Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 5.5 · Cambridge IELTS 18 · 2026-10-30

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 5.5)

The aged sector is considered as an essential part of the society. But some people argue that their population creates problems for governments. Both outlook have its own merits and demerits.

First of all, the old people highly contribute to each and every sector of a country. They are often known as the backbone of a community. Youngsters who are enjoying various privileges in their life are generally a gift from their older generation. For example, average older people save their lifetime income for their upcoming generations. Moreover, old people teach about important aspects of life and moral values to teenagers, so that they can learn from their experiences. It helps youngsters to follow a right path and decide what to do with their life. .

However, larger number of aged people can create problems for higher authorities. Old aged people are meant to be properly cared and provide with important facilities. Government need to have a higher budget for such facilities. To precise, treating large population of these people requires much money. Furthermore, the budget spent on them can be utilised for the youngsters as they are the future of the world. It is important to look after them.

In conclusion, a balanced approach is needed to maintain the population of older generation. Government must not ignore their needs as they play an important role in the life of youngsters. They help in proper upbringing of a teen. Hence , the higher authorities must value both generations and focus on their needs.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 5.5

You address both sides of the question and give relevant reasons: older people pass on life experience and values, while a larger elderly population requires more public spending. However, the task asks you to judge how far the advantages outweigh the disadvantages, and your position remains unclear. The conclusion calls for a “balanced approach” and says both generations should be valued, but it does not state which side is stronger or explain why. The benefits are also generalised—for example, the claim that older people save income for younger generations is not developed with a clear example or explanation of its wider impact. Make a direct comparison and support your judgement with more specific reasoning.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 6.0

The response has a clear overall arrangement, with an introduction, separate paragraphs for benefits and drawbacks, and a conclusion. Transitions such as “First of all,” “However,” and “In conclusion” help readers follow the shift between points. Within paragraphs, ideas generally relate to the main topic, and the example about older people sharing moral values follows the point about their contribution. Some connections are less clear or repetitive: “It is important to look after them” does not clearly explain the preceding comparison about spending on young people, and the conclusion repeats the need to value both generations without resolving the essay’s central comparison. Use clearer links between claims and explanations, and make the final paragraph synthesise your argument.

Lexical Resource: Band 5.5

You use a range of topic-related vocabulary, including “backbone of a community,” “moral values,” “higher authorities,” and “budget,” which allows you to discuss both generations and public costs. However, several choices are unnatural or imprecise, such as “aged sector,” “upcoming generations,” and “old aged people.” Some phrases also obscure the intended meaning: “To precise” is not an appropriate way to introduce a specific point, and “a gift from their older generation” is unclear. Aim for more natural collocations and precise terms for older people, public services, and intergenerational support. This would make your ideas easier to understand and give your vocabulary more control.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 5.5

You attempt a mix of simple and complex sentences, including a relative clause in “Youngsters who are enjoying various privileges…” and a purpose clause in “so that they can learn from their experiences.” Meaning is generally understandable, but some grammatical errors recur. For example, “Both outlook have its own merits” has problems with number and agreement, while “Government need” requires a plural or an article with a singular noun. In “Old aged people are meant to be properly cared and provide with important facilities,” the passive construction is incomplete. There are also punctuation slips, including the extra full stop after “life” and the spacing in “Hence ,”. Review agreement, articles, and passive forms, then proofread punctuation.

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