Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 5.5 · IELTS Complete Catalyst · 2026-10-24

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 5.5)

This essay will examine why the experienced people over the age of 50 are struggling to get the job inspite of having relevant experience. Also we will discuss on the root cause of this problem and what can be done to solve this problem.

According to me, the primary reason for this is the new technology that is being introduced in the companies. The tasks that were done manually are completed by automations within minutes. The people over the age of 50 fail to keep up with the trend by updating and learning the relevant skills used in their domain. In addition to this they have to compete with the younger generation, as they are already equipped with the skills required by the industry and are ready to work at a lower compensation.

However, I believe the companies should encourage employees to learn new skills and and keep themselves updated as eventually the company will benefit from this. Sometimes the companies do prefer cheap workforce but I believe they will always prefer the people who already have some experience in the company rather than a fresher with right skills but no experience. For instance, in my company there was a employee aged more than 50 and he was working in our company for more than a decade. Despite of this, the company was looking to replace him as there were other young peoople with right skills and were ready to work at a lower pay.

To summarize, the older ones will need to keep themselves updated as the technology and innovations happens each and everyday.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 5.5

You identify a relevant cause—rapid technological change—and explain that some older workers may not update their skills, while younger applicants can offer current skills at lower pay. You also give a personal workplace example and suggest that companies encourage training. However, the response addresses the two parts unevenly: the causes are clearer than the proposed measures, which are largely limited to encouraging employees to learn. The example describes a company considering replacing an experienced worker, but it does not show how a solution could work. Your position is understandable, though the opening mainly announces what the essay will discuss rather than establishing a clear argument. Develop several practical measures and explain how each would improve older workers’ access to good jobs.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 5.5

The response has a recognisable structure, with an introduction, a paragraph on causes, a paragraph on a possible response and an example, and a brief conclusion. Linking phrases such as “In addition to this,” “However,” and “For instance” help signal relationships between ideas. However, progression is limited because the solution paragraph shifts from training to employers’ preference for experienced staff and then to an example that actually illustrates the problem. The conclusion repeats the need for older workers to update their skills but does not bring together the causes and measures. Some connections are also mechanical or unclear, particularly “Also we will discuss on the root cause.” Organise the body paragraphs around distinct points and use references that make the relationship between each example and claim explicit.

Lexical Resource: Band 5.5

You use relevant vocabulary for the topic, including “automations,” “relevant skills,” “compensation,” “workforce,” and “innovations,” so the main ideas are generally understandable. There are also attempts to express workplace concepts beyond very basic language. However, the range is limited and several choices or forms are inaccurate or unnatural, such as “get the job,” “keep up with the trend,” and “cheap workforce.” Spelling errors such as “inspite” and “peoople” also reduce accuracy. Some phrases are repeated, including “right skills” and “over the age of 50.” Aim for more precise collocations and vary references to older applicants and technological change; proofreading would also help ensure that spelling and word forms are correct.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 5.5

You attempt both simple and more complex sentences, including a contrast with “Despite of this” and a reason introduced by “as.” Most of the meaning can be followed, but errors recur in sentence construction and grammatical forms. For example, “the experienced people … are struggling to get the job” has an awkward article and number pattern, while “there was a employee” uses the wrong article. In “the technology and innovations happens,” the verb does not agree with its plural subject. The opening also shifts from “This essay” to “we,” and “discuss on” shows an incorrect preposition pattern. Work on articles, subject–verb agreement, and complete, natural sentence patterns. More accurate control of these basics would make your complex ideas easier to read.

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