Band 6.5 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 6.5 · Cambridge IELTS 16 · 2026-09-16

IELTS Writing Task 2 question

Some people say that now is the best time in history to be living.

What is your opinion about this?

What other time in history would be interesting to live in?

Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience.

Student answer (Band 6.5)

People often draw comparisons between the quality of life spent across different timelines. It is often argued that in comparison to our ancestors, we are currently living in the best era. In this essay, I will explain why I agree with this belief and describe a fascinating historical era 80s.

We are currently living in a time where constant, rapid technological developments are taking place. We witnessed the concept of Artificial Intelligence actually take am effective form. This tool helps people from every walk of life and can be calibrated as per each individuals personal needs. For example, back in the old days in order to learn a new skill, individuals would require to enroll in expensive physical classes. However, this is not the case now. AI can be effectively used to to learn any new skill from the comfort of home, without any additional cost. As a result, we are now finding it easier to develop new skills and use our time more effectively, helping us achieve our academic, professional and personal goals rather comfortably.

On the other hand, the 80s were also an interesting time to be in. During that era, the entertainment industry was thriving. Pop music was newly introduced and the concept of making short preview videos, gave rise to filming of proper music videos. There was so much originality in the entertainment industry during those days. If you observe, most of the popular music that is now being re-made is infact from the 80s. Makes you wonder of how talented people were back then to produce such versatile unique entertainment content with limited recourses. Additionally, the fashion industry was also in its boom. The sparkly sequin based garments was released specifically for use in pop music videos to complement the singers new upbeat style of music.

In conclusion, we are currently living in the most favourable era. We are surrounded by technology that helps us advance and move forward by helping us upskill. The historical 80s is an interesting time from the past with significant development in the media industry that can't be ignored.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 6.5

The response successfully addresses all parts of the prompt. The writer clearly states their opinion that the present day is the best era to live in, supporting this with a well-developed argument regarding technological advancements like Artificial Intelligence. Furthermore, the response answers the second part of the prompt by identifying the 1980s as a fascinating historical era to live in, supporting this choice with relevant examples such as the thriving pop music and fashion industries. Ideas are extended with appropriate reasoning and examples, such as comparing modern online learning with expensive physical classes in the past. The position is clear throughout, and all prompt requirements are thoroughly covered without any major omissions, aligning well with the Band 7 criteria.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.5

The essay demonstrates a clear overall progression and logical organisation. Information and ideas are coherently sequenced, starting with an introduction, followed by body paragraphs dedicated to the present era and the 1980s respectively, and ending with a concise conclusion. Paragraphing is used appropriately to separate distinct topics. The writer employs various cohesive devices, such as 'For example', 'However', 'As a result', and 'On the other hand', to guide the reader. While cohesion is generally clear, referencing and transitions are at times slightly mechanical, which prevents the essay from reaching higher band scores. Nevertheless, the logical structure meets the requirements for a Band 7.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.5

The student uses an adequate and generally appropriate range of vocabulary for the task. There are successful attempts to incorporate less common lexical items and topic-specific terminology, such as 'technological developments', 'Artificial Intelligence', 'entertainment industry', and 'versatile unique entertainment content'. However, there are some minor inaccuracies in word choice, collocation, and phrasing, such as 'take am effective form' (an effective form), 'require to enroll' (be required to enrol), and 'recourses' instead of 'resources'. Spelling and word formation are mostly accurate, and these occasional flaws do not impede communication, placing the vocabulary comfortably at a Band 6.5 to 7.0 level.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 6.5

The essay displays a mix of simple and complex sentence forms, demonstrating an ability to structure varied sentences effectively (e.g., 'In this essay, I will explain why I agree with this belief and describe a fascinating historical era 80s'). There is a good degree of control over grammar and punctuation, though several minor errors persist. Examples include missing articles ('era 80s' instead of 'the 80s'), unnecessary repetition of infinitive markers ('to to learn'), and minor punctuation issues. Despite these non-systematic errors, the majority of simple and complex structures are error-free, and communication is never impeded. This performance corresponds well to a Band 6.5 or 7.0, and a score of 6.5 is awarded here.

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