Band 6.5 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 6.5 · Cambridge IELTS 18 · 2026-08-07

IELTS Writing Task 2 question

In many countries, people are now living longer than ever before. Some people say an aging population creates problems for governments. Other people think there are benefits if society has more elderly people.

To what extent do the advantages of having an aging population outweigh the disadvantages?

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

Student answer (Band 6.5)

It is true that people in many countries are living longer than previous generations. This demographic shift has sparked debate over whether an ageing population is a burden on society or a valuable asset.

On the one hand, the challenges posed by an ageing society are significant and cannot be ignored. The most pressing issue is the growing financial burden on healthcare and pension systems. As the proportion of retirees increases relative to the working-age population, governments must allocate increasingly larger budgets to pensions and medical care, which are often funded by a shrinking tax base. Japan clearly illustrates this problem. With a large proportion of its citizens aged 65 or older, the country faces rising healthcare costs alongside a shortage of workers to sustain economic growth.

On the other hand, older citizens provide valuable contributions that are often overlooked. Firstly, they possess a wealth of knowledge and professional expertise gained through decades of experience, which younger workers may not yet have. Many elderly individuals continue to work as mentors, consultants, or volunteers, passing on valuable skills to the next generation. Secondly, grandparents frequently provide informal childcare, allowing parents to remain in the workforce while reducing the financial burden of professional childcare.

In my opinion, the benefits of an ageing population outweigh its challenges. I have witnessed this firsthand in my own family, where my grandparents' support enabled my parents to continue working without the additional expense of hiring professional childcare. Moreover, governments that invest in healthcare and create flexible employment opportunities for older workers are better positioned to turn this demographic trend into a long-term social and economic advantage.

In conclusion, although an ageing population creates undeniable economic and labour-market pressures, the wisdom, caregiving support, and social stability that older generations provide represent substantial benefits. With appropriate government policies, these advantages can outweigh the associated challenges.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 6.5

The response fully addresses all parts of the prompt. You have clearly identified the challenges (financial burden, healthcare costs) and the benefits (professional expertise, childcare support) of an ageing population. Your position is consistent throughout the essay, and you provide a clear conclusion that synthesizes your arguments. The use of Japan as a specific example adds depth to the discussion, and your personal example in the fourth paragraph effectively supports your stance. The ideas are well-developed and logically extended, meeting the requirements for a high band score.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.5

The essay is logically organized with a clear progression of ideas. Each paragraph has a distinct focus, and the transition between the challenges and benefits is smooth. You make effective use of cohesive devices such as 'On the one hand', 'On the other hand', 'Firstly', 'Secondly', and 'Moreover', which guide the reader through your argument without feeling forced. Paragraphing is used appropriately to separate the introduction, body paragraphs, and conclusion, contributing to the overall clarity of the text.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.0

You demonstrate a good range of vocabulary appropriate for an academic task. Phrases such as 'demographic shift', 'shrinking tax base', 'professional expertise', and 'social stability' show a level of sophistication. The word choice is generally precise and natural. While the vocabulary is effective, it could be slightly more ambitious to reach the highest band, but it is certainly sufficient for a high-level response. There are no noticeable errors in word choice or collocation that impede communication.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 6.5

Your grammar is highly accurate, with a wide range of complex structures used correctly. You successfully employ conditional structures, relative clauses, and varied sentence lengths to maintain interest. For example, 'As the proportion of retirees increases relative to the working-age population, governments must allocate...' is a well-constructed complex sentence. Punctuation is used correctly throughout, and there are no significant grammatical errors that distract the reader. The control over tense and agreement is consistent and reliable.

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