Band 5.0 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 5.0 · Cambridge IELTS 18 · 2026-09-19

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 5.0)

To begin with, there are several reasons why this topic is important in our daily life. The main reason is that [TOPIC] can have a direct effect on people and society. Many people face this issue in their daily lives, and it can influence their lifestyle in different ways. For example, it may affect people’s work, education, health, or relationships. In addition, young people and families can also be influenced by this situation. Another important point is that [TOPIC] can have both positive and negative effects. It mainly depends on how people use it and how they deal with the situation.

Moreover, there are some possible ways to improve the situation. People should have proper knowledge and should make responsible decisions. The government, schools, and families can also play an important role by providing guidance and support. For instance, simple rules and better awareness can help people make better choices.

In conclusion, [TOPIC] is an important issue that should not be ignored. If people and society work together, the negative effects can be reduced and the situation can be improved.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 4.0

The student failed to meet the minimum length requirement of 250 words, writing only 180 words. Furthermore, the response is entirely comprised of memorized generic templates and placeholder text, using the token '[TOPIC]' rather than addressing the specific prompt about the advantages and disadvantages of an aging population. Because the content does not engage with the prompt's core theme or present a position on whether advantages outweigh disadvantages, it can only be scored at Band 4.0 for Task Achievement. To improve, the student must write original content directly responding to the prompt questions rather than relying on generic boilerplate phrases.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.0

The text is divided into three paragraphs, including an introduction, body, and conclusion, which gives it a superficially coherent structure. However, the overarching organization fails because the content consists of vague template sentences rather than logical progression about a specific topic. Cohesive devices such as 'To begin with,' 'Moreover,' and 'In conclusion' are used mechanically to link empty statements together. Referencing is weak because pronouns and phrases point to nothing concrete due to the placeholder '[TOPIC]'. Paragraphing is mechanically present, but the lack of substantive content prevents a higher score. This warrants a Band 5.0 for Coherence and Cohesion.

Lexical Resource — Band 5.0

The vocabulary used throughout the response is extremely basic, repetitive, and generalized, such as 'important issue,' 'daily life,' 'positive and negative effects,' and 'better choices.' The student relies heavily on generic slot-filler words like '[TOPIC]' which indicates a lack of topical lexical resource. There are no attempts at less common vocabulary or subject-specific collocations related to demographics, aging, or economics. Word choices are minimally adequate to form grammatically acceptable generic sentences, but fail entirely to meet the demands of an Academic Task 2 essay. This aligns with the Band 5.0 descriptors for Lexical Resource.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.0

The grammatical structures employed in the response are quite basic and repetitive, consisting mostly of simple and straightforward complex sentences such as 'The main reason is that [TOPIC] can have a direct effect on people and society' and 'People should have proper knowledge and should make responsible decisions.' While the grammar and punctuation within these template sentences are mostly accurate and do not impede communication, the structural range is severely limited. The lack of varied, sophisticated clause structures prevents the score from reaching a higher band. Consequently, a band score of 5.0 is appropriate.

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

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