Band 7.5 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 7.5 · Cambridge IELTS 13 · 2026-08-16

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 7.5)

In today’s world, people have more choices than ever before, particularly when it comes to education, employment, entertainment, and consumer products. Some people believe that having so many options makes life more difficult. I largely agree with this view because although choice provides freedom, an excessive number of options can create confusion and stress.

One major disadvantage of having too many choices is that it can make decision-making difficult. In the past, people often had fewer products and services to choose from, so they could make decisions relatively quickly. Nowadays, however, consumers may have hundreds of brands and varieties of the same product available to them. For example, when buying a mobile phone, a person may have to compare numerous brands, prices, features, and reviews. As a result, people can spend a great deal of time deciding and may still worry that they have made the wrong choice.

Another problem is that having too many options can increase dissatisfaction. When people have many alternatives, they may constantly wonder whether another choice would have been better. This is particularly common among young people when selecting a university degree or career. For instance, a student who is interested in several fields may find it difficult to choose between different subjects and career paths. Even after making a decision, they may continue to think about the opportunities they have missed.

However, I acknowledge that having more choices also has important advantages. People have greater freedom to select products, educational systems, jobs, and lifestyles that suit their individual needs and interests. For example, the availability of online courses allows students to learn subjects that may not be offered at their local institutions. Therefore, choice can improve people's opportunities and quality of life when it is manageable.

In conclusion, I agree to a large extent that people nowadays have too many choices. Although greater choice gives individuals more freedom and opportunities, an excessive number of alternatives can lead to confusion, stress, and dissatisfaction. Therefore, people should focus on their priorities rather than trying to consider every possible option.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 7.5

The response fully addresses all parts of the prompt. You have taken a clear position from the introduction and maintained it throughout the essay. The ideas are well-developed, particularly the discussion on decision-making fatigue and the psychological impact of 'missed opportunities.' You provide relevant examples, such as the comparison of mobile phone shopping and the stress of choosing a university degree, which effectively support your arguments. The counter-argument regarding the benefits of choice is also well-integrated, showing a balanced perspective while ultimately reinforcing your main stance. The conclusion effectively synthesizes your points without introducing new information.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 7.5

The essay is logically organized with a clear progression of ideas. Each paragraph has a distinct central theme, and the transition between the disadvantages and the acknowledgment of advantages is smooth. You use a variety of cohesive devices effectively, such as 'In the past,' 'Nowadays, however,' 'As a result,' and 'In conclusion,' which help guide the reader through your argument. The paragraphing is logical and contributes to the overall clarity of the response. There is a consistent flow of information, and referencing is clear throughout the text.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.5

You demonstrate a good range of vocabulary that is appropriate for an academic essay. Phrases like 'excessive number of options,' 'decision-making,' 'constantly wonder,' and 'individual needs and interests' show a level of precision and natural collocation. While the vocabulary is accurate and fits the context well, it could be slightly more sophisticated to reach the highest band. For instance, instead of 'make decisions relatively quickly,' you could use 'expedite the decision-making process.' Overall, the lexical range is sufficient to convey your ideas clearly and with some flexibility.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 7.5

The essay displays a good variety of complex sentence structures, such as the use of conditional and concessive clauses (e.g., 'Although greater choice gives individuals more freedom...'). The majority of your sentences are error-free, and your control over punctuation is excellent. There are no significant grammatical errors that impede communication. To improve further, you could incorporate a wider range of advanced structures, such as inverted conditionals or more varied passive constructions, to demonstrate even greater flexibility in your writing.

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