Band 8.0 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 8.0 · Cambridge IELTS 14 · 2026-08-12

IELTS Writing Task 2 question

Some people say the main way to be happy in life is to have a lot of money. How might having a lot of money make people happy? What other things in life can make people happy?

Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience.

 

Student answer (Band 8.0)

Happiness is generally associated with a sense of satisfaction and fulfilment. While some people believe that having a substantial amount of money is the main source of happiness, I believe that financial security is only one factor, and achieving personal goals and maintaining a fulfilling life are equally important.

One of the main reasons why money can make people happy is that it enables them to meet their basic needs and enjoy a comfortable lifestyle. In today’s materialistic world, having sufficient financial resources allows people to afford necessities such as food, clothing, housing and healthcare without constantly worrying about their expenses. Moreover, financial stability provides a sense of security because people are better prepared for unexpected costs and future needs. For example, individuals with stable incomes are generally able to provide better living conditions for their families and take occasional holidays, which can improve their overall quality of life. Therefore, although money does not guarantee happiness, financial security can significantly reduce stress and contribute to people's well-being.

However, there are several other factors that can make people happy, particularly achieving personal and professional goals. People often set objectives related to their education, careers or personal development, and working towards these goals gives them a sense of purpose. When individuals finally achieve something for which they have worked hard, they often experience a strong feeling of accomplishment and satisfaction. For instance, a person who spends several years studying to obtain a desired qualification may feel extremely proud and fulfilled after graduating, even if this achievement does not immediately lead to a higher income. In addition, meaningful relationships with family and friends, good health and having time for enjoyable activities can also provide lasting happiness.

In conclusion, having a substantial amount of money can make people happier by providing financial security, meeting basic needs and reducing stress. Nevertheless, happiness also comes from achieving personal goals, maintaining meaningful relationships and finding fulfilment in everyday life. Thus, money is an important contributor to happiness, but it is not the only source of it.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 8.0

The response fully addresses all parts of the prompt. You clearly explain how money contributes to happiness through security and meeting basic needs, and you provide a balanced perspective by discussing alternative sources of happiness such as personal goals and relationships. The position is clear from the introduction and maintained throughout the essay. Ideas are well-developed with relevant examples, such as the mention of educational achievements and the reduction of stress through financial stability. The structure is logical, and the content is consistently relevant to the task requirements.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 8.0

The essay is logically organized with a clear progression of ideas. Each paragraph has a central theme, and the transition between the role of money and other factors is smooth. You use a variety of cohesive devices effectively, such as 'Moreover', 'Therefore', 'However', and 'In addition', which help guide the reader through your arguments. Paragraphing is used appropriately to separate the different aspects of the prompt. The relationship between sentences is clear, and the overall flow is natural and easy to follow throughout the entire response.

Lexical Resource — Band 7.5

You demonstrate a good range of vocabulary that is appropriate for the task. You use precise terms such as 'financial security', 'materialistic world', 'fulfilment', and 'meaningful relationships'. The language is natural and conveys your meaning accurately. While the vocabulary is consistently accurate and fits the context well, there is room to incorporate more sophisticated or idiomatic collocations to reach the highest band. However, the current range is more than sufficient to express your ideas with clarity and precision, and there are no significant errors in word choice.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 8.0

The essay displays a high level of grammatical control. You use a variety of complex sentence structures, such as conditional and concessive clauses (e.g., 'Although money does not guarantee happiness...'), which are handled accurately. The majority of your sentences are error-free, and punctuation is used correctly throughout. There are no noticeable grammatical slips that impede communication. Your control over verb tenses and subject-verb agreement is consistent, reflecting a strong command of English grammar suitable for a high-level response.

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