Band 7.5 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 7.5 · IELTS Complete Catalyst · 2026-09-29

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)

In recent years, the rapid advancement of international travel and global mass media has significantly bridged the gap between different nations, allowing individuals to easily observe and understand lifestyles across the globe. While this phenomenon has certain drawbacks, such as the threat to local traditions, I firmly believe that the advantages—namely enhanced global empathy and economic growth—far outweigh the disadvantages.

On the one hand, the primary disadvantage of this global interconnectedness is the potential loss of unique cultural identities. As international media permeates various parts of the world, traditional customs, native languages, and indigenous attire are often overshadowed by globalized trends. For instance, global fast-food chains and international fashion brands are increasingly replacing local businesses in many countries, leading to a homogenized global culture. Furthermore, mass media can sometimes perpetuate harmful stereotypes by highlighting only specific, often sensationalized, aspects of a country, which can lead to misconceptions rather than genuine understanding.

On the other hand, the benefits of understanding how others live are substantial. Firstly, it fosters mutual respect and dismantles deep-rooted prejudices. When people travel or consume diverse media—such as international documentaries, travel vlogs, or foreign cinema—they realize that despite geographical boundaries, human aspirations and daily struggles are fundamentally similar. This empathy is crucial in today's interconnected world to maintain peaceful international relations. For example, the global popularity of Indian yoga or South Korean entertainment has created immense cross-cultural appreciation, bringing people from fundamentally different backgrounds closer together.

Secondly, this awareness drives economic prosperity. Increased knowledge about foreign destinations directly fuels the global tourism industry, which is a major source of revenue and employment for many developing nations. Additionally, understanding foreign lifestyles and consumer habits helps local businesses tailor their products for international markets, thereby boosting global trade and cooperation.

In conclusion, although the widespread accessibility of international travel and mass media poses risks to local traditions and can occasionally spread skewed narratives, the positive impacts are undeniably stronger. The resulting cultural empathy, reduction in prejudices, and economic stimulation make this development a largely positive force for global society.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 7.5

The student fully addresses all parts of the prompt by discussing both the advantages and disadvantages of international travel and mass media, while maintaining a clear and well-developed position throughout. In the introduction, the writer states a firm stance that the advantages outweigh the disadvantages. This position is systematically supported in the body paragraphs, where the writer explores the disadvantages—such as the threat to local traditions and homogenized cultures—as well as the benefits, including enhanced global empathy, reduced prejudices, and economic prosperity through tourism and global trade. Ideas are well extended with relevant examples, such as the popularity of Indian yoga and South Korean entertainment, demonstrating strong critical thinking and task fulfilment. There are no notable omissions, aligning the response with Band 8 descriptors.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 7.5

The essay demonstrates a clear logical organisation and progression throughout. Each paragraph has a distinct central topic, starting with a well-formulated introduction that outlines the scope of the essay. Cohesive devices such as 'On the one hand', 'On the other hand', 'Furthermore', and 'Secondly' are used effectively and flexibly to guide the reader smoothly from one point to the next. Paragraphing is utilised sufficiently and appropriately, ensuring that the contrasting arguments and benefits are clearly separated. Referencing throughout the text is clear and precise, contributing to seamless overall cohesion that warrants a Band 8 score.

Lexical Resource: Band 7.5

The student displays a wide, fluent, and flexible lexical range that is well-suited to an academic discussion. Less common and sophisticated vocabulary items are employed skillfully throughout the text, including terms such as 'homogenized global culture', 'perpetuate harmful stereotypes', 'dismantles deep-rooted prejudices', and 'economic prosperity'. Word choices and collocations are generally very natural and accurate, with only occasional minor stylistic awkwardness. Spelling and word formation are immaculate, enabling the reader to navigate the arguments effortlessly. This performance comfortably satisfies the Band 8 criteria for Lexical Resource.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 7.5

The essay showcases a wide range of complex grammatical structures, including participial phrases, conditional clauses, and relative clauses, used with a high degree of control. Sentences such as 'When people travel or consume diverse media... they realize that despite geographical boundaries, human aspirations and daily struggles are fundamentally similar' demonstrate syntactic flexibility and maturity. The vast majority of sentences are entirely error-free, and punctuation is handled correctly throughout. Minor slips are virtually absent, placing the grammatical performance firmly within the Band 8 descriptor range.

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