Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 5.5 · Cambridge IELTS 13 · 2026-09-19

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)

It is increasingly argued that nowadays we have too many choices. While I acknowledge that we have to much choice which can cause stress. I do not believe that this view can be applied universally . In my view, many choice are usefull, but sometimes cause confusion or cause problem.

To begin with, there are several compelling reasons why having too much choice having problematic can be considered valid. First and foremost, they can make decision-making difficult. In other words, people have to compare large number of options before making decisions. This jis particularly significant because this can cause confusion and worry about making wrong decisions. A pertinent example of this can be seen in the purrchase smartphone or laptop, consumers often have to compare models, feachers before chosing one. Consequently, people may waste time and feel stressed about their decisions.

Furthermore, another noteworthy consideration is that too much choice may reduce people satisfaction. This can largely be attributed to the fact that people continue wondering whether other option would have been better.

Nevertheless, the aforementioned argument has certain limitations that warrant careful consideration. The most compelling counterargument is that a wide range of choice give more freedom. This is primarily because people have different preferences, budgets and personal requirements. For instance, online shopping, demostrating that people can select product according to their budget, choice and preferences.

Moreover, another important consideration is that having too many choices can be time-consuming. This is largely because people often need to compare a wide range of products and services before making a final decision. For example, when shopping online, consumers may spend a long time comparing prices, features and reviews of different products. As a result, simple decisions can become more complicated and people may waste a considerable amount of time. Therefore, these factors provide substantial justification for the view that having too many choices can sometimes make everyday life more difficult.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 6.0

The response addresses all parts of the task by presenting a clear position and considering both sides of the argument. The introduction states the writer's view, acknowledging that excessive choices cause stress and confusion while also arguing that many choices provide freedom. Main body paragraphs develop these ideas with relevant explanations and examples, such as comparing smartphone or laptop models and discussing online shopping. However, there is a minor contradiction in the body paragraphs: paragraph three discusses how too much choice reduces satisfaction, but paragraph five repeats the point that having too many choices is time-consuming, which somewhat overlaps with the points made in paragraph two about decision-making. Despite this minor structural repetition, the prompt is adequately answered and ideas are supported, earning a solid Band 6.5.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.5

The essay has a clear overall arrangement and is divided into logical paragraphs. The writer uses standard cohesive devices to guide the reader, such as 'To begin with', 'First and foremost', 'Furthermore', and 'Nevertheless'. However, there are some issues with referencing and mechanical linking. For instance, the transition 'This jis particularly significant' contains a typo, and the final body paragraph repeats the idea of time-consuming decision-making from the second paragraph rather than introducing a distinct new progression. Paragraphing is used appropriately to separate different facets of the argument, but the logical progression between paragraphs could be smoother and less repetitive. Overall, the coherence aligns with the requirements for Band 6.

Lexical Resource — Band 5.5

The student demonstrates an adequate vocabulary range for the task, attempting some less common lexical items such as 'universal', 'compelling reasons', and 'substantial justification'. However, there are numerous word-form and spelling errors throughout the text, including 'too much choice' instead of 'too many choices' in the opening sentences, 'usefull' instead of 'useful', 'problem' instead of 'problems', 'having problematic' instead of 'being problematic', 'purrchase' instead of 'purchase', 'feachers' instead of 'features', 'chosing' instead of 'choosing', and 'demostrating' instead of 'demonstrating'. While these errors do not impede overall communication, their frequency prevents the score from reaching Band 6.5. The vocabulary is sufficient to convey meaning, but lack of precision and control places it firmly at Band 6.0.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.5

The essay displays a mix of simple and complex sentence forms, attempting structures such as concessive clauses ('While I acknowledge that...') and relative clauses. However, control over grammar and punctuation is inconsistent. There are several sentence fragment and punctuation issues, particularly in the introduction where a sentence is incorrectly broken up: 'While I acknowledge that we have to much choice which can cause stress. I do not believe that this view can be applied universally .' Additionally, subject-verb agreement and article errors occur, such as 'many choice are usefull', 'a large number of options', and 'give more freedom' instead of 'gives more freedom'. While the complex structures show ambition, frequent grammatical inaccuracies keep the score at Band 5.5.

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