but its effects depend greatly on the viewer's age, personality and the amount of violent content consumed. Occasional exposure to clearly fictional violence is unlikely to cause serious problems, whereas constant exposure, particularly among young people, may contribute to aggressive attitudes. Therefore, parents and broadcasters should take reasonable measures to limit children's exposure to excessively violent programmes.

In conclusion, television violence can be viewed as harmless entertainment because most people recognise that it is fictional. Nevertheless, excessive exposure may influence vulnerable viewers and encourage aggressive behaviour. For this reason, I believe that violent content should be treated with caution, particularly when children are involved.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 7.5

The response fully addresses all parts of the task. You have clearly discussed both perspectives—the view that fictional violence is harmless entertainment and the counter-argument that it encourages aggression—and provided a well-reasoned personal opinion. The ideas are well-developed and supported with logical explanations, such as the distinction between fiction and reality for mature viewers versus the potential impact on children. The position is consistent and maintained throughout the essay. The structure is balanced, and the conclusion effectively synthesises the arguments presented, ensuring the task requirements are met with a high level of clarity and focus.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 7.5

The essay demonstrates a clear logical progression of ideas. Each paragraph has a central topic, and the transition between paragraphs is smooth, using effective cohesive devices such as 'On the one hand', 'Furthermore', 'In addition', and 'Nevertheless'. The referencing is precise, and the paragraphing is used appropriately to separate the different viewpoints and your own opinion. The flow of information is natural, and the use of linking words is neither mechanical nor repetitive, which contributes to a very coherent and easy-to-follow argument throughout the response.

Lexical Resource — Band 7.0

You have used a sufficient range of vocabulary to convey your ideas with precision. There is a good use of less common items and collocations, such as 'emotional stimulation', 'excessive exposure', 'inherently harmful', and 'vulnerable viewers'. The vocabulary is appropriate for an academic context and is used accurately throughout the text. While the range is solid and demonstrates flexibility, it stops just short of the 'wide and sophisticated' control required for the highest band, as some word choices are standard rather than highly idiomatic or nuanced. However, the lexical resource is more than adequate for the task.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 7.5

The essay displays a wide range of grammatical structures, including complex sentences with subordinate clauses (e.g., 'While some people believe that...', '...if these characters are presented as...'). The majority of sentences are error-free, and your control over punctuation and tense usage is excellent. There are no significant grammatical errors that impede communication. The writing is fluent and demonstrates a high level of accuracy, fitting the criteria for a strong performance where complex structures are used consistently and correctly to support the development of your arguments.

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