Band 7.0 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 7.0 · Cambridge IELTS 11 · 2026-09-11

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 7.0)

Nowadays, despite having various different resources of getting news and information, one thing is common that is graphic scenes of the incidents. Some argue that such an upgraded mode of representation is more effective than the traditional ways used to send news earlier. I believe that the efficient way to inform people about day-to-day events should include both pictures, and well-drafted headlines.

It is often asserted that visuals of news are sufficiently effective to convey the emotions and details of the happenings. A clear photograph tends to attract the attention of the viewers as it may be showing the hidden feelings such as stress, anxiety, suffering or even happiness, making observers to relate and absorb the information instantly. For example, some photos of war-torn countries, where people are photographed while coming out of the rubbles, show the real pain and sufferings they endure.

However, it has been observed that some stories provided with only pictures and missing context, create confusion and a state of bafflement. Some articles lacking enough explanation in newspapers don't provide a clear picture, and details of the incidents, for example, they don't answer the questions like when, where, and what has happened, thereby leaving the audience guessing.

In my opinion, an effective combination of both traditional detailed description of an incident supplemented with well-pictured photographs are the better option than either one of them for conveying the message, while maintaining the interest of the readers.

In conclusion, while it is important to display the reality of news through pictures to attract the audience, a well-described and drafted content provides even better understanding in the combination with the photos.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 7.0

The response addresses all parts of the task by discussing the role of pictures in news and presenting a clear personal position. The writer introduces their view in the introduction that both pictures and text are essential, and maintains this stance throughout the essay. Ideas are extended and supported with relevant examples, such as photographs of war-torn countries illustrating human suffering, and the confusion that can arise when pictures lack textual context. While the development is generally clear, the reasoning could be slightly more expansive in places to reach the highest bands, but it thoroughly satisfies the requirements for a Band 7.0 by maintaining a clear position and supporting main ideas effectively.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 7.0

The essay displays a clear logical organisation and progression throughout. Each paragraph has a distinct focus, moving smoothly from the introduction to arguments supporting visuals, counter-arguments regarding the limitations of pictures alone, the writer's balanced opinion, and a concise conclusion. Cohesive devices are used reasonably well, such as 'It is often asserted', 'However', and 'In my opinion', though some linking could be more sophisticated. Paragraphing is used sufficiently and appropriately to structure the argument, resulting in a cohesive and coherent response that meets the criteria for Band 7.0.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.5

The writer demonstrates a sufficient range of vocabulary for the task, allowing for some flexibility and precision. Phrases such as 'graphic scenes', 'war-torn countries', 'state of bafflement', and 'supplemented with well-pictured photographs' show an attempt to use less common lexical items. However, there are occasional awkward collocations and word choices, such as 'well-pictured photographs' or 'resources of getting news', which prevent the score from reaching higher bands. Spelling and word formation are generally accurate, and vocabulary errors do not impede communication, comfortably placing this response at a Band 6.5.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 6.5

The response exhibits a mix of simple and complex sentence forms. The writer attempts complex structures, such as relative clauses ('where people are photographed while coming out of the rubbles') and participial phrases ('leaving the audience guessing'). There are some grammatical errors and awkward phrasing, for instance, 'one thing is common that is graphic scenes' and 'are the better option than either one of them', but these do not impede overall communication. Punctuation is generally handled well. Because there are frequent error-free sentences mixed with some structural inaccuracies, a Band 6.5 is awarded.

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

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