Band 6.5 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 6.5 · Cambridge IELTS 11 · 2026-09-24

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 6.5)

It is often argued that the greatest benefit of being wealthy is having the opportunity to help others. While I agree that rich people can make a significant contribution to society, I believe that financial security and greater opportunities for themselves are also important benefits of having substantial wealth.

On the one hand, wealthy people are in a better position to support those who are less fortunate. They can donate money to charities, provide financial assistance to poor families, and contribute to important social causes. For example, wealthy individuals can fund schools, hospitals, or housing projects in disadvantaged communities. In addition, some rich people establish charitable organizations that provide long-term support to people in need. Therefore, having considerable financial resources can give people the opportunity to make a positive difference in society.

On the other hand, wealth provides several important benefits to individuals themselves. One of the most significant is financial security. People with sufficient money can afford better healthcare, education, and housing, which can improve their quality of life. Furthermore, wealthy people generally have more opportunities to start businesses, invest their money, or pursue their personal interests without being seriously limited by financial problems. For instance, a financially secure person may be able to study at a good university or start a business that they would otherwise be unable to afford. Thus, personal security and greater opportunities are also major advantages of being wealthy.

In conclusion, although being rich gives people an excellent opportunity to help others, I do not believe that this is necessarily the most important benefit of wealth. Financial security, better access to education and healthcare, and greater personal opportunities are also significant advantages that should be considered.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 6.5

The student presents a well-developed response that addresses all parts of the task. A clear position is established in the introduction ('I believe that financial security and greater opportunities for themselves are also important benefits') and maintained throughout the essay. The main body paragraphs provide relevant, extended ideas with good support, such as discussing charitable contributions on the one hand and personal financial security on the other. The arguments are balanced and directly respond to the prompt's question of whether helping others is the most important aspect of being rich. The response meets all criteria for a Band 7.0 or strong 7.0 performance.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 6.5

The essay displays clear logical organisation and progression throughout. Each paragraph has a clear central topic, starting with an effective introduction, moving to the two body paragraphs introduced by 'On the one hand' and 'On the other hand', and concluding with a concise summary. Cohesive devices are used appropriately without being overly mechanical, as seen in transitions like 'For example', 'In addition', and 'Thus'. Paragraphing is logical and contributes to the overall readability of the text. Referencing and substitution are handled smoothly, maintaining a clear flow of ideas fitting a Band 7.

Lexical Resource: Band 6.5

The student demonstrates a sufficient range of vocabulary with good flexibility and precision, such as 'substantial wealth', 'financial security', and 'disadvantaged communities'. There is evidence of less common lexical items being used with an awareness of style and collocation ('provide financial assistance', 'establish charitable organizations'). Word choices are generally natural, and spelling is accurate throughout the response. While it does not consistently display the sophisticated control required for higher bands, it comfortably meets the requirements for a solid Band 7.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 6.5

The writer uses a variety of complex structures alongside simple sentences with good control and punctuation. Examples of successful complex structures include 'While I agree that rich people can make a significant contribution to society, I believe that...' and clauses featuring relative pronouns. The majority of sentences are error-free, and minor errors are virtually absent. Grammar and punctuation are managed effectively throughout, allowing for smooth communication. This performance aligns well with the Band 7 descriptor for grammatical control.

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