Band 8.0 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 8.0 · Cambridge IELTS 14 · 2026-08-21

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)

It is often argued that having a large amount of money is the main way to achieve happiness in life. Although financial wealth can certainly improve people's quality of life, I believe that money is not the only source of happiness, as relationships, good health and meaningful experiences are also important.

Having a considerable amount of money can make people happier in several ways. Firstly, financial security can reduce stress and allow people to afford their basic needs. People with a stable income are more likely to have comfortable accommodation, access to healthcare and enough money for everyday expenses. For example, someone with a secure financial situation may not have to worry constantly about paying rent or unexpected medical bills. As a result, having sufficient money can provide a sense of safety and stability. Secondly, wealth can give people opportunities to enjoy experiences such as travelling, eating out and pursuing hobbies. These activities can provide enjoyment and create memorable experiences.

However, there are many other factors that can contribute to happiness. One of the most important is having strong relationships with family and friends. Emotional support and companionship can give people a sense of belonging, which money cannot necessarily provide. For instance, spending quality time with loved ones can make people feel valued and supported. In addition, good physical and mental health is essential for a happy life because it enables people to participate in activities they enjoy. Meaningful work and personal achievements can also give individuals a sense of purpose and satisfaction.

In conclusion, having a lot of money can certainly increase happiness by providing financial security and opportunities for enjoyable experiences. Nevertheless, I believe that strong relationships, good health and a sense of purpose are equally, if not more, important for achieving lasting happiness.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 8.0

The response fully addresses both parts of the prompt. You clearly explain how money contributes to happiness through financial security and the ability to pursue experiences. You also provide a balanced perspective by identifying other essential factors such as relationships, health, and purpose. The position is clear from the introduction and is maintained consistently throughout the essay. Ideas are well-developed with relevant examples, such as the mention of rent and medical bills, which grounds your argument in reality. The structure is logical, and the conclusion effectively synthesizes your main points. To reach a higher band, you could further elaborate on the 'why' behind these factors to add more depth to your analysis.

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 other sources of happiness is smooth. You use a variety of cohesive devices effectively, such as 'Firstly', 'Secondly', 'However', and 'In addition', which help guide the reader through your argument. Paragraphing is used appropriately to separate distinct ideas. The referencing is clear, and the flow of information is natural. The essay demonstrates a high level of coherence, making it very easy to follow your line of reasoning from start to finish.

Lexical Resource — Band 7.0

You demonstrate a sufficient range of vocabulary to discuss the topic with precision. Phrases like 'financial security', 'meaningful experiences', 'sense of belonging', and 'sense of purpose' are used accurately and appropriately. The language is natural and fits the formal tone required for an IELTS essay. While the vocabulary is effective, it is generally standard; incorporating a few more sophisticated or less common lexical items could elevate the response further. However, there are no errors in word choice or collocation that impede communication, and the range is more than adequate for the task.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 8.0

The essay displays a good command of grammatical structures. You use a mix of simple and complex sentences effectively, such as the conditional structure 'someone with a secure financial situation may not have to worry...' and the concessive clause 'Although financial wealth can certainly improve...'. Punctuation is accurate, and there are very few, if any, grammatical slips. The majority of your sentences are error-free, demonstrating a high level of control. The variety of structures used contributes to the overall fluency of the writing. Your grammar is consistent and supports clear communication throughout the response.

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