Band 7.5 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 7.5 · Cambridge IELTS 15 · 2026-08-29

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 certain societies, young people are frequently taught that diligence and effort are the only prerequisites for success in any endeavor. While this mindset fosters determination and resilience, it can also lead to severe psychological stress and unrealistic expectations.

On the one hand, instilling this belief builds strong character and motivation. When children believe their potential is limitless, they are more inclined to persevere through challenges rather than surrender to difficulty. This growth-oriented mindset encourages ambition, self-belief, and a strong work ethic from an early age. Consequently, children raised with this ethos are often better equipped to overcome academic or personal setbacks, as they view failures merely as temporary obstacles that extra effort can resolve.

On the other hand, this message ignores fundamental realities such as innate talent, socioeconomic constraints, and external circumstances. Promoting the notion that hard work guarantees success can foster an unhealthy sense of personal responsibility when failure occurs. If a child exerts maximum effort but still fails to reach a goal—such as becoming a professional athlete or top musician—they may blame themselves entirely, leading to feelings of inadequacy, anxiety, and diminished self-esteem. Furthermore, constant pressure to achieve anything can result in childhood burnout and chronic stress.

In conclusion, teaching children that effort yields results is invaluable for cultivating resilience and ambition. However, this message must be balanced with realistic guidance so that children understand their limitations and learn to cope constructively with unachievable outcomes.

Furthermore, overburdening young minds with the notion of limitless potential risks eroding their capacity to appreciate intrinsic enjoyment, forcing them to measure their personal worth strictly through measurable outcomes.

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, motivation, character building) and the disadvantages (psychological stress, unrealistic expectations, burnout). The position is clear from the introduction and is maintained throughout the essay. Ideas are well-developed and supported with logical reasoning, such as the link between the 'limitless potential' narrative and the potential for self-blame when failure occurs. The inclusion of a concluding paragraph that synthesizes these points effectively demonstrates a strong grasp of the task requirements. No parts of the prompt were overlooked.

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, utilizing effective cohesive devices such as 'On the one hand' and 'On the other hand'. The use of linking words like 'Consequently', 'Furthermore', and 'However' helps guide the reader through your argument. Paragraphing is used appropriately to separate distinct points. The cohesion is managed well, and the flow of the argument is natural and easy to follow throughout the text.

Lexical Resource — Band 7.5

You demonstrate a wide and flexible range of vocabulary, which allows for precise expression of complex ideas. Phrases such as 'diligence and effort', 'growth-oriented mindset', 'socioeconomic constraints', and 'intrinsic enjoyment' are used accurately and naturally. There is a high level of control over word choice and collocation, and the vocabulary is sophisticated enough to convey nuanced arguments without any noticeable errors. The language used is appropriate for an academic context and enhances the overall quality of the essay.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 8.0

The essay displays a wide range of grammatical structures, including complex sentences and varied clause types. The majority of sentences are error-free, and the control over punctuation and syntax is excellent. You successfully use conditional structures and participial phrases to add depth to your writing. There are no significant grammatical errors that impede communication. The writing is fluent, and the grammatical accuracy is consistent throughout the entire response, reflecting a high level of proficiency.

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