Band 7.0 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 7.0 · Cambridge IELTS 20 · 2026-09-12

IELTS Writing Task 2 question

Nowadays it's possible for people to buy many products or pay for treatments that help them to look younger.

Is this a good thing or a bad thing?

Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience.

Student answer (Band 7.0)

In the modern era, a wide range of cosmetic products and medical procedures are available to those who wish to maintain a youthful appearance. While some argue that this trend places unnecessary pressure on individuals to look young, I believe it is largely a positive development when these options are used sensibly.

One clear advantage is that such products can improve an individual’s confidence and overall satisfaction with their appearance. As ageing naturally brings changes such as wrinkles, grey hair and loose skin, some adults may feel less comfortable with their physical appearance. Access to effective skincare, hair treatments or cosmetic procedures can therefore give them greater self-assurance. Moreover, certain treatments can provide practical health benefits. For example, dental procedures can improve both a person's smile and oral health, while dermatological treatments may address persistent skin conditions. Additionally, the expanding beauty and healthcare industries create employment opportunities and contribute to economic growth.

Nevertheless, there are legitimate concerns surrounding this development. The constant promotion of youthful appearances can create unrealistic expectations, particularly among younger generations. Consequently, some individuals may become excessively concerned about their looks and spend considerable amounts of money on unnecessary procedures. Furthermore, cosmetic surgery can involve complications, especially when performed by inexperienced practitioners. Although these risks should not be ignored, they can be reduced through strict regulations, professional medical advice and informed consumer choices.

In conclusion, I regard the widespread availability of anti-ageing products and treatments as a beneficial development overall. Provided that individuals use these options moderately and make well-informed decisions, the advantages are likely to outweigh the disadvantages.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 7.0

The response fully addresses all parts of the task by discussing whether products and treatments to look younger are a good or bad thing. The candidate takes a clear, well-supported position right from the introduction, arguing that it is a positive development when options are used sensibly. Both body paragraphs effectively explore distinct viewpoints: the first covers advantages such as increased confidence, practical health benefits in dentistry and dermatology, and economic contributions. The second balances this by acknowledging valid concerns regarding unrealistic expectations and potential surgical complications. Ideas are thoroughly extended with relevant explanations, resulting in a well-developed and complete task response that satisfies all Band 7 and Band 8 descriptors.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 7.5

The essay demonstrates a clear logical organisation and progression throughout. Each paragraph has a distinct central topic, moving smoothly from introduction to supportive body paragraphs and finally to a concise conclusion. Cohesive devices such as 'While some argue', 'One clear advantage', 'Moreover', and 'Nevertheless' are used flexibly and appropriately to guide the reader through the argument. Paragraphing is handled skilfully, with each main idea receiving its own dedicated space. Referencing is clear throughout, and there is no mechanical or repetitive use of cohesive phrases, placing the text comfortably within the Band 8 descriptor.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.5

The candidate displays a sufficient and flexible range of vocabulary suitable for the task, successfully using less common lexical items such as 'sensibly', 'self-assurance', 'dermatological treatments', and 'unrealistic expectations'. Word choice is generally precise and appropriate for an IELTS discussion, demonstrating a good awareness of collocation in phrases like 'economic growth' and 'informed consumer choices'. While the vocabulary does not quite reach the sustained sophisticated control required for Band 8, it easily surpasses Band 6 by avoiding basic repetition and integrating precise items naturally and accurately.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 7.5

The response exhibits a wide variety of complex sentence structures used with a high degree of accuracy. The candidate successfully employs subordinate clauses, conditional structures ('Provided that individuals use these options moderately...'), and participial phrases without losing control of syntax. The majority of sentences are entirely error-free, and punctuation is managed effectively throughout. The occasional complex structure is handled smoothly, and any minor slips are so rare that communication is never impeded. This level of syntactic flexibility and control corresponds well to the Band 8 descriptor.

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