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

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 7.0)

In some cultures, children are frequently told that they can achieve anything if they work hard enough. Although this message can motivate young people to pursue their dreams, it may also create unrealistic expectations. This essay will discuss both the advantages and disadvantages of this approach.

One major advantage of this message is that it encourages children to develop a positive attitude towards challenges. When children believe that their efforts can improve their abilities, they are more likely to work hard and remain determined. This can help them overcome difficulties and become more confident. For example, a student who struggles with mathematics may continue practising instead of giving up, eventually achieving better results. Furthermore, this belief can encourage children to set ambitious goals and explore opportunities that they might otherwise consider impossible.

However, there are also some disadvantages to giving children this message without explaining its limitations. Firstly, children may develop unrealistic expectations about their future. Hard work is important, but success also depends on factors such as natural abilities, financial resources and available opportunities. If children are taught that effort alone guarantees success, they may feel disappointed when they fail to achieve their goals. Secondly, they might blame themselves for every failure, believing that they simply did not work hard enough. This can negatively affect their confidence and mental well-being.

In my opinion, children should be encouraged to work hard, but they should also understand that failure is a normal part of life. Parents and teachers should help them recognise their strengths, accept their limitations and learn from their mistakes. Instead of promising that they can achieve anything, adults should teach children that consistent effort can greatly improve their chances of success.

In conclusion, this message can inspire children to become hardworking and confident individuals. Nevertheless, it should be balanced with realistic expectations and an understanding that success is not always guaranteed.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 6.5

The response fully addresses all parts of the task by discussing both the advantages and disadvantages of telling children they can achieve anything with hard work. A clear position is maintained throughout the essay and extended into a well-reasoned personal viewpoint in the conclusion and penultimate paragraph. Ideas are well developed and supported with relevant examples, such as the student struggling with mathematics. The response easily meets the criteria for Band 7, as all parts of the prompt are addressed with clear progression, though the arguments could reach a slightly higher level of depth and nuance to touch Band 8.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.5

The essay demonstrates clear logical organisation and progression throughout. Each paragraph has a distinct central topic, moving smoothly from introduction to the advantages, the disadvantages, a personal opinion, and a concluding summary. Cohesive devices such as 'One major advantage', 'Furthermore', 'However', and 'Secondly' are used appropriately and flexibly to guide the reader through the text without feeling mechanical. Paragraphing is used sufficiently and appropriately, maintaining clear logical sequencing across all sections of the response. This performance aligns comfortably with the Band 7 descriptors.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.5

The student uses a sufficient range of vocabulary with good flexibility and precision, demonstrating an awareness of style and collocation suitable for an academic essay. Phrases like 'positive attitude towards challenges', 'unrealistic expectations', and 'mental well-being' are used naturally and accurately. There are also successful attempts at less common items such as 'consistent effort' and 'natural abilities'. Spelling and word choice are generally accurate throughout the text, allowing the reader to navigate the ideas smoothly, fitting a solid Band 7 level.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 7.5

The response features a good variety of complex structures, including conditional or concessive clauses such as 'When children believe that their efforts can improve their abilities, they are more likely...' and 'If children are taught that effort alone guarantees success, they may feel...'. The majority of sentences are error-free, and the writer demonstrates good control of grammar and punctuation. Minor slips are virtually absent, and sentence forms are handled with confidence and accuracy. This strong control and variety of structures easily justify a Band 8 score for this criterion.

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

Browse more IELTS Writing model answers or get your own writing scored by the same AI examiner.