Band 6.0 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 6.0 · Cambridge IELTS 18 · 2026-09-29

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 6.0)

In many countries, people are living longer than they did in the past. While some people believe that an aging population causes serious problems for governments, others argue that having more elderly people can bring several benefits to society. In my opinion, although an aging population crates some challenges, its advantages can be more if governments provide support.

One major disadvantage of an aging population is the increased pressure on public services. As people become older, they are more likely to require medical treatment, long-term care and financial support. Governmnts may have to spend more money on hospitals, pensions and care facilities. In addition, if the popoulataion of elderly people becomes very high, there may be fewer working-age people available to support the economy through taxes.

However, an aging population can also provide important benefits. Elderly people often have valuable knowledge, experience and skills that can be passed on to younger generations. For example, retired teachers, doctors and business professionals can provide advice or train younger workers. Furthermore, many older people remain active and continue working, volunteering or helping their families. In some societies, grandparents play an important role in looking after children, allowing parents to spend more time working.

Another advantage is that people live longer while remaining healthy and active, they can contributing to society for many years. Governments can also encourage older people to work part-time or volunteer, reducing the economic pressure caused by retirement.

In conclusion, an aging population can increase healthcare and pension costs and create pressure on the working population. Nevertheless, older people can contribute valuable experence, support their families and remain economically active. Therefore, I believe that the advantages can outweigh the disadvantages when governments develop suitable policies for an aging society.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 6.5

The response addresses all parts of the task and presents a clear position throughout. The introduction outlines both the problems and benefits, and the conclusion clearly states your final view that the advantages can outweigh the disadvantages. Main ideas are relevant, such as the strain on public services versus the valuable knowledge and childcare support provided by older generations. However, some ideas could be extended further with deeper explanation or more specific examples. For instance, the discussion on economic pressure could be elaborated by mentioning specific tax structures or labor market shifts. Overall, the task is well handled and meets the criteria for Band 7, as all requirements of the prompt are appropriately addressed with a clear development of ideas.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 6.5

The essay displays a clear logical organisation and progression throughout. Each paragraph has a distinct central topic, moving smoothly from the introduction to disadvantages, advantages, and a balanced conclusion. Cohesive devices such as 'While some people believe', 'One major disadvantage', 'However', 'Furthermore', and 'In conclusion' are used effectively to guide the reader. Paragraphing is used sufficiently and appropriately. While referencing and substitution are generally clear, occasional mechanical transitions slightly limit the flow, preventing the response from reaching Band 8. Nevertheless, the overall structural arrangement is coherent and easy to follow, making this a solid Band 7 performance for cohesion.

Lexical Resource: Band 6.0

The student uses a sufficient range of vocabulary to allow some flexibility and precision, incorporating less common items like 'public services', 'long-term care', 'volunteering', and 'economically active'. There are, however, a few spelling and typographical errors, such as 'crates' instead of 'creates', 'Governmnts', and 'popoulataion', alongside a slight grammatical slip in collocation like 'can contributing'. Despite these minor inaccuracies, the vocabulary is adequate for the task and communication is never impeded. The range demonstrates an attempt to use varied terminology related to sociology and economics, which is appropriate for a Band 6.5 or 7.0 descriptor; given the minor slips, a Band 6.5 is assigned.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 5.5

The essay demonstrates a mix of simple and complex sentence forms, including subordinate clauses introduced by 'although', 'while', and 'that'. There is generally good control over grammar and punctuation, though several noticeable errors occur throughout the text. Examples include spelling mistakes in 'Governmnts' and 'popoulataion', as well as a dangling structure in the fourth paragraph: 'Another advantage is that people live longer while remaining healthy and active, they can contributing to society'. Despite these errors, the majority of sentences are structured correctly and meaning remains clear throughout. Because the errors do not impede communication and a variety of complex structures are attempted, the writing comfortably meets the Band 6 criteria.

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