Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 5.5 · Cambridge IELTS 11 · 2026-09-13

IELTS Writing Task 2 question

Some say that the most important thing about being rich is that one has the opportunity to help others. To what extent do you agree or disagree?

 

Student answer (Band 5.5)

It is believed that the main benefit of being wealthy is the chance to help other people. I partly agree with this view.On the one hand, being rich gives people the resources to support those in need. Wealthy individuals can donate to charities, build hospitals and schools, and help during natural disasters. For example, many billionaires like Bill Gates spend millions on health and education in poor countries. Without money, it is difficult to make such a big impact.However, I do not think helping others is the most important thing about being rich. Most people become wealthy to gain financial security and a better lifestyle for their families. Money provides better healthcare, education, and freedom to travel or start a business. Many rich people also use their wealth for personal comfort rather than charity.In conclusion, while helping others is a positive aspect of wealth, the main reason people value being rich is for personal security and opportunities.Points to AGREE - Helping others is most importantSolve big problems → Rich people can fund hospitals, schools, clean water projectsDisaster relief → During floods/earthquakes, wealthy donors provide immediate helpCreate jobs → Rich people start businesses and companies that employ thousandsExample → Edhi Foundation, Bill & Melinda Gates FoundationPoints to DISAGREE - Other things are more importantFinancial security → Rich people first secure their own family’s future, health, educationPersonal freedom → Money gives freedom to travel, pursue hobbies, retire earlyInvestment & Growth → Most rich people invest to become richer, not just to donateNot everyone helps → Some use wealth for luxury cars, houses, instead of charityConclusion PointSo while helping others is one important benefit of being rich, the main reason is usually personal comfort and security.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 6.0

The student addresses all parts of the task by presenting a clear, balanced position regarding whether helping others is the most important aspect of being rich. The introduction outlines a partial agreement, and both sides of the argument are supported with relevant ideas. On the one hand, the student notes that wealth provides resources for charities and large-scale projects, citing examples such as Bill Gates. On the other hand, the counter-argument is well-developed, focusing on financial security, family support, and personal comfort. Ideas are generally well-extended, although the inclusion of raw brainstorming notes at the end of the text suggests some lack of planning discipline. Nevertheless, the core essay successfully covers the prompt and maintains a consistent, clear position throughout, fulfilling the requirements for Band 6.5 to 7.0.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.5

The essay displays a coherent overall arrangement with clear logical progression. Paragraphs are used to separate different viewpoints, moving from the introduction to the supporting arguments for the given statement, followed by the counter-arguments, and finally a conclusion. Cohesive devices such as 'On the one hand', 'However', and 'In conclusion' are employed to guide the reader through the structure. However, the inclusion of unformatted brainstorming notes ('Points to AGREE...', 'Points to DISAGREE...') near the end disrupts the overall flow and organization of the response, introducing mechanical and unexpected breaks in cohesion. This impacts the professional presentation of the text and limits the score to a Band 6.0.

Lexical Resource — Band 5.5

The student uses an adequate range of vocabulary appropriate for the task. Words and phrases such as 'financial security', 'natural disasters', and 'personal comfort' demonstrate a satisfactory ability to discuss the topic. There are also attempts at less common vocabulary, such as 'philanthropy' implied through charitable actions, though the student occasionally relies on more basic or repetitive terms. Spelling and word choice are generally accurate and do not impede communication. While the vocabulary is sufficient for clear communication, the inclusion of raw bullet points containing repetitive phrasing at the end detracts slightly from the lexical presentation. Overall, the lexical resource comfortably meets the descriptors for Band 6.0.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.5

The writer demonstrates a mix of simple and complex sentence forms, utilizing relative clauses and conditional-like constructions effectively. Examples such as 'Without money, it is difficult to make such a big impact' and 'while helping others is one important benefit of being rich' show good control over basic structures. There are occasional grammatical errors and minor punctuation slips, such as missing spaces after periods in sentences like 'view.On the one hand' and 'impact.However', but these errors rarely impede communication. The grammatical range is sufficient to convey the intended meaning clearly, aligning well with the criteria for a Band 6.0.

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