Band 7.5 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 7.5 · IELTS Complete Catalyst · 2026-08-16

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 7.5)

It is widely believed that modern life has made stress a far greater problem than it was in earlier times. While this view is common, some argue that stress levels have not actually increased, but rather that people today are simply more willing to acknowledge and discuss it. This essay will examine both perspectives before presenting my own opinion.

Those who believe stress has genuinely worsened point to the fast pace of contemporary life. Constant connectivity through smartphones and social media means people are rarely able to switch off from work or social obligations, unlike in the past when working hours had clearer boundaries. Financial pressures, job insecurity, and the fear of falling behind in a highly competitive world also contribute to elevated anxiety levels that previous generations arguably did not face to the same extent.

On the other hand, supporters of the second view argue that earlier generations endured comparable, if not greater, hardships, such as wars, poverty, and physically demanding labour, without ever using the term "stress" to describe their suffering. According to this argument, the concept of stress is a modern label rather than a modern phenomenon; people simply lacked the vocabulary and awareness to identify what they were experiencing.

In my opinion, both perspectives hold some truth. It is undeniable that certain modern factors, particularly digital overload and economic uncertainty, have introduced new sources of pressure. However, I also believe that greater psychological awareness today has made people more conscious of stress rather than more affected by it. Previous generations likely suffered similarly but lacked the language or social openness to express it.

In conclusion, while modern life has introduced unique stressors, it is equally true that increased awareness, rather than an increase in actual pressure, explains why stress is discussed more openly today.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 7.5

The response fully addresses all parts of the task. You have clearly identified both perspectives—that modern life has increased stress and that stress is a modern label for historical hardships—and provided a balanced personal opinion. The ideas are well-developed, particularly the contrast between 'digital overload' and the lack of historical vocabulary for mental health. The position is consistent throughout the essay, and the arguments are supported with relevant examples, such as the mention of smartphones and social media as modern stressors, and wars or poverty as historical ones. This meets the criteria for a high band score as the response is focused and well-argued.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 7.5

The essay is logically organized with a clear progression of ideas. Each paragraph has a central theme, and the transition between the two opposing views and your own opinion is smooth. You have used a variety of cohesive devices effectively, such as 'While this view is common', 'On the other hand', and 'In conclusion', which help guide the reader through your argument. Paragraphing is used appropriately, with each paragraph serving a distinct purpose in the overall structure. The flow of information is natural and coherent throughout the text.

Lexical Resource — Band 7.5

You demonstrate a wide and flexible range of vocabulary that is well-suited to the academic nature of the task. Phrases like 'constant connectivity', 'social obligations', 'economic uncertainty', and 'psychological awareness' show a high level of precision and stylistic control. The vocabulary is used naturally, and there are no instances where word choice impedes communication. You successfully avoid repetition and use a range of sophisticated items to convey complex ideas clearly, which is indicative of a strong lexical performance.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 8.0

The essay displays a wide range of grammatical structures with high accuracy. You effectively use complex sentences, such as 'While this view is common, some argue that stress levels have not actually increased', and 'Previous generations likely suffered similarly but lacked the language or social openness to express it'. The majority of your sentences are error-free, and your control over punctuation and tense is excellent. There are no significant grammatical errors that distract the reader, and the variety of structures used contributes to the overall fluency of the writing.

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