Band 7.0 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 7.0 · Cambridge IELTS 15 · 2026-08-20

IELTS Writing Task 2 question

Some people say that advertising is extremely successful at persuading us to buy things. Other people think that advertising is so common that we no longer pay attention to it. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.

Student answer (Band 7.0)

In today's world, advertisements play a significant role in shaping consumer behaviour. Some people believe that advertising is highly effective at persuading us to buy products, while others argue that it has become so common that people barely notice it anymore. This essay will discuss both views before presenting my own opinion.

Those who believe advertising is highly persuasive point to several techniques that companies use to influence consumers. Attractive visuals, celebrity endorsements, and appeals to the desire for something new all play a role in capturing attention. For instance, people are often drawn to watch an advertisement simply because a celebrity they admire appears in it. As a result, viewers' attention shifts toward the creative content, making them more inclined to buy products they do not actually need.

On the other hand, some argue that advertising has become so widespread that people have started to tune it out. Due to constant exposure and repetitive content, many advertisements fail to hold viewers' attention and are perceived as an annoyance rather than useful information. For example, if a person is watching the climax of a film and an advertisement suddenly interrupts, it is likely to frustrate them rather than persuade them. As a result, people often skip advertisements immediately without giving them any real attention.

In my opinion, both views hold some truth, but the effectiveness of advertising largely depends on how it is presented and how frequently it appears. Well-designed advertisements that provide genuinely useful information about new products or technologies can still capture attention and influence purchasing decisions. However, when advertising is excessive or repetitive, it risks being ignored altogether, which suggests that quality and relevance matter more than sheer frequency.

In conclusion, while advertising can be a powerful persuasive tool when done well, its constant presence in modern life means it can just as easily be overlooked. I believe striking a balance — using advertising thoughtfully rather than excessively — is key to it remaining effective.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 6.5

The essay addresses the task prompt effectively, discussing both views regarding the effectiveness of advertising. The student presents a clear opinion, acknowledging the merits of both sides. Relevant examples, such as celebrity endorsements and viewer frustration with interruptions, are included, adding depth to the arguments. However, stronger, more diverse examples could enhance the overall argument and support for each viewpoint. Overall, the response is well-structured and relevant to the prompt.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.5

The essay exhibits good coherence and cohesion, with a logical flow between the introduction, body paragraphs, and conclusion. Each paragraph clearly outlines a distinct viewpoint, and transitions are used effectively, connecting ideas and maintaining clarity. The use of phrases like "On the other hand" and "In conclusion" aids in guiding the reader through the argument. Nonetheless, there are instances where more complex cohesive devices could be integrated for a higher band score, enhancing the seamlessness of the argument.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.5

The student demonstrates a solid lexical resource, utilizing a range of vocabulary related to advertising and consumer behavior, such as "persuading," "capturing attention," and "influence purchasing decisions." The vocabulary is appropriate for an academic essay. However, there is room for improvement through the inclusion of more precise or varied terms. For instance, replacing common phrases with more sophisticated alternatives can showcase a higher level of lexical flexibility, which is essential for earning a top band score.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 7.5

The grammatical range and accuracy are strong, with a variety of sentence structures used throughout the essay. The student employs complex sentences effectively, such as "Well-designed advertisements that provide genuinely useful information about new products or technologies can still capture attention." There are minor areas of improvement, such as occasional awkward phrasing, but overall, the grammatical accuracy does not impede communication. The overall command of grammar is commendable and suggests a strong understanding of academic writing conventions.

Overall feedback

Your essay effectively discusses both views on the persuasiveness of advertising, providing relevant examples and a clear opinion. The structure is well-organized, with logical progression through the ideas. To improve, consider incorporating a broader range of vocabulary to enhance your lexical resource. Additionally, aim for more sophisticated cohesive devices to improve the flow between points. Focusing on these areas can help you achieve a higher score in future writing tasks. Overall, a strong effort with room for refinement in specific language choices and cohesion.

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

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