Band 7.5 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 7.5 · IELTS Complete Catalyst · 2026-08-08

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 7.5)

The increasing accessibility of international travel, combined with the widespread availability of mass media, has made it considerably easier for people to gain insight into lifestyles and cultures beyond their own. Although this development can have some negative consequences, I believe that its advantages are significantly greater.

One major benefit is that greater exposure to other cultures can promote tolerance and mutual understanding. When people travel abroad or encounter foreign lifestyles through television, films and social media, they become more familiar with customs, beliefs and social practices that may initially seem unfamiliar. This can challenge stereotypes and reduce prejudice between different groups of people. For example, international tourism allows visitors to experience local traditions first-hand rather than relying on inaccurate assumptions about a particular country. As a result, people are more likely to appreciate cultural diversity and develop a more open-minded attitude.

Another important advantage is the exchange of knowledge and ideas. Mass media enables people to learn about successful practices in other countries, while international travel allows individuals to observe different approaches to education, business, healthcare and environmental protection. Such exposure can encourage societies to adopt useful ideas from elsewhere. Furthermore, international travel can create economic opportunities by increasing tourism, supporting local businesses and generating employment.

Nevertheless, this development is not without drawbacks. One concern is that increased exposure to foreign lifestyles may contribute to the gradual disappearance of traditional cultures, particularly among younger generations who may become more attracted to globalised trends. In addition, mass media does not always portray other countries accurately, as sensationalised or commercially driven content can create unrealistic expectations about how people actually live. International tourism can also place pressure on local infrastructure and contribute to environmental problems, especially in heavily visited destinations.

In conclusion, although international travel and mass media can contribute to cultural homogenisation, misinformation and environmental pressure, I believe their benefits are greater. They facilitate cultural understanding, broaden people's perspectives and promote the exchange of valuable knowledge and ideas.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 7.5

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 are well-developed, with each paragraph focusing on a distinct aspect of the topic—cultural tolerance, knowledge exchange, and the counter-arguments regarding cultural homogenisation and environmental impact. The ideas are supported by relevant examples, such as the mention of tourism challenging stereotypes and the specific mention of infrastructure pressure. The response is balanced and demonstrates a sophisticated understanding of the complexities involved in the topic.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 7.5

The essay is logically organised with a clear progression of ideas. Each paragraph has a central topic sentence, and the transition between paragraphs is smooth, using cohesive devices such as 'One major benefit', 'Another important advantage', and 'Nevertheless'. The use of referencing is precise, and the structure of the argument is easy to follow. Paragraphing is used effectively to separate the advantages from the disadvantages, which contributes to the overall clarity of the response. The flow of information is natural and professional.

Lexical Resource — Band 7.5

You demonstrate a wide and flexible range of vocabulary, which is used with precision. Phrases such as 'cultural homogenisation', 'sensationalised or commercially driven content', and 'inaccurate assumptions' show a high level of lexical control. The vocabulary is appropriate for an academic context and helps to convey your ideas with nuance. There are no noticeable errors in word choice or collocation, and the language used is natural and sophisticated throughout the essay.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 8.0

The essay displays a wide range of grammatical structures, including complex sentences with subordinate clauses and varied sentence beginnings. The grammar is highly accurate, with almost no errors present. Punctuation is used correctly to enhance readability. The majority of your sentences are error-free, and the control over tense and aspect is consistent. The sophisticated use of modal verbs and conditional structures demonstrates a high level of grammatical competence.

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