Band 7.5 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 7.5 · Cambridge IELTS 14 · 2026-09-14

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 7.5)

Music has long been regarded as a universal language capable of transcending cultural and generational boundaries. I firmly agree with the view that music serves as a powerful tool for fostering connection among diverse groups of people, for reasons I will explore below.

One of the most compelling arguments in favor of this view is that music often communicates emotion without relying on spoken language, making it accessible to people regardless of their cultural background. For instance, international music festivals such as Coachella or WOMAD attract audiences from vastly different nations, all united by a shared appreciation for rhythm and melody, even when the lyrics are in an unfamiliar language. This universal appeal allows music to bridge gaps that verbal communication sometimes cannot.

Furthermore, music plays a pivotal role in connecting different age groups within families and communities. It is not uncommon for grandparents, parents, and children to bond over classic songs passed down through generations, or conversely, for younger generations to introduce older relatives to contemporary genres. This exchange fosters mutual understanding and strengthens intergenerational relationships, something increasingly valuable in today's fast-paced, digitally-divided society.

However, it would be short-sighted to ignore certain limitations. Musical taste can also be a source of division, particularly when generational or cultural preferences clash sharply—for example, a heavy metal enthusiast may struggle to connect with someone who prefers classical opera. Nevertheless, such differences are far outweighed by the numerous instances where shared musical experiences, such as concerts or collaborative performances, have successfully united diverse communities.

In conclusion, while minor exceptions exist, I strongly believe that music remains one of the most effective and accessible mediums for bringing together people of different ages and cultural backgrounds, owing to its emotional universality and its capacity to foster shared experiences.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 7.5

The student fully addresses all parts of the task by clearly stating a position in the introduction and maintaining it throughout the essay. The prompt asks whether music brings people of different cultures and ages together, and the candidate covers both cultural and generational dimensions with relevant examples, such as international music festivals (Coachella and WOMAD) and family bonding through classic songs. The ideas are well-extended and supported with logical reasoning, and even a counter-argument is introduced and thoughtfully addressed in the fourth paragraph. Overall, the response meets all the requirements of a Band 8 performance for Task Achievement, displaying well-developed ideas without any omissions.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 7.5

The essay demonstrates a clear logical organization and natural progression from introduction to conclusion. Paragraphing is used sufficiently and appropriately, with each body paragraph focusing on a distinct sub-topic—first cultural unity, then intergenerational connection, followed by a nuanced counter-argument. Cohesive devices are managed well without feeling mechanical or overused (using words like 'Furthermore', 'conversely', and 'Nevertheless'). Referencing throughout the text is clear, ensuring that the reader can easily follow the progression of the argument. This fits comfortably into the Band 7.5 to 8.0 descriptor range, and a Band 8.0 is awarded for the skillful and unobtrusive management of cohesion.

Lexical Resource — Band 7.5

The student uses a wide and appropriate range of vocabulary with good flexibility and precision. Less common lexical items and collocations are employed naturally, such as 'transcending cultural and generational boundaries', 'intergenerational relationships', and 'emotional universality'. Word choice is generally precise, and errors in spelling or word formation are virtually non-existent. The writer demonstrates a strong control of vocabulary suitable for academic discourse, earning a solid Band 8 score for this criterion.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 7.5

The response features a wide range of complex structures used accurately and flexibly. Sentences such as 'One of the most compelling arguments in favor of this view is that music often communicates emotion without relying on spoken language...' and 'It is not uncommon for grandparents, parents, and children to bond over classic songs passed down through generations...' showcase excellent syntactic variety. The majority of sentences are error-free, with only rare, minor slips that do not impede communication. Punctuation and tense consistency are well-maintained throughout, easily securing a Band 8 for grammatical range and accuracy.

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