Band 7.5 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 7.5 · Cambridge IELTS 15 · 2026-08-13

IELTS Writing Task 2 question

In some cultures, children are often told that they can achieve anything if they try hard enough. What are the advantages and disadvantages of giving children this message?

Student answer (Band 7.5)

In many cultures, children are frequently told that with sufficient effort, they can accomplish anything they set their minds to. This message, while well-intentioned, carries both benefits and drawbacks.

On the positive side, promoting the idea that hard work leads to success can instill a strong work ethic and resilience in children. By emphasizing effort over innate ability, this mindset encourages children to persevere through challenges and develop a growth-oriented perspective. For instance, children who believe that their efforts can change their outcomes are more likely to engage in persistent learning and problem-solving, which can contribute to their academic and personal achievements. Furthermore, this approach can foster self-esteem and confidence, as children may feel more empowered to tackle ambitious goals and overcome obstacles.

However, there are notable disadvantages to this approach. One major concern is that it may place undue pressure on children, leading to unrealistic expectations and potential burnout. If children are consistently told that effort alone guarantees success, they might become disillusioned when faced with situations where hard work does not yield the desired results. This discrepancy can lead to frustration and a diminished sense of self-worth. Additionally, this message might overlook other factors that contribute to success, such as talent, resources, or external circumstances. Consequently, children might develop a skewed understanding of achievement, attributing failure solely to a lack of effort rather than recognizing a more nuanced set of influences.

In conclusion, while encouraging children to believe in the power of hard work can motivate them and foster perseverance, it is crucial to balance this message with a realistic understanding of the various factors influencing success. By acknowledging both the value of effort and the role of other elements, children can develop a more comprehensive and resilient approach to achieving their goals.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 7.5

The response fully addresses all parts of the prompt. You have clearly identified both the advantages (resilience, work ethic, self-esteem) and the disadvantages (undue pressure, burnout, unrealistic expectations) of the message. The position is clear from the introduction and is maintained consistently throughout the essay. Ideas are well-developed with logical explanations and relevant examples, such as the mention of how children might feel when hard work does not yield expected results. The conclusion effectively synthesizes the main points, providing a balanced perspective that directly answers the task requirements.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 7.5

The essay is logically organized with a clear progression of ideas. Each paragraph has a central theme, and the transition between the advantages and disadvantages is smooth, using appropriate cohesive devices such as 'On the positive side', 'Furthermore', and 'However'. Paragraphing is used effectively to separate distinct arguments. The use of referencing is precise, and the flow of information is natural, making the essay easy to follow. There is no evidence of mechanical or repetitive use of linking words, demonstrating a high level of control over the structure of the argument.

Lexical Resource — Band 7.5

You demonstrate a wide and flexible range of vocabulary that is well-suited to the academic context. Phrases such as 'growth-oriented perspective', 'undue pressure', 'discrepancy', and 'nuanced set of influences' show a sophisticated command of language. The word choices are precise and contribute to the clarity of your arguments. There are no noticeable errors in collocation or word formation, and the vocabulary is used naturally throughout the text. The range is sufficient to express complex ideas with precision and ease.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 7.5

The essay displays a wide range of grammatical structures with high accuracy. You effectively use complex sentences, such as conditional clauses ('If children are consistently told...') and participial phrases ('By emphasizing effort over innate ability...'). The majority of sentences are error-free, and the punctuation is used correctly to enhance readability. There is a good balance between simple and complex forms, and the control over tense and agreement is consistent. The writing is fluent and demonstrates a high level of grammatical competence.

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