Band 7.0 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 7.0 · IELTS Complete Catalyst · 2026-09-19

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 7.0)

In some countries, people over the age of 50 find it increasingly difficult to secure suitable employment, even though they have considerable experience. This problem is caused by several factors, including rapid technological development and age discrimination. However, governments and employers can take practical measures to improve the situation.

One major reason is the rapid advancement of technology. Many workplaces now rely heavily on digital tools, software and automated systems. As a result, older workers who have not had opportunities to develop their digital skills may struggle to compete with younger applicants. Another important factor is age discrimination. Some employers may assume that older employees are less adaptable, less energetic or more expensive to employ. Consequently, they may prefer younger candidates, even when older applicants have greater professional experience and stronger practical skills.

Several measures could be introduced to address this issue. Firstly, governments could provide affordable training programmes specifically designed for older workers. These courses could focus on digital literacy, modern workplace software and other skills that are currently in demand. Such training would help experienced employees remain competitive in the changing labour market. Secondly, companies should adopt fair recruitment policies based primarily on qualifications, skills and experience rather than age. Governments could also introduce stronger regulations against age-based discrimination and encourage businesses to employ people from different age groups.

In addition, employers could offer flexible working arrangements, such as part-time positions or shorter working hours, to experienced workers who may prefer a gradual transition towards retirement. This would allow companies to benefit from their knowledge while providing older employees with suitable employment conditions.

In conclusion, the difficulty faced by people over 50 is mainly related to technological changes and discriminatory attitudes. Providing relevant training, enforcing fair recruitment practices and offering flexible working arrangements can help older people remain active and valuable participants in the workforce.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 7.0

The response fully addresses all parts of the task by clearly identifying the causes of employment difficulties for older workers, such as technological advancement and age discrimination, and by providing practical measures like training programmes and fair recruitment policies. The position is well-maintained throughout the essay. Ideas are extended and supported with relevant explanations and clear examples, demonstrating a thorough understanding of the prompt. For instance, the discussion on digital literacy and workplace software accurately targets the technological shift mentioned in the question. According to the Band 7 and Band 8 descriptors, this response covers all parts well with well-developed ideas, earning a solid score in Task Achievement.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.5

The essay displays a clear logical organisation and progression throughout. Each paragraph has a distinct central topic, moving smoothly from the introduction to causes, measures, flexible working arrangements, and a concise conclusion. Cohesive devices such as 'One major reason', 'Another important factor', 'Firstly', and 'In addition' are used effectively to guide the reader through the argument. Paragraphing is used sufficiently and appropriately, separating distinct concepts logically. The referencing is clear, and cohesion is managed well without being overly mechanical, aligning closely with the Band 7 descriptor.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.5

The writer uses a sufficient range of vocabulary with good flexibility and precision, suitable for an Academic Task 2 essay. Less common lexical items and collocations are successfully employed throughout the text, including 'secure suitable employment', 'rapid technological development', 'age discrimination', 'digital literacy', and 'gradual transition towards retirement'. Word choice is generally natural, and spelling and word formation are accurate. Although it stops just short of the wide, flexible range and mastery of uncommon items required for Band 8, the vocabulary used easily satisfies the Band 7 criteria, ensuring smooth and precise communication.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 7.5

The essay demonstrates a good variety of complex structures used accurately alongside simple sentences. The writer successfully incorporates subordinate clauses, participial phrases, and conditional-like structures, such as 'even though they have considerable experience', 'older workers who have not had opportunities to develop their digital skills', and 'workers who may prefer a gradual transition'. The majority of sentences are error-free, and punctuation is handled very well. Grammatical control is consistently strong throughout the essay, demonstrating the frequent error-free sentences and good control expected at the Band 8 level.

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