Band 6.5 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 6.5 · IELTS Complete Catalyst · 2026-09-01
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 6.5)
IN NUMEROUS NATIONS, INDIVIDUALS OVER THE AGE OF FIFTY FACE SIGNIFICANT OBSTACLES WHEN ATTEMPTING TO SECURE HIGH-QUALITY EMPLOYMENT, DESPITE POSSESSING DECADES OF PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE. THIS ESSAY WILL EXPLORE THE PRIMARY CAUSES OF THIS PHENOMENON, NAMELY AGEISM AND TECHNOLOGICAL DISPARITIES, AND PROPOSE ACTIONABLE SOLUTIONS, INCLUDING GOVERNMENT INCENTIVES AND CONTINUOUS CORPORATE RETRAINING.
THE PRIMARY DRIVER BEHIND THIS EMPLOYMENT BARRIER IS DEEP-SEATED AGEISM WITHIN CORPORATE HIRING CULTURE.MANY EMPLOYERS OPERATE UNDER THE MISCONCEPTION THAT OLDER CANDIDATES ARE INFLEXIBLE. RESISTANT TO INSTITUTIONAL CHANGE, OR CLOSER TO RETIREMENT , MAKING THEM POOR LONG-TERM INVESTMENTS. CONSEQUENTLY , YOUNGER CANDIDATES ARE OFTEN FAVORED SIMPLY FOR THEIR PERCEIVED ADAPTABILITY AND LOWER SALARY EXPECTATIONS. FURTHERMORE, THE RAPID ACCELERATION OF THE DIGITAL ECONOMY HAS CREATED A DISTINCT TECHNOLOGICAL GAP. MANY INDUSTRIES NOW RELY HEAVILY ON ADVANCED SOFTWARE,AUTOMATION, AND DIGITAL PLATFORMS. RECRUITERS FREQUENTLY ASSUME THAT PROFESSIONALS OVER FIFTY LACK THESE MODERN TECHNICAL SKILLS, IGNORING THEIR EXTENSIVE MANAGERIAL AND INDUSTRY-SPECIFIC EXPERTISE
TO ADRESS THESE CHALLENGES, GOVERNMENT AND PRIVATE CORPORATIONS MUST IMPLEMENT SYSTEMIC STRUCTURAL CHANGES. FIRST, STATE AUTHORITIES SHOULD INTRODUCE STRICT ANTI-AGEISM LEGISLATION ALONGSIDE CORPORATE INCENTIVES . SUBSIDIES OR TAX REDUCTIONS COULD BE GRANTED TO BUSINESSES THAT MAINTAIN A ORGANIZATIONS MUST INVEST HEAVILY IN LIFELONG LEARNING AND MANDATORY TECHNICAL UPSKILLING PROGRAMS. RATHER THAN REPLACING OLDER WORKERS WHEN TECHNOLOGY ENVOLE, COMPANIES SHOULD PROVIDE STRUCTURED TRAINING TO BRIDGE THE DIGITAL DIVDIE. FOR EXAPLE , OFFERING SPECIALIZED DIGITAL LITERACY COURSES ENSURE THAT SEASONED EMPLOYEES CAN PAIR THIER INSTITUTIONAL WISDOM WITH CUTTING-EDGE SOFTWARE TOOLS.
IN CONCLUSION, THE EMPLOYMENT STRUGGLES FACED BY OLDER PROFESSIONALS STEM FORM CULTURE PREJUDICES REGARDING AGE AND PERCEIVED TECHNOLOGICAL DEFICIENCIES. HOWEVER THIS SOCIETAL ISSUE CAN BE EFFECTIVELY MITIGATED THROUGH TARGETED LEGISLATIVE SUPPORT, FINANCIAL HIRING INCENTIVES, AND ROBUST WORKPLACE TRAINING PROGRAMS.
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 7.0 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 6.5 |
| Lexical Resource | 6.5 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 6.0 |
| Overall | 6.5 |
Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 7.0
The response addresses all parts of the prompt, identifying both causes (ageism and technological gaps) and solutions (legislation and corporate training). The position is clear from the introduction and maintained throughout. Ideas are well-developed, such as the explanation of why employers view older workers as 'poor long-term investments.' The essay is balanced, providing a logical flow from the problem to the proposed measures. To reach a higher band, the student could provide more specific real-world examples or evidence to support the claims, rather than relying on generalized statements about corporate culture.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.5
The essay is logically organized with a clear progression of ideas. Paragraphing is used effectively to separate the causes from the solutions. Cohesive devices such as 'consequently,' 'furthermore,' and 'to address these challenges' are used appropriately to guide the reader. However, there is a minor error in the third paragraph where a sentence fragment occurs ('SUBSIDIES OR TAX REDUCTIONS COULD BE GRANTED TO BUSINESSES THAT MAINTAIN A ORGANIZATIONS MUST INVEST...'), which disrupts the flow slightly. Overall, the structure is sound and the progression is clear.
Lexical Resource — Band 6.5
The vocabulary is generally strong and appropriate for an academic context. Phrases like 'deep-seated ageism,' 'institutional wisdom,' and 'systemic structural changes' demonstrate a good range. There are a few minor spelling errors, such as 'ADRESS' instead of 'ADDRESS,' 'ENVOLE' instead of 'EVOLVE,' and 'DIVDIE' instead of 'DIVIDE.' Despite these slips, the range is sufficient to convey precise meanings, and the errors do not impede communication. The student shows an ability to use less common lexical items effectively.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 6.0
The student uses a mix of simple and complex sentence structures with reasonable control. There are several instances of punctuation errors, such as missing spaces after commas and periods (e.g., 'CULTURE.MANY,' 'RETIREMENT , MAKING'). Additionally, the sentence fragment in the third paragraph ('SUBSIDIES OR TAX REDUCTIONS... A ORGANIZATIONS MUST INVEST...') indicates a lapse in grammatical control. While the majority of sentences are clear and error-free, these recurring punctuation and structural slips prevent a higher score. The student should focus on proofreading for mechanical errors.
See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.
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