Band 8.5 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 8.5 · IELTS Complete Catalyst · 2026-07-28

IELTS Writing Task 2 question

In some societies, stress is now regarded as a major problem, and it is thought that people suffer from more stress than they did in the past. However, others feel that the amount of stress people have today is exaggerated. They say that previous generations were under more pressure, but the idea of suffering from stress did not exist.

Discuss both these views and give your own opinion.

You should use your own ideas, knowledge and experience and support your arguments with examples and relevant evidence.

Student answer (Band 8.5)

It is widely believed that stress has become a significant issue in modern society, with many people claiming that individuals experience greater stress than previous generations. On the other hand, some argue that this view is exaggerated, as people in the past faced even greater challenges without referring to them as stress.

On the one hand, it is true that earlier generations had to cope with many severe challenges. In the past, people often lived through wars, economic hardship and poor living conditions. Many worked long hours in physically demanding jobs with little financial security, while access to healthcare and education was limited. Despite these pressures, mental health received little public attention, and people were generally expected to endure difficulties without complaint. Consequently, many who would now be considered stressed were unlikely to recognise or describe their condition in those terms.

On the other hand, modern life presents a different set of pressures that can be equally, if not more, overwhelming. Rapid technological development has blurred the boundary between work and personal life, as many employees are expected to remain connected outside office hours. Furthermore, fierce competition in education and the job market places enormous pressure on both students and professionals. Social media has also intensified stress by encouraging constant comparison with others, often leading to anxiety and low self-esteem. In addition, rising living costs and concerns about job security have made financial stress a common feature of everyday life.

In my opinion, although previous generations undoubtedly encountered significant difficulties, the continuous and fast-paced demands of modern society have increased the overall level of stress. The fact that stress is now recognised as a mental health issue should not be interpreted as an exaggeration. Rather, it reflects a greater understanding of its causes and consequences.

In conclusion, while people in the past faced many hardships, I believe that the unique pressures of contemporary life have made stress more widespread. Greater awareness of mental health has helped society identify this problem, but it does not diminish the reality of the challenges people face today.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 8.5

The response fully addresses all parts of the task. You have clearly discussed both viewpoints—the perspective that modern stress is greater and the counter-argument that previous generations faced equal or greater hardships. Your own position is clearly stated in the fourth paragraph and maintained consistently throughout the essay. The ideas are well-developed, with specific examples provided for both sides, such as the mention of 'technological development' and 'social media' for modern stress, and 'wars' and 'economic hardship' for the past. The response is balanced and demonstrates a sophisticated understanding of the prompt.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 8.5

The essay is logically organized with a clear progression of ideas. Each paragraph has a central topic, and the transition between the two viewpoints is smooth, facilitated by effective cohesive devices such as 'On the one hand,' 'On the other hand,' and 'In conclusion.' The use of referencing is precise, and the paragraphing is logical and appropriate. The flow of the argument is natural, and the relationship between the ideas is always clear, making the essay very easy to follow.

Lexical Resource — Band 8.5

You demonstrate a wide and flexible range of vocabulary, which allows for precise expression. Phrases such as 'blurred the boundary,' 'fierce competition,' and 'continuous and fast-paced demands' show a high level of lexical control. You use less common items effectively and maintain a formal, academic tone throughout. There are no noticeable errors in word choice or collocation, and the vocabulary is used naturally to convey complex ideas without any strain on the reader.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 8.5

The essay displays a wide range of grammatical structures, including complex sentences with subordinate clauses and varied sentence beginnings. The majority of sentences are error-free, and your control over punctuation and tense usage is excellent. For instance, the use of the passive voice in 'It is widely believed' and the conditional structure in 'many who would now be considered stressed' are handled accurately. There are no significant grammatical errors that impede communication, and the writing is consistently polished.

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