Band 8.0 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 8.0 · Cambridge IELTS 14 · 2026-08-20

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)

Many people believe that having a large amount of money is the main source of happiness in life. Although financial security can certainly make people happier in some ways, I believe that money is only one part of a fulfilling life. Good relationships, health, meaningful activities and personal satisfaction can also contribute greatly to happiness.

Having a lot of money can make people happy because it provides financial security and freedom. People with sufficient income are generally less worried about paying for necessities such as food, housing, education and healthcare. In addition, wealth allows people to enjoy experiences that may otherwise be unaffordable, such as travelling, pursuing hobbies or spending quality time with their families. For example, a person who earns a comfortable income may be able to take their family on a holiday without worrying about debt or daily expenses. This sense of security can significantly reduce stress and improve overall well-being.

However, money alone cannot guarantee lasting happiness. One of the most important sources of happiness is having strong relationships with family and friends. Spending time with people who care about us can provide emotional support and a sense of belonging. Good physical and mental health is also essential, as it allows people to enjoy everyday activities and maintain their independence. Furthermore, having a meaningful purpose in life can bring satisfaction. For instance, someone may feel genuinely happy by helping others through voluntary work, even if they receive no financial reward.

In my view, the best approach is to have enough money to live comfortably while also developing other areas of life. Money can solve many practical problems, but it cannot replace love, friendship, good health or a sense of purpose. Therefore, although wealth can contribute to happiness, a balanced and meaningful life is more likely to provide long-term satisfaction.

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 freedom, and you provide a balanced view by discussing other essential factors like relationships, health, and purpose. The position is consistent throughout the essay. Ideas are well-developed with relevant examples, such as the mention of voluntary work and the ability to travel without debt. The structure is logical, and the conclusion effectively synthesizes your main points. To reach a higher band, you could further expand on the 'why' behind these factors, perhaps by exploring the psychological impact of these non-monetary sources of happiness in slightly more depth.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 8.0

The essay is logically organized with a clear progression of ideas. Each paragraph has a distinct focus, starting with an introduction, followed by two body paragraphs—one for the role of money and one for other sources of happiness—and a concluding summary. Cohesive devices such as 'In addition', 'However', 'Furthermore', and 'Therefore' are used effectively to link sentences and paragraphs. The flow is natural, and the paragraphing is appropriate. The referencing is clear throughout, ensuring the reader can easily follow your line of reasoning. The overall structure is coherent and professional.

Lexical Resource — Band 7.0

You demonstrate a good range of vocabulary that is appropriate for the task. Phrases like 'financial security', 'meaningful purpose', and 'lasting happiness' are used accurately. You avoid repetition and maintain a formal, academic tone throughout. While the vocabulary is sufficient and precise, it remains somewhat standard. To achieve a higher band, you could incorporate more sophisticated or idiomatic collocations, such as 'financial stability acts as a buffer against stress' or 'intrinsic satisfaction'. Nevertheless, the current range is flexible and allows for clear communication without any noticeable 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 clauses ('if they receive no financial reward') and concessive clauses ('Although wealth can contribute...'). The majority of your sentences are error-free, and your punctuation is accurate. There are no significant grammatical slips that impede meaning. The control over verb tenses and subject-verb agreement is consistent. To reach the highest band, you could aim for even greater variety in sentence length and complexity to add more stylistic flair, but the current performance is very strong and reliable.

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