Band 7.5 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 7.5 · Cambridge IELTS 18 · 2026-08-21

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 7.5)

The increased life expectancy in many countries has led to a growing debate about whether an ageing population is beneficial or problematic for society. While older people can contribute valuable experience and expertise, I believe that the disadvantages of an ageing population outweigh these benefits, particularly because it can place pressure on governments and limit opportunities for younger generations.

On the one hand, an ageing population can benefit society through the knowledge and experience of older people. Having spent many years working and dealing with different challenges, elderly people can provide valuable guidance when important decisions need to be made. For example, in many companies, senior management positions are occupied by experienced professionals who have developed extensive knowledge of their industries over several decades. Their experience can help organisations avoid repeating past mistakes and make more informed decisions. Furthermore, older people can pass their knowledge and skills on to younger generations, allowing valuable expertise to be preserved within society.

On the other hand, an ageing population can create several significant problems. One major concern is the increasing pressure on governments to provide pensions, healthcare and other social services for a growing elderly population. This can place a considerable financial burden on the state, particularly when the proportion of working-age people is declining. In addition, a large number of older workers remaining in senior positions may reduce opportunities for younger employees to progress in their careers. Younger people often bring fresh ideas, technological knowledge and innovative approaches that are essential in today's rapidly changing world. For instance, if senior positions remain occupied by the same experienced employees for extended periods, younger workers may have fewer opportunities to take on leadership roles and introduce new approaches. Consequently, this can slow innovation and make it more difficult for governments and organisations to adapt to changing circumstances.

In conclusion, although an ageing population can provide society with valuable experience, knowledge and guidance, I believe its disadvantages are greater. The financial pressure placed on governments and the potential reduction in opportunities for younger generations can have significant long-term consequences for society.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 7.5

You have fully addressed all parts of the prompt. Your position is clear from the introduction and is maintained consistently throughout the essay. The arguments are well-developed, with relevant examples provided for both the benefits (mentorship and experience) and the drawbacks (financial burden and career stagnation). The conclusion effectively synthesises your main points and reinforces your stance. To reach a higher band, you could further extend the discussion on the 'benefits' side to ensure a more balanced exploration before concluding, but overall, the response is well-structured and directly answers the question asked.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 7.5

The essay is logically organised with a clear progression of ideas. Each paragraph has a central theme, and the transition between the 'on the one hand' and 'on the other hand' sections is smooth. You use a range of cohesive devices effectively, such as 'Furthermore', 'In addition', and 'Consequently', which help guide the reader through your argument. Paragraphing is used appropriately to separate distinct ideas. The flow is natural, and the relationship between sentences is clear throughout the text, meeting the criteria for a high band.

Lexical Resource — Band 7.0

You demonstrate a good range of vocabulary that is appropriate for an academic context. Phrases such as 'increased life expectancy', 'financial burden', and 'rapidly changing world' are used accurately. You show an ability to use less common lexical items, such as 'stagnation' (implied) or 'innovative approaches', which adds precision to your writing. The vocabulary is natural and contributes to the clarity of your arguments. There are no significant errors in word choice or collocation, and the language is sufficiently sophisticated to meet the requirements for a high band.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 7.5

Your grammar is highly accurate, with a wide range of complex structures used throughout the essay. You successfully employ conditional structures, relative clauses, and varied sentence beginnings. The majority of your sentences are error-free, and the punctuation is used correctly to manage complex ideas. There are no recurring grammatical errors that impede communication. The control over tense and subject-verb agreement is consistent, reflecting a high level of proficiency. The writing is fluent and demonstrates a strong command of English syntax.

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