Band 8.5 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 8.5 · IELTS Complete Catalyst · 2026-07-31

IELTS Writing Task 2 question

The ease of international travel and the spread of various kinds of mass media all over the world have made it more possible than ever for people to know how other people live in other countries.

Do the advantages of this development outweigh the disadvantages?

You should use your own ideas, knowledge and experience and support your arguments with examples and relevant evidence. Write at least 250 words.

Student answer (Band 8.5)

International travel has become easier than ever before, while mass media has made it possible for people to learn about different cultures and lifestyles across the world. Although this trend has certain disadvantages, I believe that the benefits clearly outweigh the drawbacks.

One significant advantage is that people develop a better understanding of other cultures. Travelling abroad or watching international news, documentaries and online content allows individuals to experience different traditions, beliefs and customs. This helps reduce prejudice and encourages people to respect cultural diversity. For example, students who study in foreign countries often become more open-minded after interacting with people from various backgrounds.

Another important benefit is the sharing of knowledge and ideas. Countries can learn from each other in areas such as education, healthcare, science and technology. Businesses also benefit because they can expand into international markets and work with foreign companies, creating employment opportunities and boosting economic growth. Moreover, people can discover new skills, cuisines and lifestyles that improve their quality of life.

However, this development also has some negative effects. Global media can influence people, especially young generations, to adopt foreign lifestyles while ignoring their own traditions and languages. In addition, social media often presents an unrealistic image of life in developed countries, which may create false expectations and dissatisfaction among viewers. Despite these issues, such problems can be reduced through proper education and responsible use of media.

In conclusion, while international travel and mass media may lead to cultural loss and unrealistic expectations, I believe their positive impact is much greater. They promote cultural understanding, encourage the exchange of knowledge and strengthen international cooperation, making the world more connected and tolerant

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 8.5

The response fully addresses all parts of the prompt. You have clearly stated your position in the introduction and maintained it throughout the essay. The arguments regarding cultural understanding, knowledge exchange, and the counter-arguments regarding cultural loss are relevant and well-developed. Each paragraph provides sufficient support and examples, such as the mention of students studying abroad and the impact on businesses. The conclusion effectively synthesizes your main points. To reach a higher band, you could provide slightly more specific real-world examples to further substantiate your claims, but the current level of development is strong and meets the requirements for a high score.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 8.5

The essay is logically organized with a clear progression of ideas. Each paragraph has a central theme, and the transition between paragraphs is smooth. You have used a variety of cohesive devices effectively, such as 'Although', 'For example', 'Another important benefit', and 'Moreover'. The referencing is clear, and the paragraphing is appropriate. The flow of the argument is natural, and the reader can easily follow your line of reasoning from the introduction to the conclusion. There is no evidence of mechanical or repetitive use of linking words, which demonstrates a high level of control.

Lexical Resource — Band 8.0

You demonstrate a good range of vocabulary that is appropriate for an academic essay. Phrases like 'cultural diversity', 'international markets', 'economic growth', and 'unrealistic expectations' are used accurately. The vocabulary is precise and contributes to the clarity of your arguments. While the range is sufficient and effective, incorporating a few more sophisticated or less common collocations could elevate the lexical profile further. However, the current usage is natural and there are no errors in word choice or spelling that impede communication or cause confusion.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 8.5

The essay displays a good mix of simple and complex sentence structures. You have used complex sentences effectively, such as 'Although this trend has certain disadvantages, I believe that the benefits clearly outweigh the drawbacks.' The grammar is generally accurate, with very few minor errors. Punctuation is used correctly throughout. The majority of your sentences are error-free, and the control over verb tenses and subject-verb agreement is consistent. The writing is fluent and demonstrates a solid command of English grammar, making it easy to read and understand.

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