Band 7.0 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 7.0 · Cambridge IELTS 18 · 2026-09-23

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 7.0)

Advancements in Science and Medicine have increased life expectancy rates in many countries. There are two public opinions regarding it. Some people argue that an aging population results in issues for the government, whereas others are of the opinion that having elderly people might have benefits for society. I strongly believe that the disadvantages of a larger aging population exceed the advantages it might bring.

One of the greatest impacts that an aging population can have on society is the passing of languages, cultures, and traditions from one generation to another. This helps individuals stay connected to their roots and plays an important role in shaping their identities. For example, I learned to speak Dhatki, a language that is rarely spoken outside the Thar region of Pakistan, from my grandparents. Another benefit is that older people have years of experience in both their professional and personal lives. Therefore, they can share valuable information and practical knowledge that younger people may need in different stages of their lives. They can also contribute to a supportive and nurturing environment at home, particularly by helping to raise children and providing them with guidance and emotional support, allowing them to grow and develop in a healthy environment.

However, despite the advantages it brings, an aging population can also create several challenges for society. One of the major concerns is the pressure it places on healthcare systems and other public resources, as elderly people often require more frequent medical treatment, medicines, and long-term care. As a result, governments may have to allocate a larger proportion of their budgets to elderly care, leaving fewer resources for other patients and public services. Moreover, a growing elderly population can lead to a smaller workforce, with fewer working-age people paying taxes and supporting the economy. At the same time, governments may have to spend more on pensions and social support for retired people. This imbalance can put considerable financial pressure on both governments and younger generations.

In conclusion, although an aging population can place pressure on healthcare systems, public resources and the economy, older people also bring valuable experience, cultural knowledge and support to their families and communities. I believe that the disadvantages can be reduced if governments focus on providing elderly people with dignified and appropriate care rather than unnecessarily prolonging life through excessive medical intervention. In this way, society can benefit from longer lives while also ensuring that limited resources are used responsibly.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 7.0

The student addresses all parts of the prompt effectively, presenting both the benefits and drawbacks of an aging population while maintaining a clear, consistent position throughout. The introduction clearly states the writer's stance that the disadvantages outweigh the advantages. The body paragraphs are well-developed; paragraph two explores the cultural and interpersonal benefits using a relevant personal example regarding the Dhatki language, while paragraph three thoroughly examines the socio-economic and healthcare challenges. The conclusion ties the arguments together logically. Ideas are well-extended and supported without unnecessary generalisations, easily satisfying the Band 7 and leaning towards Band 8 descriptors for task achievement.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 6.5

The response demonstrates clear logical organisation and progression throughout. Each paragraph has a distinct focus, moving smoothly from introduction to advantages, disadvantages, and conclusion. Cohesive devices such as 'One of the greatest impacts', 'Another benefit', 'However', and 'As a result' are used effectively to guide the reader through the arguments. Paragraphing is used appropriately, and referencing is clear (e.g., 'This helps individuals', 'They can also contribute'). Cohesion is well managed overall, fitting comfortably within the Band 7 criteria.

Lexical Resource: Band 6.5

The student displays a sufficient and flexible range of vocabulary suited to an academic discussion. Less common items such as 'advancements', 'nurturing environment', 'allocate a larger proportion', and 'excessive medical intervention' demonstrate a good awareness of style and collocation. Word choice is generally precise, and spelling is accurate throughout. Although there are a few standard lexical collocations, the vocabulary used easily meets the requirements for a Band 7 score by allowing fluent expression of complex ideas.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 7.5

The essay features a wide variety of complex sentence structures, including conditional and participial clauses (e.g., 'allowing them to grow and develop', 'leaving fewer resources for other patients'). The majority of sentences are error-free, and the writer demonstrates strong control over punctuation and grammatical boundaries. Minor slips are virtually absent, and complex structures are handled with good accuracy, aligning closely with the Band 8 descriptor where the majority of sentences are error-free and control is strong.

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