Band 7.5 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 7.5 · IELTS Complete Catalyst · 2026-09-07

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)

The issue of stress in modern life has sparked a widespread debate regarding whether people today truly suffer more than previous generations. While some critics argue that stress has become a genuine and growing problem, others assert that its severity is exaggerated compared to the hardships faced in the past. This essay will discuss both views and state that, although stress today is real, past generations faced equally significant pressure, even without recognising it as such.

First of all, many believe modern life has genuinely increased stress levels. This is because constant connectivity through technology, demanding work schedules, and financial pressures create mental strain that earlier generations did not face in the same way. For example, employees today are often expected to answer work emails outside office hours, blurring the line between personal and professional life. Furthermore, greater awareness of mental health has allowed people to openly identify and discuss stress, something rarely acknowledged in the past.

On the other hand, some argue that modern stress is exaggerated compared to the struggles of earlier generations. This is because previous generations endured hardships such as wars and poverty without any framework for the psychological toll these caused. For example, people who lived through wartime faced daily survival challenges far more severe than typical modern pressures, yet the concept of "stress" did not formally exist at the time.

However, in my opinion, both views hold truth, and the real difference lies in awareness rather than the amount of pressure itself. Past generations silently endured hardship without support, while today's society benefits from better understanding, allowing people to name their stress and seek help.

To conclude, despite solid arguments about past hardships, we cannot ignore that people today face real stress. By addressing it openly rather than dismissing it, modern society can support well-being more effectively than before.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 7.5

The response fully addresses all parts of the prompt. You have clearly discussed both perspectives—the view that modern stress is a growing problem and the counter-argument that it is exaggerated compared to historical hardships. Your own position is clearly stated in the introduction and consistently maintained throughout the essay. The ideas are well-developed, particularly the distinction between the existence of pressure and the awareness of it. You provide relevant examples, such as the impact of constant connectivity and the survival challenges faced by previous generations, which effectively support your arguments. The response is balanced and demonstrates a sophisticated understanding of the topic.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 7.5

The essay is logically organized with a clear progression of ideas. Each paragraph has a central focus, and the transition between the two opposing views is smooth, facilitated by effective cohesive devices such as 'Furthermore', 'On the other hand', and 'However'. Paragraphing is used appropriately to separate the introduction, body paragraphs, and conclusion. The referencing is clear, and the flow of the argument is natural throughout the text. There is no evidence of mechanical or repetitive use of linking words, and the structure supports the reader's understanding of your position perfectly.

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 such as 'widespread debate', 'psychological toll', and 'formally exist' show a good command of collocation and academic register. You use less common lexical items with precision, and there are no noticeable errors in word choice or spelling. The vocabulary is natural and contributes to the clarity and sophistication of your arguments, meeting the criteria for a high band score.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 7.5

The response displays a wide range of grammatical structures, including complex sentences with subordinate clauses and varied sentence beginnings. The majority of your sentences are error-free, and your control over punctuation and tense usage is excellent. For instance, the use of the conditional and contrastive structures is accurate and adds depth to your analysis. There are no significant grammatical errors that impede communication, and the overall control of language is highly consistent throughout the essay.

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