Band 7.5 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 7.5 · Cambridge IELTS 15 · 2026-08-25

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, parents often tell their children that they can achieve anything if they work hard enough. This message can have several benefits because it encourages children to become motivated and persistent, although it may also create unrealistic expectations about success.

On the one hand, encouraging children to believe in the value of hard work can make them more determined to achieve their goals. This message may motivate them to devote more time to their studies, improve their academic performance and remain persistent when they encounter difficulties. For example, a child who is encouraged to work consistently towards a difficult academic goal may become more disciplined and resilient, even when a particular subject is challenging. Such qualities can be valuable later in life because successful careers often require patience and sustained effort.

On the other hand, telling children that they can achieve anything through hard work may create unrealistic expectations. Not every goal is achievable simply through effort, as success can also depend on ability, financial circumstances, opportunities and external factors. If children are repeatedly told that failure is only the result of insufficient effort, they may blame themselves when they do not achieve their goals, potentially causing stress or disappointment. For instance, a child who works extremely hard to become a professional athlete may still fail to reach that level because of intense competition or limited opportunities.

In conclusion, encouraging children to believe in the value of hard work can help them develop motivation, discipline and resilience. However, parents should also teach them that effort is not the only factor determining success, so that they can develop realistic expectations and respond positively to 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, persistence, discipline) and the disadvantages (unrealistic expectations, potential for self-blame, stress). Your position is consistent throughout the essay, and the ideas are well-developed with relevant examples, such as the reference to a professional athlete. The structure is logical, and the conclusion effectively synthesizes the main points while offering a balanced perspective. The response is well-focused and directly answers the question without any irrelevant information.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 7.5

The essay demonstrates a clear logical progression. Each paragraph has a central theme, and the transition between the advantages and disadvantages is smooth, using appropriate cohesive devices like 'On the one hand' and 'On the other hand'. Paragraphing is used effectively to separate distinct ideas. The use of referencing is precise, and the flow of information is natural, making the argument easy to follow from start to finish. There is no evidence of mechanical or repetitive use of linking words.

Lexical Resource — Band 7.0

You demonstrate a good range of vocabulary that is appropriate for an academic essay. Phrases such as 'sustained effort', 'unrealistic expectations', and 'external factors' show a level of precision and sophistication. While the vocabulary is accurate and fits the context well, it could be further elevated to reach the highest band by incorporating more idiomatic or less common collocations. However, the current range is more than sufficient to convey your ideas clearly and effectively without any errors in word choice.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 7.5

The grammar is highly accurate throughout the text. You have successfully used a variety of complex sentence structures, such as conditional clauses ('If children are repeatedly told...') and subordinate clauses ('...even when a particular subject is challenging'). The punctuation is correct, and there are no significant errors that impede communication. The majority of your sentences are error-free, and the control over tense and subject-verb agreement is consistent, reflecting a high level of grammatical competence.

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