Band 7.5 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 7.5 · IELTS Complete Catalyst · 2026-08-17

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 ease of international travel and the global spread of mass media have made it easier for people to understand how individuals in other countries live. Although this development has some disadvantages, I believe its benefits are greater.

One major advantage is that greater exposure to foreign cultures can promote understanding and tolerance. Travelling abroad allows people to experience different traditions and lifestyles directly, while films, television and social media provide similar exposure without requiring international travel. As a result, people may develop a more accurate understanding of other societies and become less dependent on stereotypes. For example, visiting another country and interacting with local people can help travellers recognise that their assumptions about a particular culture may not be accurate.

Another benefit is that people can learn from successful practices in other countries. Exposure to different approaches to education, work and environmental protection can encourage individuals and governments to adopt useful ideas. For instance, people who learn about environmentally friendly lifestyles through international media may become more willing to reduce waste or use public transport in their own communities.

However, this development can also have negative effects. Constant exposure to foreign lifestyles may encourage cultural homogenisation, particularly among young people, who may begin to favour international trends over their traditional customs. Furthermore, mass media sometimes presents an idealised version of life abroad, which can create unrealistic expectations. Nevertheless, these problems can be reduced if people consume foreign media critically and continue to value their own cultural traditions.

In conclusion, although international travel and mass media can contribute to cultural homogenisation and unrealistic perceptions, their ability to increase cultural understanding and facilitate the exchange of useful ideas means that the advantages clearly outweigh the disadvantages.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 7.5

The response fully addresses all parts of the prompt. You have taken a clear position from the introduction and maintained it throughout the essay. The arguments regarding cultural tolerance and the exchange of beneficial practices are well-developed and supported with relevant examples, such as the mention of environmental awareness. You also acknowledge the counter-arguments regarding cultural homogenisation and unrealistic expectations, which demonstrates a balanced approach. The ideas are extended logically, and the conclusion effectively summarises your stance. The response is well-focused and directly answers the question of whether the advantages outweigh the disadvantages.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 7.5

The essay is logically organised with a clear progression of ideas. Each paragraph has a central theme, and the transition between the benefits and the drawbacks is smooth, using appropriate cohesive devices like 'However' and 'Furthermore'. Referencing is clear, and the use of linking words such as 'As a result' and 'In conclusion' helps guide the reader through your argument. The paragraphing is logical and contributes to the overall clarity of the response. The flow of information is natural and consistent throughout the text.

Lexical Resource — Band 7.0

You demonstrate a good range of vocabulary that is appropriate for an academic context. Phrases such as 'cultural homogenisation', 'unrealistic expectations', and 'facilitate the exchange' show a level of sophistication. The word choice is generally precise, and there are no significant errors that impede communication. While the vocabulary is effective and accurate, incorporating a few more idiomatic or less common collocations could elevate the response to a higher band. Overall, the lexical range is sufficient to convey your ideas with precision and clarity.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 7.5

The essay displays a good variety of complex sentence structures, such as the use of 'Although' clauses and conditional-like structures. The grammar is highly accurate, with the majority of sentences being error-free. Punctuation is used correctly, and the control over verb tenses and subject-verb agreement is consistent. There are no noticeable grammatical slips that distract the reader. The writing is fluent and demonstrates a strong command of English syntax, which is appropriate for this level of task.

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