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)

It has become increasingly easier for people to learn about the lifestyles and cultures of other nations due to the affordability of international travel and the widespread availability of mass media. While this trend may give rise to certain drawbacks, I believe that its advantages are considerably more significant.

On the one hand, greater exposure to foreign cultures may have some negative consequences. The growing influence of international media can encourage cultural homogenisation, causing traditional customs, languages, and values to gradually disappear. Moreover, social media and online platforms often present unrealistic lifestyles, which may create dissatisfaction and unrealistic expectations among viewers. As a result, individuals may lose appreciation for their own cultural identity and adopt foreign practices without fully understanding them.

On the other hand, the benefits of this development are far more substantial. First, learning about different cultures promotes mutual understanding, tolerance, and respect among people from diverse backgrounds, thereby reducing prejudice and strengthening international relationships. Furthermore, easier access to information enables students and professionals to explore educational and career opportunities abroad, allowing them to make well-informed decisions. International travel also provides first-hand cultural experiences, while mass media keeps people informed about global events, technological innovations, and social developments. Consequently, individuals become more knowledgeable, adaptable, and globally aware.

In my opinion, although certain cultural challenges exist, they are relatively minor compared with the numerous educational, social, and economic benefits brought about by international travel and mass communication. Preserving local traditions is possible without limiting access to global information.

In conclusion, despite a few disadvantages, the advantages of enabling people to understand how others live around the world clearly outweigh the drawbacks, making this a highly positive development.

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 consistently throughout the essay. The arguments are well-developed, particularly the discussion on cultural homogenisation and the benefits of global awareness. You have provided relevant supporting points for both sides of the argument, ensuring a balanced yet decisive approach. The ideas are extended logically, and the conclusion effectively summarises your stance. The response is well-structured and directly answers the question regarding whether the advantages outweigh the disadvantages.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 8.5

The essay demonstrates a clear logical progression of ideas. Each paragraph has a central theme, and the transition between the negative consequences and the positive benefits is smooth, using appropriate cohesive devices such as 'On the one hand', 'On the other hand', and 'Consequently'. Paragraphing is used effectively to separate distinct arguments. The referencing is clear, and the flow of information is natural throughout the text. There is no evidence of mechanical or repetitive use of linking words, and the overall structure supports the reader's understanding of your argument.

Lexical Resource — Band 8.5

You have used a wide range of vocabulary with precision and flexibility. Phrases such as 'cultural homogenisation', 'mutual understanding', and 'well-informed decisions' demonstrate a sophisticated command of language. The word choice is consistently appropriate for an academic context, and you have successfully avoided repetition. There are no noticeable errors in spelling or word formation. You show a good awareness of collocation, which contributes to the natural tone of the essay. The vocabulary is more than sufficient to convey your ideas with clarity and nuance.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 8.5

The essay displays a wide range of grammatical structures, including complex sentences with subordinate clauses (e.g., 'While this trend may give rise to certain drawbacks, I believe that...'). The majority of your sentences are error-free, and your control over punctuation and tense usage is excellent. There are no significant grammatical slips that impede communication. You have successfully integrated various sentence types, which keeps the writing engaging and fluent. The accuracy is high, and the grammatical complexity is appropriate for a high-level IELTS response.

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