Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 5.5 · IELTS Complete Catalyst · 2026-10-12

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 5.5)

Introduction: Advancement of technology,

International Travel

Advantages: Explore new career opportunities, New relations as many mary in different countries, Collaboration, Bring new good culture to their home, Learn new techniques, Study.

Disadvantages: Fake news through news media, political issues, Competition of good image on social media, Inferiority, comparison with different nations, Disturbs the overall, democracy of country.

The advancement of technology has made it easy for people to travel across the world and explore about new cultures while being at home.

Since the invention of air-planes, it is easier and convenient now to travel to every place. Moreover, social media platforms like facebook, news media channels and instagram has made it even more convenient for people to scroll and stay updated of all the things happening around the globe.

Although these reforms come with many benefits, they also cause serious problems. I personally believe advantages outweigh the disadvantages, because if we use this technology wisely, we can prevent many disasters to happen.

On the one hand, there are several benefits of using air-planes as people can move to new countries faster than any other transport. They can explore new career opportunities, make new relations, study at their dream university and bring positive culture to their home. Invention of mass media has allowed people to stay updated of current affairs. People listen to news media channels, scroll on instagram and facebook and they benefit from all the live news around the world. For instance, the live press conference in the United States, can be watched from any other country just by using these online social platforms.

On the other hand, we can not ignore the disasters which come with the mass media and ease of travelling. Many social media and news channels also spread fake news, like calling some nation terrorist or arrogant. It promotes negative image of society and country. For example, people in India are unaware which political party works in the favour of american people. Social media has the power to influence them and convince them to choose one party. So, we can only make positive use of this technology if we use it wisely.

Overall, there are many benefits as well as negative impacts of these innovations. My personal belief is that, if we monitor and verify the news spreading on social media platforms, this disaster can be prevented. So, the advantages of international travel and mass media ouweigh the disadvantages.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 6.0

Your position is clear: you believe the benefits outweigh the disadvantages, and you address both international travel and mass media. The advantages paragraph gives relevant outcomes, including career opportunities, study, relationships and cultural exchange; the discussion of misinformation and political influence also responds to the task. However, some points are asserted rather than explained. For example, the claim that travel can “bring positive culture to their home” would be stronger with a specific explanation or example, and the political example about Indian people choosing an American party is not clearly connected to the effects of international awareness. Develop fewer points in more depth and compare their significance directly so the reader can see why the advantages outweigh the risks.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 5.5

The response has a recognisable structure, with an introduction, separate advantages and disadvantages paragraphs, and a conclusion that restates your view. Phrases such as “On the one hand” and “On the other hand” help signal the shift between sides. However, progression within paragraphs is sometimes list-like: the advantages paragraph moves through travel benefits and media benefits without clearly linking or prioritising them. The opening notes are also disconnected from the essay and interrupt the presentation. Some links are repetitive, particularly the repeated references to using technology “wisely.” Organise each body paragraph around one main claim, explain it, and connect the example explicitly to that claim; use referencing and transitions more precisely.

Lexical Resource: Band 5.5

You use relevant vocabulary for the topic, including “career opportunities,” “current affairs,” “fake news,” “political party” and “influence.” This gives you enough range to discuss both benefits and risks, and the main meaning is generally clear. However, several choices are imprecise or awkward, such as “bring positive culture to their home,” “the disasters which come with” and “negative image of society and country.” Repetition of “social media,” “technology” and “people” also limits flexibility. Aim for more precise collocations and vary how you refer to the topic—for example, distinguish between international travel, global media and online platforms. Check spelling and word forms, including “airplanes” and “outweigh,” to make the writing more polished.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 5.5

You use a mix of simple and complex forms, including the concession in “Although these reforms come with many benefits” and the conditional sentence beginning “if we use this technology wisely.” Most sentences communicate the intended meaning, but some grammatical errors remain. For example, “social media platforms … has made” has a subject–verb agreement problem, and “people can move to new countries faster than any other transport” needs a clearer comparison structure. There are also issues with articles and punctuation, as in “the live press conference in the United States, can be watched.” Review agreement with plural subjects, article use, and comma placement. More consistently accurate complex sentences would strengthen control while preserving the range you already attempt.

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