Band 6.5 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 6.5 · IELTS Complete Catalyst · 2026-08-04

IELTS Writing Task 2 question

In some countries today, there is an attitude that 'anyone can do it' in the arts - music, literature, acting, art, etc. As a result, people with no talent become rich and famous and genuine talent is not valued or appreciated.

Do you agree or disagree?

You should use your own ideas, knowledge and experience and support your arguments with examples and relevant evidence.

Student answer (Band 6.5)

In some countries today, there is a belief that success in the arts is accessible to anyone, regardless of talent. Consequently, individuals with limited artistic ability sometimes achieve wealth and fame, while genuinely gifted artists may be overlooked. Although hard work and effective promotion can help people gain recognition, I agree to a large extent that commercial success in the arts increasingly depends on factors other than talent due to many factors which will be outlined in the forthcoming paragraphs with a relevant conclusion.

It is undeniable that modern technology has made it easier than ever for ordinary people to enter artistic fields. Social media platforms, streaming services and self-publishing websites allow musicians, writers and actors to reach millions of people without relying on traditional gatekeepers. In many cases, marketing strategies, online algorithms and eye-catching content have a greater influence on popularity than artistic quality. As a result, some individuals become celebrities despite possessing only average abilities. For instance, certain influencers have successfully launched music or acting careers largely because of their existing online fame rather than exceptional artistic skills.

However, this does not mean that talent has become irrelevant. Genuine ability remains the foundation of long-term success in most artistic professions. While an untalented performer may enjoy brief popularity, sustaining a career usually requires continuous improvement and the ability to produce work of lasting value. History offers countless examples of artists whose reputations have endured precisely because of their extraordinary talent rather than effective publicity. Classical composers such as Mozart, celebrated novelists like Jane Austen, and contemporary filmmakers such as Christopher Nolan continue to be admired because their works demonstrate exceptional creativity and craftsmanship. Nevertheless, the entertainment industry often rewards commercial appeal more readily than artistic excellence. Audiences are frequently attracted to trends, personalities and viral content, which can overshadow more sophisticated works. Consequently, many gifted artists struggle to receive the recognition they deserve, particularly in highly competitive industries where financial success is closely linked to public exposure. This imbalance may discourage talented individuals from pursuing artistic careers and ultimately reduce the overall quality of cultural production.

In conclusion, although determination and self-promotion can sometimes compensate for limited ability, genuine talent remains indispensable for creating meaningful artistic works. Even so, in today's media-driven world, commercial success does not always reflect artistic merit.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 6.5

You have fully addressed all parts of the prompt. You clearly state your position in the introduction and maintain it throughout the essay. Your arguments are well-developed, particularly the distinction between short-term commercial success driven by social media and the long-term endurance of genuine talent. You provide relevant examples, such as Mozart and Christopher Nolan, to support your claims. The response is balanced and demonstrates a sophisticated understanding of the topic. The ideas are extended logically, and the conclusion effectively synthesizes your main points without introducing new information. This is a strong, well-reasoned response that meets all requirements of the task.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.5

The essay is logically organized with a clear progression of ideas. Each paragraph has a central theme, and the transition between the argument for 'anyone can do it' and the counter-argument regarding the necessity of talent is smooth. You use a variety of cohesive devices effectively, such as 'Consequently,' 'However,' and 'Nevertheless,' which help guide the reader through your argument. Paragraphing is used appropriately to separate distinct ideas. The referencing is clear, and the flow of information is natural throughout the text, making the essay very easy to follow.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.5

You demonstrate a wide and flexible range of vocabulary, which allows for precise expression of your ideas. You use less common items such as 'traditional gatekeepers,' 'artistic merit,' and 'cultural production' with ease and accuracy. Collocations are generally natural, and there is a good sense of academic style. While the vocabulary is strong, there is room to incorporate even more sophisticated or idiomatic expressions to reach the highest band. Overall, your lexical control is excellent and contributes significantly to the clarity and impact of your writing.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 6.5

You use a wide range of complex structures with high accuracy. Your sentences are varied in length and complexity, and the majority are error-free. You demonstrate good control over punctuation and complex grammatical forms, such as conditional structures and relative clauses. There are no significant errors that impede communication. The writing is fluent and demonstrates a high level of grammatical competence, which is consistent with the requirements for a high band score.

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