Band 6.5 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 6.5 · Cambridge IELTS 14 · 2026-09-12

IELTS Writing Task 2 question

Some people say that music is a good way of bringing people of different cultures and ages together. To what extent do you agree or disagree with this opinion?

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

Student answer (Band 6.5)

I strongly agree that music is an effective way of bringing people from different cultures and age groups together. Although people may have different backgrounds and lifestyles, music can create a common interest and help them understand one another.

Firstly, music is a universal form of communication that does not always require people to understand the same language. People from different countries can enjoy the same songs, rhythms and performances even if they cannot speak each other’s languages. For example, international music festivals bring together people from many countries, allowing them to share their cultural traditions and develop friendships. In addition, traditional music can introduce listeners to the history and customs of another culture, which can increase respect and understanding.

Secondly, music can connect people of different generations. Parents, children and grandparents may have different interests, but they can still enjoy certain types of music together. For instance, a family may listen to traditional songs as well as modern music during celebrations. Such activities provide opportunities for family members to spend time together and share their experiences and memories.

However, music cannot completely remove cultural or generational differences. People have different musical tastes, and some songs may be more popular among a particular age group or culture. Nevertheless, music remains one of the most effective ways to create a sense of connection.

In conclusion, I strongly agree that music can bring people of different cultures and ages together because it provides a shared form of enjoyment and encourages cultural understanding.

AI examiner evaluation

CriterionBand
Task Achievement / Task Response6.5
Coherence and Cohesion6.5
Lexical Resource6.5
Grammatical Range and Accuracy6.5
Overall6.5

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 6.5

The student presents a clear position throughout the essay, directly addressing the prompt regarding how music brings cultures and age groups together. The ideas are relevant and supported with appropriate explanations and examples, such as international music festivals and family gatherings involving traditional and modern songs. While the development is somewhat straightforward rather than extensively elaborated, all parts of the task are addressed adequately. The counter-argument introduced in the fourth paragraph acknowledges limitations, which adds balance to the discussion. This performance aligns well with Band 7 descriptors, where a clear position is maintained and ideas are extended and supported.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.5

The response displays a clear logical organisation and progression throughout. The essay is divided into logical paragraphs, each with a distinct focus: introduction, cultural connection, generational connection, counter-argument, and conclusion. Cohesive devices such as 'Firstly', 'In addition', 'Secondly', and 'However' are used appropriately to guide the reader through the argument. Paragraphing is used sufficiently and effectively. The progression of ideas is smooth, and referencing is handled accurately, fulfilling the requirements for a Band 7 score.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.5

The student uses a sufficient range of vocabulary to allow some flexibility and precision, such as 'universal form of communication', 'cultural traditions', and 'generational differences'. There are also successful attempts at less common vocabulary items like 'customs' and 'celebrations'. Word choices are generally appropriate and communication is completely natural and clear, with no noticeable spelling or word-choice errors. This demonstrates the control and variety typical of a Band 7 level.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 6.5

The essay contains a good variety of complex structures alongside simple sentence forms, such as concessive clauses ('Although people may have different backgrounds...') and relative clauses ('...songs that do not always require people to understand...'). The majority of sentences are error-free, and the writer demonstrates good control of grammar and punctuation throughout. Minor errors are virtually absent, indicating a high level of grammatical accuracy that sits comfortably between Band 7 and Band 8, though the structural variety points firmly to Band 7.

See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.

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