Band 8.0 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 8.0 · Cambridge IELTS 21 · 2026-10-01

IELTS Writing Task 2 question

Doctors tell us that we can get all the vitamins we need from having a healthy diet. Despite this advice, some people continue to spend large sums of money on vitamin pills.

Why do you think some people spend a lot of money on vitamin pills?

How could people be persuaded to improve their diet instead of buying vitamin pills?

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

Student answer (Band 8.0)

Doctors often advise that a healthy and balanced diet can provide all the vitamins required by the human body. However, many people continue to spend significant amounts of money on vitamin supplements. This essay will discuss the reasons for this behaviour and suggest ways to encourage healthier eating habits.

One reason people purchase vitamin pills is their busy lifestyle. Many individuals have demanding jobs and limited time to prepare nutritious meals. As a result, they view supplements as a convenient way to maintain their health. Another important factor is advertising. Vitamin manufacturers often promote their products as essential for improving energy levels, strengthening the immune system, and preventing illness. These marketing campaigns can persuade consumers that supplements are necessary, even when they already receive adequate nutrition from their diet. In addition, some people worry about potential vitamin deficiencies and believe that taking pills provides extra protection against health problems.

There are several ways to persuade people to improve their diet instead of relying on supplements. Firstly, governments and health organizations should invest in nutrition education. By teaching people about the benefits of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and other natural foods, they can help individuals make informed choices. Secondly, healthy food should be made more affordable and accessible. If fresh produce is reasonably priced, more people are likely to include it in their daily meals. Finally, public awareness campaigns through television, social media, and healthcare professionals could emphasize that a balanced diet is usually more effective than vitamin pills for maintaining long-term health.

In conclusion, people often buy vitamin supplements because of convenience, advertising, and concerns about their health. However, better education and improved access to healthy foods could encourage more individuals to obtain their vitamins naturally through a balanced diet.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 7.5

The response successfully addresses all parts of the prompt, exploring both why people spend money on vitamin pills and how they might be persuaded to improve their diet. A clear position is maintained throughout. Ideas are well-extended and supported, such as when discussing busy lifestyles, persuasive advertising, and potential health concerns. The solutions offered—such as nutrition education, government intervention on food affordability, and public awareness campaigns—are logical and thoroughly developed. To reach the highest band, the ideas could be pushed even further with more nuanced real-world examples or deeper analysis, but overall, the task is covered very thoroughly.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 8.0

The essay displays a clear logical organisation and progression throughout. Ideas are logically sequenced, beginning with an introduction, moving through reasons and solutions in well-structured body paragraphs, and concluding effectively. Cohesive devices such as 'One reason', 'Another important factor', 'Firstly', and 'Secondly' are used skillfully to guide the reader through the argument without feeling mechanical. Paragraphing is used sufficiently and appropriately, with each paragraph focusing on a distinct central theme. Referencing throughout the text is clear and precise.

Lexical Resource: Band 7.5

The writer demonstrates a sufficient and flexible range of vocabulary suitable for the task. Less common lexical items are used with a strong awareness of style and collocation, such as 'significant amounts of money', 'demanding jobs', 'vitamin deficiencies', and 'public awareness campaigns'. Word choice and spelling are generally very accurate, with only rare minor slips. To achieve an even higher band, the writer could incorporate more sophisticated, idiomatic expressions or less common academic synonyms (e.g., substituting 'busy lifestyle' with 'fast-paced modern existence').

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 8.0

The response features a wide range of sentence structures, successfully combining simple and complex forms. The majority of sentences are completely error-free, reflecting a high level of control over grammar and punctuation. Complex structures, such as concessive clauses ('even when they already receive adequate nutrition') and conditional constructions ('If fresh produce is reasonably priced'), are handled accurately. There are very few grammatical errors or awkward phrasings, and punctuation is managed effectively throughout the entire essay, supporting smooth reading.

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