Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 5.5 · IELTS Complete Catalyst · 2026-10-13

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)

The convenience of overseas travel and the spread of different sorts of mass media all the globe have made it more possibel than ever for individuals to know how other people live in different countries.

In my opinion, this notion has advantages and some disadvantages at the same time. This idea can give a clear vision to people who wants to travel internationally but at the same time can discourage few about not travelling in terms of the cultural shock.

On the one hand, few advantages about this idea can be very helpful for the youth to know before hand about the people living standards and ofcourse the languages they speak and one can be fully prepared before reaching. Additionally, it can be supportive for the majority for the students to know what they expected to do. For instance, when my sister had to visit the UK she got all the information about the specific area she had to reside in, which turned out to be the greatest help in terms of her arrangements she had to do before hand for the smooth transition for her living and dealing with the locals.

On the other hand, keeping in mind the advantages we cannot deny the fact about the disadavantages it had to offer. For example, when I had to travel abroad I did a little homework about the local people, area where I will be living and ofcourse the life style of people. Furthermore, I got really anxious and overwhelmed to know that I have to be mindful of certain things like I can face the language barrier while interacting with the local people. Moreover, it discouraged me to decide if I really want to move or not.

In the concluding statement, it is concluded that this notion has both advantages an disadvantages which might make it difficult to decide about th eidea of travelling or may be very encouraging to move at the same. I came to the conclusion, that disadvantages outweigh the advantages and I think it can help built one's confident and learn something new about the different people belonging from different parts of the world and can be a good exposure towards life.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 5.5

You address the topic by discussing both the benefits and drawbacks of learning about other countries through travel and media, and you include relevant examples, such as your sister preparing for a stay in the UK. However, the task asks whether the advantages outweigh the disadvantages, and your position is not consistently clear: you initially say there are advantages and disadvantages, later describe anxiety as discouraging travel, but conclude that the disadvantages outweigh the advantages while also claiming the development can build confidence and provide exposure. These conflicting statements make the response only partially convincing. Develop a clear comparison—for example, explain why preparation and cultural understanding are more or less important than anxiety—and ensure the conclusion follows from the arguments presented.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 6.0

The response has a recognisable structure, with an introduction, separate paragraphs for advantages and disadvantages, and a conclusion. The examples are generally placed in relevant paragraphs, and signposts such as “On the one hand” and “On the other hand” help readers follow the contrast. However, progression is weakened by repeated or mechanical linking phrases, including “Furthermore,” “Moreover,” and “In the concluding statement.” Some references are unclear, particularly “this notion” and “the same,” and the conclusion combines opposing claims rather than resolving the discussion. Use more precise references, connect each example explicitly to the main comparison, and make the final paragraph summarise one consistent position.

Lexical Resource: Band 5.5

You use a range of topic-related vocabulary, including “cultural shock,” “language barrier,” “locals,” and “smooth transition,” which helps communicate the subject. There are also attempts at less common expressions, such as “overwhelmed” and “mindful.” However, several word choices and collocations are inaccurate or awkward, for example “people living standards,” “supportive for the majority for the students,” and “disadvantages it had to offer.” Spelling errors such as “possibel,” “disadavantages,” and “ofcourse” are noticeable and reduce precision. Aim for natural combinations such as “living standards,” “beneficial for students,” and “the disadvantages involved,” and check spelling carefully. More precise vocabulary would make your ideas easier to understand.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 5.5

You attempt both simple and complex sentences, including clauses introduced by “when,” “which,” and “that,” and most of your meaning remains understandable. However, errors in agreement, tense, articles, and sentence construction recur. For example, “people who wants” should be “people who want,” while “the area where I will be living” shifts awkwardly from the past-tense account to the future. The sentence beginning “Additionally, it can be supportive…” is difficult to follow because its grammatical relationships are unclear. The conclusion also contains a run-on structure joining several ideas. Practise building accurate complex sentences, keep verb tenses consistent within examples, and use full stops to separate complete thoughts.

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