Band 7.0 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 7.0 · 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 7.0)

The development of international travel and the spread of mass media have made it much easier for people to learn about the lifestyles and cultures of other countries. Although this development can have some disadvantages, I believe that the advantages are greater because it promotes cultural understanding and provides people with valuable knowledge about the world.

One major advantage is that people can understand different cultures more easily. Through television, social media, films and online platforms, individuals can see how people in other countries live, work and spend their free time. For example, a person in Pakistan can watch videos about Japanese traditions or European lifestyles without actually visiting these countries. This can reduce misunderstandings and encourage people to respect cultural differences.

Another important benefit is that international travel allows people to experience foreign cultures directly. Travelling abroad gives individuals opportunities to meet local people, try traditional food and learn about customs. It can also improve communication skills and make people more independent. In addition, tourism creates employment and contributes to the economies of many countries.

However, there are some disadvantages. Mass media sometimes presents an unrealistic picture of life in other countries because companies mainly show attractive places and lifestyles. As a result, people may develop incorrect expectations. Furthermore, international tourism can sometimes lead to overcrowding, pollution and damage to local traditions. Popular tourist destinations may become too commercialised, which can negatively affect local communities.

In conclusion, the ease of international travel and the growth of mass media have some negative effects, particularly cultural misunderstanding and environmental problems. Infact, I believe their advantages outweigh the disadvantages because they increase cultural awareness, improve personal experiences and help people become more connected with the rest of the world.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 6.5

The response addresses all parts of the prompt, maintaining a clear position throughout. The arguments regarding cultural understanding and the benefits of travel are relevant and logically extended. The counter-arguments regarding mass media's unrealistic portrayals and the negative impacts of tourism are also well-integrated. The essay is balanced, and the conclusion effectively synthesizes the main points. To reach a higher band, the student could provide more specific, nuanced examples or delve deeper into the long-term societal implications of these developments, rather than relying on somewhat general observations.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 7.5

The essay is logically organized with a clear progression of ideas. Each paragraph has a central theme, and the transition between the advantages and disadvantages is smooth. Cohesive devices such as 'One major advantage', 'Another important benefit', 'However', and 'In conclusion' are used effectively to guide the reader. Paragraphing is used appropriately to separate distinct ideas. The flow is natural, and the relationship between sentences is clear, meeting the requirements for a well-structured response.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.5

The vocabulary is sufficient and appropriate for the task. The student uses a range of topic-specific terms such as 'commercialised', 'cultural awareness', and 'unrealistic picture'. While the vocabulary is accurate and conveys meaning clearly, it lacks the sophisticated, less common lexical items that would characterize a higher band. The word choice is generally precise, and there are no significant errors in collocation or spelling that impede communication.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 6.5

The response demonstrates a good control of grammatical structures. There is a mix of simple and complex sentences, such as the use of conditional-like structures and subordinate clauses ('Although this development can have some disadvantages, I believe...'). Punctuation is generally accurate, and the majority of sentences are error-free. While the grammar is reliable, the range of complex structures is somewhat limited; incorporating more varied sentence patterns or advanced grammatical forms would further enhance the score.

See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.

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