Band 7.5 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 7.5 · Cambridge IELTS 15 · 2026-08-20

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 some cultures, children are often told that they can achieve anything if they work hard enough. This message can have both positive and negative effects. Although it can encourage children to be hardworking and confident, it may also create unrealistic expectations.

One major advantage is that this belief can motivate children to work harder. When children are taught that effort can lead to success, they may become more determined when facing difficulties. For example, a student who finds mathematics difficult may continue practising instead of giving up. This can also help children develop confidence, independence, and a positive attitude towards challenges.

Another benefit is that children may become more willing to set ambitious goals. They may believe in their abilities and try new activities without being afraid of failure. This attitude can be useful in education and later in their careers because successful people often need patience and determination to achieve their goals.

However, there are also some disadvantages. The biggest problem is that hard work cannot guarantee success in every situation. People have different abilities, opportunities, and circumstances. If children are repeatedly told that they can achieve anything through effort alone, they may feel disappointed or blame themselves when they fail. This can reduce their confidence rather than increase it.

Furthermore, this message may put too much pressure on children. They might believe that they must always succeed if they work hard, which can make them stressed when they face difficulties. Therefore, parents and teachers should encourage children to work hard while also teaching them that failure is a normal part of life and that some goals may need to be changed.

In conclusion, telling children that they can achieve anything through hard work can make them motivated, confident, and determined. However, it can also create unrealistic expectations and pressure. In my opinion, children should be encouraged to work hard, but they should also understand the importance of realistic goals and accepting failure.

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 (motivation, confidence, goal-setting) and the disadvantages (unrealistic expectations, potential for self-blame, pressure). Your position is consistent throughout, and the conclusion effectively synthesises the main points. The ideas are well-developed and supported with relevant examples, such as the student struggling with mathematics. To reach a band 9, you could further explore the nuance of how cultural contexts influence these messages, but for this task, the development is thorough and logical.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 7.5

The essay is logically organised with a clear progression of ideas. Each paragraph has a central theme, and the transition between the advantages and disadvantages is smooth, using appropriate linking words like 'However' and 'Furthermore'. Cohesive devices are used effectively without being mechanical. The paragraphing is logical, moving from the introduction to the benefits, then the drawbacks, and finally a balanced conclusion. The flow of information is natural, and the relationship between sentences is consistently clear throughout the text.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.5

You demonstrate a sufficient range of vocabulary to discuss the topic with precision. Phrases like 'unrealistic expectations', 'ambitious goals', and 'normal part of life' are used accurately. While the vocabulary is appropriate and natural, it lacks some of the more sophisticated or idiomatic collocations that would characterise a band 8 or 9 response. The word choice is consistently accurate, and there are no spelling errors, which ensures that your meaning is conveyed clearly and effectively to the reader.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 7.5

Your control of grammar is strong. You use a good mix of simple and complex sentence structures, such as conditional sentences ('If children are repeatedly told...') and complex noun phrases. The punctuation is accurate, and the majority of your sentences are error-free. There is a high level of grammatical control throughout the essay. To achieve a higher band, you could incorporate a wider variety of advanced structures, such as inversion or more complex passive constructions, although your current usage is highly effective and clear.

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

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