Band 7.5 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 7.5 · Cambridge IELTS 15 · 2026-09-22

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 frequently encouraged to believe that they can accomplish anything provided they work hard enough. Although this message can foster ambition and resilience, it can also create unrealistic expectations and place excessive pressure on young people. In my view, its benefits are substantial when it is communicated alongside a realistic understanding of limitations and circumstances.

One major advantage of this belief is that it can develop determination and a strong work ethic. Children who are taught that effort matters are more likely to persevere when they encounter difficulties rather than abandoning their goals at the first sign of failure. For example, a student who initially struggles with mathematics may continue practising if they believe that sustained effort can improve their performance. This mindset can also encourage children to set ambitious goals and take responsibility for their own progress. In the long term, such qualities are valuable not only in education but also in employment and personal development.

Furthermore, this message can strengthen children's self-confidence. If young people grow up believing that their actions can influence their future, they may be more willing to take risks, learn new skills and pursue opportunities that they might otherwise avoid. A child who is encouraged to believe in their potential, for instance, may be more inclined to apply for a competitive scholarship or participate in an unfamiliar activity. Thus, the message can cultivate initiative and a sense of personal agency.

However, telling children that hard work alone guarantees success has significant drawbacks. The most obvious problem is that it overlooks factors beyond an individual's control, such as financial circumstances, social inequality, natural aptitude and unexpected setbacks. Consequently, children may come to believe that failure is always the result of insufficient effort. This can lead to guilt, frustration and diminished self-esteem, particularly when they work extremely hard but still fail to achieve their desired outcome.

Another concern is that this philosophy may encourage unhealthy perfectionism. Children who interpret success as entirely dependent on effort may feel compelled to work constantly and may regard rest as a sign of laziness. Over time, this can produce unnecessary stress and make young people excessively concerned about achievement. Moreover, if their expectations are unrealistic, the inevitable gap between ambition and reality may become discouraging rather than motivating.

In conclusion, encouraging children to believe in the power of hard work can promote resilience, confidence and ambition. Nevertheless, presenting effort as a guarantee of success is potentially harmful because it ignores external circumstances and can foster perfectionism and self-blame. Therefore, children should be taught that persistent effort greatly improves their chances of achieving their goals, while also understanding that success is influenced by factors beyond their control.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 7.5

The response fully addresses all parts of the task by exploring both the advantages and disadvantages of telling children they can achieve anything through hard work. The writer presents a clear position throughout the essay, starting with the introduction and maintaining it until the balanced conclusion. Ideas are well-developed and supported with relevant examples, such as the student struggling with mathematics and the pursuit of competitive scholarships. The arguments regarding determination, self-confidence, unrealistic expectations, and perfectionism are thoroughly extended, demonstrating a high level of task response that aligns well with the Band 8 descriptors.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 7.5

The essay displays a clear logical organisation and progression throughout. Ideas are logically sequenced, moving smoothly from the introduction to the advantages, then the disadvantages, and finally a synthesized conclusion. Paragraphing is used sufficiently and appropriately, with each body paragraph focusing on a distinct sub-theme (e.g., work ethic, self-confidence, overlooked external factors, perfectionism). Cohesive devices such as 'Furthermore', 'Consequently', and 'Nevertheless' are used flexibly and accurately without feeling mechanical. Referencing throughout the text is clear and effective, meeting the criteria for a strong Band 8 performance.

Lexical Resource — Band 7.5

The writer demonstrates a wide, fluent, and flexible range of vocabulary appropriate for an academic response. Less common items and collocations are used skillfully, such as 'foster ambition and resilience', 'sustained effort', 'personal agency', and 'unhealthy perfectionism'. Word choice is generally precise, and the phrasing sounds natural and sophisticated. There are only occasional minor inaccuracies, but these do not impede communication. The lexical range easily satisfies the Band 8 descriptor requirements.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 7.5

The response features a wide range of complex sentence structures used with a high degree of control and flexibility. The majority of sentences are error-free, and punctuation is managed securely across complex conditionals and subordinate clauses, such as in 'Children who are taught that effort matters are more likely to persevere...'. Only very occasional minor slips occur, which do not detract from the overall clarity and sophistication of the writing. This strong command of grammar comfortably places the text in the Band 8 category.

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