Band 7.0 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 7.0 · IELTS Momentum Workout · 2026-09-24

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 7.0)

The portrayal of fictional violence on television is a contentious issue. While some argue it is simply harmless entertainment, others believe it can lead to real-life aggression. Both views have merit and will be discussed.

On the one hand, supporters of televised violence claim it is merely a form of escapism. They argue that viewers, especially adults, are capable of distinguishing between fiction and reality. Action films, crime dramas, and thrillers use violence as a dramatic tool to create excitement and drive a storyline, not as an instruction manual. For example, millions watch shows like _Sherlock_ or _Money Heist_ purely for entertainment without imitating the criminal behaviour shown. From this perspective, censorship is unnecessary and would limit creative freedom.

On the other hand, opponents argue that repeated exposure to violence desensitizes viewers and normalizes aggressive behaviour. This concern is particularly strong regarding children and teenagers, who may be more impressionable. Studies have linked heavy viewing of violent content to increased aggression and reduced empathy. For instance, a child who regularly watches graphic fight scenes may come to see physical confrontation as an acceptable way to solve problems at school.

In my opinion, while fictional violence is not directly responsible for violent crime, it does have a subtle negative influence, especially on young audiences. The key factor is not the content itself, but the age, maturity, and media literacy of the viewer. Therefore, rather than banning violent shows, stronger parental guidance and age ratings are a more effective solution.

In conclusion, television violence can be seen as both harmless fun and a potential trigger for aggression. Its impact largely depends on the viewer, making regulation and responsible viewing essential.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 7.5

The response fully addresses all parts of the task by discussing both views on fictional television violence and presenting a clear personal position throughout. In the body paragraphs, the student presents well-developed arguments for both sides, such as escapism and creative freedom versus desensitization and imitation by impressionable viewers. Furthermore, the writer extends these ideas effectively by introducing relevant examples, including television shows like _Sherlock_ and the impact of graphic fight scenes on children. The conclusion successfully reiterates the main stance and offers a nuanced solution involving parental guidance. Overall, the content fully meets the requirements for a Band 8 by covering all parts of the prompt in a well-developed and logical manner.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 7.0

The essay demonstrates clear logical organisation and progression throughout. Each paragraph has a distinct central topic, moving smoothly from a clear introduction to balanced body paragraphs, a well-reasoned personal opinion, and a concise conclusion. Cohesive devices are used naturally and effectively, such as 'On the one hand', 'On the other hand', 'For instance', and 'Therefore', which guide the reader effortlessly through the text. Paragraphing is used sufficiently and appropriately, ensuring the structure supports the flow of ideas. While cohesion is very well managed, it occasionally relies on standard transition markers rather than more sophisticated, varied cohesive techniques, placing it solidly within the Band 7 to Band 8 range.

Lexical Resource: Band 6.5

The student uses a sufficient and generally flexible range of vocabulary suited to an academic discussion on media influence. Less common lexical items are used with good awareness of style and collocation, such as 'contentious issue', 'escapism', 'distinguishing between fiction and reality', 'desensitizes viewers', 'impressionable', and 'media literacy'. Word choice is generally precise, and spelling is accurate throughout the essay. Although there are occasional minor lapses or slightly predictable collocations, the vocabulary allows the writer to convey precise meanings smoothly, fully satisfying the criteria for a Band 7.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 7.0

The essay displays a wide range of sentence structures, seamlessly mixing simple, compound, and complex sentences. The writer demonstrates good control of grammar and punctuation, utilising relative clauses, conditional ideas, and participial phrases accurately, as seen in 'viewers, especially adults, are capable of distinguishing between fiction and reality' and 'rather than banning violent shows, stronger parental guidance and age ratings are a more effective solution'. The majority of sentences are error-free, and punctuation is handled correctly throughout. While the structural range is impressive, it stops just short of the absolute flexibility and near-total absence of minor slips required for a Band 8, making Band 7.5 a very accurate representation of this performance.

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