Band 5.0 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 5.0 · Cambridge IELTS 14 · 2026-09-30

IELTS Writing Task 2 question

Some people say that the main environmental problem of our time is the loss of particular species of plants and animals. Others say that there are more important environmental problems. Discuss both these views and give your own opinion.

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

Student answer (Band 5.0)

There is a widely accepted notion that music has the power to bring different cultures and age groups closer to each other through cultural assimilation and commonalities in interests. It can be argued that while music provides common grounds to diverse communities and generations, it also bifurcates many classes due to the variety in this form of art.

The aspect that acts as catalyst to resonance between different groups of society is the universality of music. In every single culture that currently exists or has existed before, music has been a cornerstone of entertainment and expression. Indus valley civilization, for example, also had the traces of musical instruments found during the excavation of ruins. This asserts the importance of music in every era of human civilization, dating back to the prehistoric times as well.

However, the factor that reinforces the generational and cultural gap is the diversity in music. Various genres and styles have stratified the cultues and the age gap is also signified by them. Jazz music, for example, is extremely popular in millennials but does not attract elders and Gen Z. So, when looking through this aperture, it becomes evident that music is not necessarily the best way to bring people closer from every aspect.

In conclusion, while songs are a great way for cultural and social assimilation, but only in certain domains. In my opinion, the classical and cultural music itself can serve as the instrument that promotes acculturation, while the modern forms are not recommonded as they vary a lot in different communities.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 2.5

The candidate has completely misunderstood the prompt, writing an essay about the impact of music on different cultures and age groups rather than addressing the assigned question regarding environmental problems and the loss of species. According to the band descriptors, an off-topic response fails to address the prompt properly and results in a low score for Task Achievement. While the student presents a clear position and develops arguments within the context of music, the complete failure to engage with the actual prompt—which discusses environmental issues and the loss of particular plant and animal species—means the response cannot achieve a passing grade for this criterion. Consequently, Task Achievement is severely impacted by this major content deviation.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 5.5

Despite the severe off-topic content, the essay demonstrates a logical overall structure with a clear introduction, body paragraphs supporting different viewpoints, and a conclusion. Paragraphing is used appropriately to separate ideas. Cohesive devices are employed reasonably well to link sentences, such as 'The aspect that acts as catalyst', 'However', and 'In conclusion'. Reference words are generally clear, contributing to the overall readability of the text. If evaluated purely on structural organisation and the logical progression of ideas as presented, the writing shows competence in cohesion, though the misuse of topic affects the natural flow of a standard academic argument.

Lexical Resource: Band 5.5

The candidate demonstrates an adequate range of vocabulary suitable for the task, attempting less common lexical items such as 'cultural assimilation', 'bifurcates', 'catalyst to resonance', and 'acculturation'. However, there are some inaccuracies in word choice and collocation, such as 'Jazz music... is extremely popular in millennials' instead of 'among millennials', and a spelling error with 'recommonded'. Despite these flaws, the vocabulary used is sufficient to convey the student's intended points clearly without impeding understanding, showing a reasonable attempt to use varied and sophisticated language.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 5.5

The essay displays a mix of simple and complex sentence forms, including subordinate clauses and participial phrases, such as 'While songs are a great way for cultural and social assimilation, but only in certain domains'—which contains a minor linking error. There are some grammatical errors and awkward phrasing throughout, such as 'Indus valley civilization, for example, also had the traces of musical instruments found during the excavation of ruins.' However, these errors rarely impede communication. The control over grammar is generally acceptable for a mid-level band, showing an ability to construct moderately complex sentences despite occasional slips.

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