Band 7.5 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 7.5 · Cambridge IELTS 18 · 2026-09-03

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)

Many people believe that an ageing population creates problems for governments, while others argue that that it can bring significant benefits to society. I agree with the second view because older people may contribute to the economy through their savings and investments and can also devote their time to socially useful activities.

On the one hand, an ageing population can create serious economic challenges. Older people are less likely to remain economically active and often require greater financial and medical support. Although many elderly people are supported by their families, not all adult children can afford to care for ageing parents because of limited time and financial resources. This places a considerable burden on governments, which have to fund pensions, healthcare and medication. The problem is farther exacerbated by declining birth rates. For example, in Russia, pensions are largely financed by contributions from the working population, so a fall in the number of workers combined with a growing number of retirees may place increasing pressure on the pension system.

On the other hand, a large elderly population can also benefit a country. In many developed countries, older people supplement state pensions with private with private savings and investments, some of which can be invested in domestic companies. This allows them to receive additional income while also supporting investment and reducing pressure on public finances. Moreover, retired people may devote more time to socially beneficial activities. For example, in Russia, many older residents help maintain and improve shared spaces around apartment buildings, creating a cleaner and more pleasant environment for local communities.

In conclusion, although an ageing population places additional pressure on public finances and pension systems, I believe that these disadvantages can be outweighed by the economic and social contributions of older people. Many elderly people have both financial resources and free time that can be used to benefit society.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 7.5

The response fully addresses all parts of the prompt. You have clearly stated your position in the introduction and maintained it throughout the essay. The arguments regarding economic challenges and social contributions are well-developed and supported with relevant examples, such as the pension system in Russia and the maintenance of shared spaces. The ideas are extended logically, providing a balanced view before concluding that the benefits outweigh the disadvantages. The response is well-structured and directly answers the 'to what extent' question by providing a clear justification for your stance.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 7.5

The essay is logically organized with a clear progression of ideas. Each paragraph has a central topic, and the transition between the two sides of the argument is smooth, using appropriate cohesive devices such as 'On the one hand', 'On the other hand', and 'Moreover'. Paragraphing is used effectively to separate the different aspects of the discussion. Referencing is clear, and the flow of information is natural throughout the text. The use of cohesive devices is skillful and does not feel mechanical, contributing to a coherent and easy-to-follow argument.

Lexical Resource — Band 7.0

You demonstrate a good range of vocabulary appropriate for an academic task. Phrases like 'economically active', 'exacerbated by', and 'supplement state pensions' show a strong command of topic-specific language. There is an attempt to use less common items, and your word choice is generally precise. While there is a minor repetition of 'private with private' in the third paragraph, this is a minor slip that does not impede communication. Overall, the vocabulary is flexible and precise enough to convey complex ideas effectively.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 7.5

The essay displays a good variety of complex sentence structures, such as the use of conditional and concessive clauses (e.g., 'Although many elderly people are supported...'). The majority of your sentences are error-free, and your control over grammar and punctuation is strong. There is a minor error in the first paragraph ('that that it') and the aforementioned repetition in the third paragraph, but these are rare slips. Your ability to construct complex sentences accurately contributes to the overall clarity and professional tone of the writing.

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