Band 7.5 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 7.5 · Cambridge IELTS 11 · 2026-08-24
IELTS Writing Task 2 question
News stories on TV and in newspapers are very often accompanied by pictures.
Some people say that these pictures are more effective than words.
What is your opinion about this?
Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience.
Student answer (Band 7.5)
It is widely observed that news in newspapers and on TV is supported with relevant images. Although words are more effective at explaining, informing and providing accuracy, images make the news more engaging, captivating and compelling to the masses, and support evidence-based journalism.
The primary reason journalists make pictures an integral component of the news coverage is to make them more convincing. By seeing relevant images, viewers believe the integrity of the news without questioning the source of information. For example, a news report in which a politician is being linked with illegal activities might appear fake unless supported by relevant images which can compel the public to believe that is true. Since it has become quite common to expect pictures to be a part of the news section, people nowadays do not rely on the news where supporting images are missing. Therefore, this practice directly supports evidence-based journalism.
Another contributing factor is that pictures in the news make the news more engaging and interesting for the viewers. This is because visual representation of the information with pictures attracts immediate attention from viewers and leaves a deeper impact on them. For instance, news about Argentina winning the FIFA World Cup was presented with pictures of the winning team holding the trophy, which made the news engaging. Furthermore, readers can often grasp the main message of a news story within seconds by looking at an image, which is particularly useful in today's fast-paced lifestyle.
In conclusion, news stories with images have revolutionized mass media and escalated public expectations, which has not only increased news popularity but also strengthened the persuasive power of the news. Therefore, I believe that powerful news stories should use both pictures to create stronger emotional engagement and words to provide an in-depth understanding to the public.
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 7.5 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 8.0 |
| Lexical Resource | 7.0 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 7.5 |
| Overall | 7.5 |
Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 7.5
You have addressed all parts of the prompt, providing a clear position that balances the effectiveness of images with the necessity of words. Your ideas are well-developed, particularly the point regarding the persuasive power of visual evidence in journalism. The examples provided, such as the FIFA World Cup reference, are relevant and effectively support your arguments. The conclusion provides a balanced summary that synthesizes your main points. To reach a higher band, you could further explore the potential downsides of images, such as the risk of manipulation or sensationalism, to provide a more nuanced and critical analysis of the topic.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 8.0
The essay is logically organized with a clear progression of ideas. Each paragraph has a central theme, and the transition between paragraphs is smooth. You use a variety of cohesive devices effectively, such as 'Furthermore', 'Therefore', and 'In addition'. The referencing is generally clear, and the paragraphing is appropriate for the task. The flow of information is natural, and the reader can easily follow your line of reasoning. To improve, ensure that the connection between the 'fast-paced lifestyle' and the 'main message' is slightly more explicit to enhance the logical flow even further.
Lexical Resource — Band 7.0
You demonstrate a good range of vocabulary that is appropriate for the task. Phrases like 'integral component', 'evidence-based journalism', and 'visual representation' show a level of sophistication. There is a good control of word choice and collocation throughout the text. While the vocabulary is effective, it remains somewhat standard. To achieve a higher band, you could incorporate more precise or idiomatic collocations to add depth to your arguments, such as 'misleading imagery' or 'the proliferation of digital media'. Overall, your lexical range is sufficient to convey your ideas with precision.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 7.5
Your writing displays a good variety of complex structures, such as the use of conditional-like structures and subordinate clauses ('Although words are...', 'Since it has become...'). The majority of your sentences are error-free, and your control over punctuation is strong. There are no significant grammatical errors that impede communication. To reach the next level, you could experiment with more varied sentence lengths and structures to create a more dynamic rhythm in your writing. For instance, using more inverted structures or advanced passive constructions could demonstrate a higher level of grammatical flexibility.
See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.
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