Band 7.5 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 7.5 · Cambridge IELTS 11 · 2026-09-30

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 7.5)

While philanthropy is a noble pursuit, the assertion that the primary value of wealth lies in the opportunity to help others is an idealistic perspective that overlooks the fundamental human drive for personal security. I partially agree with this statement; while the capacity to drive systemic societal change through charity is a profound benefit of affluence, the foundational and most critical aspect of wealth remains the absolute financial autonomy and security it guarantees to the individual.

🏛️ The Case for Personal Autonomy and Security (Disagreeing)

At its core, wealth is primarily an instrument for self-preservation and personal freedom before it can become a tool for altruism.

• Foundation of Maslow’s Hierarchy: Before an individual can look outward to resolve societal issues, they must secure their own foundational needs. Wealth provides an absolute buffer against life's uncertainties, ensuring access to premium healthcare, elite education, and residential security.

• Insulation from Systemic Risks: Economic stability protects a family across generations. A wealthy individual's primary responsibility is often viewed as securing the future of their dependents, breaking cycles of financial vulnerability.

• The Power of Personal Agency: True wealth buys time and choice. The ability to dictate one's daily schedule, pursue passions without economic constraints, and reject unfavorable conditions is arguably the most direct and profound benefit of being rich.

🌍 The Power of Systemic Philanthropy (Agreeing)

Conversely, once personal security is permanently established, the capacity to uplift society becomes the most impactful and enduring attribute of wealth.

• Catalysing Large-Scale Change: Private capital can fund medical research, build educational infrastructure, and spearhead environmental initiatives at a pace that bureaucratic governments cannot match. Ultra-wealthy individuals possess the unique leverage to solve global crises.

• Economic Multiplication: Beyond direct charity, rich individuals have the unique capacity to invest in high-risk startups and business ventures. This creates employment, fosters technological innovation, and drives macroeconomic growth that lifts entire communities out of poverty.

• Legacy and Moral Imperative: From a sociological standpoint, wealth accumulation relies on infrastructure provided by society. Therefore, many argue that returning this wealth via philanthropy is not merely an optional kindness, but a critical moral obligation that gives net-worth its ultimate purpose.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 7.5

The response fully addresses all parts of the prompt by presenting a well-developed, nuanced position on whether helping others is the most important aspect of being rich. The writer adopts a balanced stance, arguing that while systemic philanthropy is a powerful outcome of wealth, personal autonomy and security serve as the essential foundation. Ideas are thoroughly extended and supported with relevant explanations, such as referencing Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs and economic multiplication. The arguments are logical, persuasive, and directly engage with the prompt throughout, demonstrating the characteristics of a Band 8 performance.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 7.5

The essay displays clear logical organisation and progression throughout. The introduction establishes a precise thesis, and the body paragraphs are introduced with clear thematic headings that guide the reader through the balanced argument. Cohesive devices are used flexibly and appropriately, as seen in transition phrases like 'Conversely' and 'Beyond direct charity'. Paragraphing is skillfully managed, ensuring each distinct viewpoint is logically separated and developed. Although some formatting uses bullet points within the essay structure, the overarching flow and cohesion remain strong and well-controlled, aligning with a Band 7.5 to 8.0 performance; a solid 8.0 is warranted due to the seamless logical progression.

Lexical Resource: Band 8.0

The writer demonstrates a wide, fluent, and flexible lexical range with skillful use of less common and sophisticated vocabulary items. Phrases such as 'philanthropy is a noble pursuit', 'absolute financial autonomy', 'insulation from systemic risks', and 'catalysing large-scale change' show a high degree of precision and natural collocation. Word choices are exact, and there are virtually no lexical errors. The vocabulary allows the writer to convey precise shades of meaning, easily meeting the criteria for a high band score.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 7.5

The response exhibits a wide variety of complex sentence structures used with a high level of accuracy. The majority of sentences are error-free, featuring sophisticated syntactic constructions such as concessive clauses ('While philanthropy is a noble pursuit, the assertion that...') and participial phrases ('This creates employment, fosters technological innovation, and drives macroeconomic growth...'). Punctuation and grammatical control are exemplary throughout, with only very rare or non-existent slips. This level of syntactic variety and error-free execution comfortably sits within the Band 8 range.

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