Band 6.0 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 6.0 · IELTS Complete Catalyst · 2026-08-14

IELTS Writing Task 2 question

In some countries, it can be very difficult for people over the age of 50 to get good jobs, despite their experience.

What do you think are the causes of this problem, and what measures could be taken to solve it?

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

Student answer (Band 6.0)

In some countries, it is difficult for people over the age of 50 to find good jobs, even though they have a lot of experience. This essay will discuss the main causes of this problem and suggest some possible solutions.

One main cause is that many companies prefer younger workers. Young people may have better knowledge of new technology and can learn new skills quickly. As a result, employers may think that older workers are less suitable for modern jobs. Another reason is that older employees may expect higher salaries because of their experience. Therefore, some companies choose younger workers because they can pay them less.

There are several measures that could be taken to solve this problem. First, governments should provide free training courses for older people so that they can improve their computer and technical skills. This would help them compete with younger workers. Second, companies should give equal job opportunities to people of all ages and focus on their skills and experience rather than their age. For example, an experienced worker can be given training to learn new technology.

In conclusion, the main causes of this problem are employers' preference for younger workers and the higher salary expectations of older employees. Governments and companies should provide training and create equal employment opportunities for older people.

AI examiner evaluation

CriterionBand
Task Achievement / Task Response5.5
Coherence and Cohesion6.0
Lexical Resource5.5
Grammatical Range and Accuracy6.0
Overall6.0

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 5.5

The essay addresses both parts of the prompt: causes and solutions. However, the response is significantly under the 250-word minimum requirement, which limits the depth of the arguments. While the ideas are relevant, they are somewhat superficial. For example, the suggestion that governments provide training is a good starting point, but it lacks specific detail or examples of how this would be implemented effectively. Because the response is under-length, it fails to fully develop the ideas, preventing it from reaching a higher band score. To improve, you must expand on your points with more detailed explanations and concrete examples.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.0

The essay is logically organized with a clear introduction, body paragraphs, and a conclusion. Each paragraph has a central theme, and the progression of ideas is easy to follow. You use basic cohesive devices such as 'One main cause', 'Another reason', 'First', and 'Second' to link your points. However, the range of cohesive devices is somewhat limited and repetitive. To reach a higher band, try to use a wider variety of linking words and phrases to improve the flow between sentences and paragraphs, and ensure that referencing is more sophisticated.

Lexical Resource — Band 5.5

The vocabulary is adequate for the task and allows for clear communication. You use some topic-specific terms like 'employment opportunities' and 'salary expectations'. However, the range is somewhat limited, and there is a reliance on simple, repetitive language (e.g., 'good jobs', 'younger workers', 'older people'). There is little attempt to use less common or more sophisticated vocabulary. To improve, focus on incorporating more precise synonyms and collocations related to the professional and economic context of the prompt.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 6.0

The essay demonstrates a good level of grammatical control. You use a mix of simple and complex sentence structures, such as 'Although they have a lot of experience' and 'This would help them compete with younger workers'. The sentences are generally error-free, and your punctuation is accurate. While the range of structures is sufficient, it is not particularly ambitious. To achieve a higher band, try to incorporate a wider variety of complex grammatical forms, such as passive voice or conditional structures, to demonstrate greater flexibility.

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

Browse more IELTS Writing model answers or get your own writing scored by the same AI examiner.