Band 8.5 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 8.5 · Cambridge IELTS 14 · 2026-08-19

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 8.5)

It is often claimed that wealth is the key to a happy life, and while money undoubtedly contributes to wellbeing in certain ways, I believe genuine happiness depends on a much wider range of factors, many of which have little to do with financial status.

Money can certainly make people happier by removing sources of stress and providing access to opportunities. Financial security allows people to meet basic needs such as housing, healthcare, and education without constant worry, and this sense of stability alone can significantly reduce anxiety. Beyond covering necessities, money also enables people to pursue experiences that bring genuine joy, such as travelling to new places, learning new skills, or spending quality time with family, none of which would be possible without sufficient income. In this sense, wealth acts as an enabler of happiness rather than happiness itself.

However, numerous other factors contribute just as much, if not more, to a person's overall sense of contentment. Strong relationships with family and friends are consistently identified as one of the most reliable sources of happiness, since human beings are inherently social and rely on connection and support from others. Good physical and mental health is another crucial factor; even the wealthiest person will struggle to feel happy if they are seriously ill or under constant psychological strain. Additionally, having a sense of purpose, whether through meaningful work, a hobby, or contributing to one's community, gives people motivation and satisfaction that money cannot buy. In my own experience, some of the happiest people I know are not the wealthiest, but those who have close friendships and work that they find genuinely fulfilling.

In conclusion, while money can facilitate happiness by providing security and opportunity, it is far from the only, or even the most important, factor. Relationships, health, and a sense of purpose play an equally vital role in a person's overall wellbeing.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 8.5

The response fully addresses all parts of the prompt. You clearly articulate how money contributes to happiness through security and opportunity, and you provide a balanced view by discussing alternative sources of happiness such as relationships, health, and purpose. The position is consistent throughout, and the ideas are well-developed with relevant supporting examples. The structure is logical, and the conclusion effectively synthesizes the main points. You have successfully met all requirements of the task by providing a comprehensive and well-reasoned argument.

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 benefits of money and the other factors of happiness is smooth. You use a variety of cohesive devices effectively, such as 'Beyond covering necessities,' 'In this sense,' and 'Additionally,' which help guide the reader through your argument. Paragraphing is used appropriately to separate distinct ideas, and the overall flow is natural and easy to follow.

Lexical Resource — Band 8.0

You demonstrate a wide and flexible range of vocabulary that is appropriate for the task. Phrases like 'financial security,' 'psychological strain,' and 'genuinely fulfilling' show a good command of collocation and nuance. The language is precise and natural throughout the essay. There are no significant errors in word choice, and the vocabulary used is sophisticated enough to convey your ideas clearly and effectively without being repetitive.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 8.5

The essay displays a wide range of grammatical structures, including complex sentences with subordinate clauses and varied sentence beginnings. The grammar is highly accurate, with almost no errors present. Punctuation is used correctly to enhance clarity. The majority of your sentences are error-free, and the control over tense and agreement is consistent. The writing is fluent and demonstrates a high level of grammatical competence.

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