Band 8.0 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 8.0 · Cambridge IELTS 11 · 2026-08-30

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 8.0)

News reports on television and in newspapers are frequently accompanied by photographs or other visual material. Although pictures can attract people's attention and communicate emotions quickly, I believe that words are generally more effective because they provide detailed information and context.

One major advantage of pictures is that they can communicate the basic nature of an event immediately. A powerful photograph may show the seriousness of a natural disaster, accident or humanitarian crisis without requiring the audience to read a lengthy report. This can make news more memorable and encourage people to pay attention to important issues. For example, an image showing the destruction caused by a major flood can instantly demonstrate the scale of the disaster and evoke sympathy for those affected.

However, words are more effective when readers need to understand the causes, consequences and wider context of an event. A photograph can show what happened, but it cannot always explain why it happened or what its long-term effects may be. Written reports can provide statistics, statements from witnesses and explanations from experts, allowing people to develop a more informed understanding of an issue. For instance, while a photograph of a crowded hospital may demonstrate the pressure on healthcare services, a detailed news article can explain the reasons for the shortage of staff and its impact on patients.

In conclusion, pictures are highly effective at attracting attention and communicating the immediate emotional impact of an event. Nevertheless, I believe that words are ultimately more effective because they provide the detailed information and context necessary for people to understand complex news stories. Therefore, the combination of clear reporting and relevant images is likely to be the most effective way of communicating news.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 8.0

The response fully addresses all parts of the prompt. You have taken a clear position from the introduction and maintained it throughout the essay. The ideas are well-developed, with the second paragraph focusing on the immediate impact of images and the third paragraph providing a balanced argument for the necessity of text for context. You have supported your points with relevant examples, such as the mention of natural disasters and hospital overcrowding, which adds depth to your argument. The conclusion effectively synthesizes your position while acknowledging the value of both mediums, demonstrating a sophisticated approach to the task.

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, using cohesive devices like 'However' and 'Nevertheless' effectively. The use of referencing is clear, and the structure of the argument is easy to follow. Paragraphing is used appropriately to separate the different stages of your argument. The flow of information is natural, and there is no evidence of mechanical or repetitive use of linking words, which contributes to a high level of coherence.

Lexical Resource — Band 7.5

You demonstrate a good range of vocabulary that is appropriate for the task. You use precise terms such as 'humanitarian crisis', 'long-term effects', and 'complex news stories' effectively. The vocabulary is natural and fits the context well. While the range is sufficient and accurate, it could be pushed further toward a more sophisticated or academic level to reach the highest band. However, there are no errors in word choice or collocation that impede communication, and your control over the vocabulary used is consistent throughout the piece.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 8.0

The essay displays a wide range of grammatical structures, including complex sentences with subordinate clauses (e.g., 'Although pictures can attract... I believe that...'). The majority of your sentences are error-free, and your control over punctuation and tense is excellent. You use a variety of sentence forms, which makes the writing engaging and fluent. There are no significant grammatical errors, and the few minor slips that might occur are non-systematic and do not affect the clarity of your message. Your command of English grammar is very strong.

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