Band 7.5 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 7.5 · IELTS Complete Catalyst · 2026-09-12

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)

Stress has become a widely discussed issue in modern society. While some people believe that individuals today experience more stress than previous generations, others argue that this problem is overstated and that people in the past faced even greater pressures. In my opinion, although modern life creates new sources of stress, people today generally have better opportunities to manage pressure than people did in the past.

On the one hand, there are several reasons why modern society may be more stressful. Firstly, people today often have demanding working lives and are expected to remain available outside normal working hours. Technology, particularly smartphones and email, has blurred the boundary between work and personal life. Secondly, modern people are exposed to a constant flow of information through social media and news platforms. Comparing one's lifestyle with others online can create feelings of inadequacy and anxiety. Furthermore, the high cost of housing, education and healthcare in many countries means that financial concerns are another significant source of pressure.

On the other hand, it is reasonable to argue that previous generations experienced considerable hardship without describing it as stress. In the past, many people worked in physically demanding jobs for long hours and had fewer forms of social and financial support. Wars, economic crises, infectious diseases and high infant mortality also affected many families. In addition, people generally had fewer medical and psychological resources to deal with emotional difficulties. Therefore, the fact that earlier generations did not commonly use the term "stress" does not necessarily mean that they experienced less pressure. It may simply indicate that mental health was less understood and discussed.

In my view, both generations have faced significant pressures, but the nature of stress has changed rather than simply increased. Although people today benefit from greater comfort, technology and healthcare, they also face unique psychological pressures caused by constant connectivity, competition and information overload. At the same time, it would be inaccurate to suggest that people in the past lived easier lives, since many endured severe physical and economic hardships.

In conclusion, modern life has undoubtedly introduced new causes of stress, but previous generations also experienced serious pressures that were often accepted as a normal part of life. Rather than claiming that one generation is necessarily more stressed than another, it is more accurate to recognise that the sources and ways of experiencing stress have changed over time.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 7.5

The response fully addresses all parts of the task by discussing both views—that modern stress is a major issue versus the view that stress today is exaggerated because past generations faced greater hardships—and clearly presents the student's own opinion throughout. The position is well-developed, and each body paragraph contributes distinct, relevant ideas supported by appropriate examples, such as reference to modern technology, social media, and historical economic and physical hardships. The ideas are extended and supported effectively, fulfilling all requirements for a Band 8 level.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 7.5

The essay is logically organised with a clear progression from introduction to body paragraphs and a balanced conclusion. Cohesive devices are used naturally and effectively throughout the text, as seen with transition markers like 'On the one hand', 'On the other hand', and 'Furthermore'. Paragraphing is used sufficiently and appropriately, with each paragraph focusing on a distinct central theme. Referencing is clear and unambiguous, maintaining smooth textual flow from start to finish.

Lexical Resource — Band 7.5

The student demonstrates a wide and flexible vocabulary range suited to an academic discussion on stress and lifestyle changes. Less common lexical items and collocations are used skillfully, such as 'blurred the boundary', 'feelings of inadequacy and anxiety', 'constant flow of information', and 'psychological resources'. Word choice is generally precise, with only occasional minor slips that do not impede communication. The spelling and phrasing remain consistently natural throughout the response.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 7.5

The response features a wide range of complex grammatical structures used with a high degree of accuracy. The majority of sentences are error-free, showcasing sophisticated syntactic control through conditional or concessive clauses such as 'Although people today benefit from greater comfort...'. Punctuation is accurate, and verb tenses, modals, and relative clauses are handled smoothly. Only occasional, non-systematic slips occur, which fully justifies an eighth-band classification.

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