Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 5.5 · Cambridge IELTS 13 · 2026-08-03
IELTS Writing Task 2 question
Some people believe that nowadays we have too many choices.
To what extent do you agree or disagree with this statement?
Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience.
Student answer (Band 5.5)
Many people think that we have an excessive amount of choices in the modern world. I completely agree with this statement because having too many options makes decision-making stressful and wastes our time.
First, having too many choices can be very confusing for consumers in their daily lives. For example, when we go to a local supermarket, there are dozens of different brands for simple, everyday items like bread, milk, or toothpaste. Instead of quickly picking a product and moving on, shoppers often spend a lot of time reading labels, comparing ingredients, and checking prices. This turns a simple shopping trip into a tiring and stressful task.
Second, the same problem happens with modern entertainment and technology. On streaming platforms, there are thousands of movies and television shows available at our fingertips. As a result, many people spend more time scrolling and looking for something to watch than actually enjoying a film. Furthermore, when we have too many options, it is hard to be completely satisfied with our final decision because we always worry that we might have missed a better choice.
In conclusion, while having some freedom to choose is important and useful, having too many choices is a negative development. It creates unnecessary daily stress, makes people doubt their decisions, and takes up too much of our valuable time.
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 5.0 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 6.0 |
| Lexical Resource | 5.5 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 5.5 |
| Overall | 5.5 |
Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 5.0
The response clearly states a position and maintains it throughout. The ideas regarding consumer choice and digital entertainment are relevant and well-supported with examples. However, the essay is significantly under the 250-word minimum requirement (221 words), which limits the depth of the argument. To reach a higher band, you should expand on your points by adding a third paragraph or providing more detailed analysis of the psychological impact of 'choice overload' to ensure the response is fully developed and meets the length requirement.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.0
The essay is logically organized with a clear introduction, two body paragraphs, and a conclusion. Each paragraph has a central topic sentence, and cohesive devices such as 'First', 'Second', 'For example', and 'In conclusion' are used effectively to guide the reader. The progression of ideas is smooth and easy to follow. To improve, you could use a wider variety of linking phrases to avoid a slightly mechanical feel, but the current structure is clear and appropriate for the task.
Lexical Resource — Band 5.5
The vocabulary is generally accurate and appropriate for the topic. You use terms like 'excessive amount', 'streaming platforms', and 'at our fingertips' effectively. However, the range is somewhat limited and relies on fairly common language. To achieve a higher band, you should incorporate more sophisticated, topic-specific vocabulary related to consumer psychology or decision-making processes, such as 'paradox of choice' or 'cognitive burden'. The current range is sufficient for the task but lacks the flexibility and precision required for higher bands.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.5
The grammar is generally strong, with a good mix of simple and complex sentence structures. Most sentences are error-free, and your control over punctuation and tense is consistent. For example, the use of conditional structures and gerunds is accurate. To reach a higher band, you should aim to include a greater variety of complex grammatical structures, such as passive voice or inverted sentences, to demonstrate more flexibility. Currently, the writing is clear and accurate, but the range of structures is somewhat restricted.
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