Band 7.5 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 7.5 · IELTS Complete Catalyst · 2026-09-28

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 7.5)

In contemporary society, psychological distress has emerged as a significant concern, leading many to believe that modern life is inherently more stressful than in the past. Conversely, some argue that today's stress levels are overstated, asserting that earlier generations faced harsher hardships without the modern vocabulary to label their struggles. In my opinion, while our ancestors endured severe physical hardships, the psychological toll of modern life is genuinely unprecedented due to constant connectivity and economic instability.Proponents of the view that modern stress has intensified point to the relentless nature of contemporary work culture and the digital age. Unlike in the past, technology ensures that employees are perpetually reachable, effectively blurring the boundaries between professional and personal life. Furthermore, hyper-competition in the globalized economy forces individuals to constantly upskill and face persistent job insecurity. This chronic mental pressure, often amplified by the curated, perfect realities seen on social media, creates a persistent state of anxiety and inadequacy that was virtually absent in simpler times.On the other hand, it is argued that previous generations endured far greater systemic pressures that are often overlooked today. For centuries, humanity grappled with immediate, visceral threats to survival, including devastating world wars, widespread famine, and fatal illnesses without the benefit of modern medicine. Proponents of this argument suggest that because the concept of "stress" as a psychological diagnosis did not exist, people simply demonstrated higher levels of resilience out of necessity. From this perspective, modern complaints are viewed as an exaggeration born out of a relatively safe and comfortable lifestyle.In conclusion, both eras present distinct challenges that cannot be easily dismissed. However, I believe that modern stress is not an exaggeration but a reflection of a shift from physical to mental pressure. While our ancestors faced acute physical dangers, modern individuals experience chronic, invisible psychological strain. Therefore, it is a legitimate contemporary crisis that requires serious attention rather than dismissal as a mere cultural trend.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 7.5

The response fully addresses all parts of the task by discussing both views on modern stress versus historical pressures and providing a clear, well-developed personal position. The introduction establishes the framework, and the body paragraphs logically examine both sides with relevant supporting details. For instance, the discussion on modern stress covers work culture, technology, and economic instability, while the counter-argument explores survival threats and historical resilience. The ideas are extended and supported effectively throughout the essay. The stance is maintained consistently from the introduction to the conclusion, meeting all Band 8 requirements for task achievement.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 6.5

The essay demonstrates a clear logical organisation and progression throughout. Each paragraph has a clear central topic, starting with an effective introduction, moving through well-structured body paragraphs representing opposing views, and ending with a concise conclusion. Cohesive devices are used appropriately and flexibly, such as 'Conversely,' 'Unlike in the past,' 'Furthermore,' and 'On the other hand,' which help guide the reader smoothly between ideas. Paragraphing is managed skilfully and logically. Referencing is clear and unambiguous. While cohesion is generally well-managed, it occasionally leans slightly towards formulaic transitions, keeping it at a solid Band 7 level.

Lexical Resource: Band 7.5

The writer demonstrates a wide, fluent, and flexible range of vocabulary suited to an academic discussion. Less common items such as 'psychological distress,' 'inherently,' 'hyper-competition,' 'chronic mental pressure,' and 'visceral threats' are used skillfully and with good awareness of style and collocation. Word choices are precise, and there are only occasional minor inaccuracies. Spelling and word formation are entirely accurate throughout the text. The lexical control and variety comfortably place this response in the Band 8 category.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 7.5

The response exhibits a wide range of complex grammatical structures, such as participial phrases ('blurring the boundaries between professional and personal life'), concessive clauses ('while our ancestors endured severe physical hardships'), and conditional or contrastive setups. The majority of sentences are error-free, and punctuation is handled with precision. Grammatical control is strong throughout, and even when complex syntax is attempted, the structures remain accurate and clear. This level of syntactic variety and accuracy fully satisfies the Band 8 descriptors.

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