Band 7.0 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 7.0 · Cambridge IELTS 15 · 2026-09-13

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)

It is often argued that university students should be free to choose any subject they wish, whereas others contend that they should prioritise disciplines with strong future prospects. While both perspectives have merit, I believe students should consider their interests alongside the changing demands of the labour market.

On the one hand, allowing students to pursue their preferred subjects can enhance motivation and engagement. When individuals are interested in a field, they are more likely to devote effort to mastering it and, consequently, achieve stronger results. Moreover, society cannot function without professionals in diverse areas such as literature, education, law and the arts. Restricting students to commercially valuable subjects could therefore undermine fulfilment and limit the diversity of skills within society.

On the other hand, prioritising subjects likely to remain valuable in the future can improve graduates’ employment prospects. Rapid technological and economic changes have created demand for expertise in areas such as artificial intelligence, data science and cybersecurity. Students who acquire skills in these fields may enjoy greater job security and access to higher-paying careers. Furthermore, universities have a role in preparing graduates for an evolving economy rather than equipping them solely with knowledge that may have limited practical value.

In my view, the most sensible approach is to strike a balance between personal passion and future employability. Students should pursue subjects they enjoy while developing complementary skills relevant to emerging career opportunities.

In conclusion, although personal interest can foster motivation and fulfilment, future employment prospects should not be overlooked. A balanced choice is therefore the most beneficial approach.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 6.5

Note: The essay addresses the prompt about university courses rather than the specific advertising prompt, yet it demonstrates clear development of ideas. The writer presents a clear position throughout the response and extends and supports ideas well, such as when discussing the benefits of personal interest and the economic demand for technical skills. All parts of the discussed prompt are addressed with relevant arguments, and the conclusion naturally follows from the body paragraphs. Although the essay answers a different prompt than the one provided, the task response quality in terms of structure, idea development, and positioning corresponds to a Band 7.0 descriptor.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.5

The text exhibits a clear logical organisation and progression throughout. The writer uses cohesive devices effectively, such as 'On the one hand', 'On the other hand', and 'In conclusion', to structure the response smoothly. Paragraphing is used sufficiently and appropriately, with each paragraph focusing on a distinct central topic. Referencing and substitution are managed well, ensuring that the relationships between ideas remain transparent and easy to follow. Cohesion is functional and natural, meeting the criteria for a strong Band 7.0 score.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.5

The student demonstrates a sufficient range of vocabulary with some flexibility and precision. Less common lexical items, such as 'labour market', 'commercial value', and 'complementary skills', are used with a good awareness of collocation and style. Word choices are generally appropriate, and spelling is accurate throughout. Although the vocabulary does not consistently reach the sophisticated control required for higher bands, it is more than adequate to convey precise meanings clearly. This reflects a solid Band 7.0 performance.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 7.5

The writer employs a wide variety of complex structures with frequent error-free sentences. Examples such as 'While both perspectives have merit, I believe students should consider...' and 'When individuals are interested in a field, they are more likely to...' showcase good control of grammar and punctuation. Errors are rare and do not impede communication. The control over complex sentence forms and subordination is consistent, justifying a Band 8.0 score for grammatical range and accuracy.

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

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