Band 9.0 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 9.0 · Cambridge IELTS 14 · 2026-08-23

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 9.0)

### IELTS Writing Task 2 – Band 9

Some people believe that having a substantial amount of money is the key to happiness. While financial security can certainly contribute to a person's well-being, I believe that lasting happiness also depends on relationships, good health and a sense of purpose.

Having a lot of money can make people happy in several ways. First, it provides financial security and reduces the stress associated with paying for essential expenses such as housing, food and healthcare. Wealth also gives people greater freedom to enjoy leisure activities, travel and pursue personal interests. For example, someone with a comfortable income may be able to take regular holidays, attend recreational activities or purchase goods that improve their quality of life. Furthermore, financial independence can allow individuals to leave unpleasant jobs or reduce their working hours, giving them more time to spend with their families.

Nevertheless, money alone cannot guarantee genuine or long-term happiness. Strong relationships are arguably more important because family members and close friends provide emotional support, companionship and a sense of belonging. Good physical and mental health are equally significant, since even wealthy people may struggle to enjoy their lives if they suffer from serious health problems. In addition, having a meaningful purpose can create a deep sense of satisfaction. Volunteering, pursuing a fulfilling career or developing a personal skill can make people feel useful and accomplished, regardless of their income.

In my view, money is an important means of achieving happiness, but it should not be regarded as its primary source. Once people have enough income to live comfortably, additional wealth may have a much smaller impact on their overall satisfaction.

In conclusion, wealth can provide security, freedom and enjoyable experiences, but lasting happiness is more likely to come from meaningful relationships, good health and a fulfilling life.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 9.0

The response fully addresses all parts of the prompt. You clearly identify how money contributes to happiness—specifically through security, freedom, and leisure—and provide a balanced perspective by introducing alternative sources of happiness such as relationships, health, and purpose. The position is consistent throughout the essay, and the ideas are well-developed with relevant examples, such as the mention of 'leaving unpleasant jobs' or 'volunteering'. The structure is logical, and the conclusion effectively synthesizes the main points without introducing new information. The response demonstrates a sophisticated understanding of the task requirements.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 9.0

The essay is exceptionally well-organized. Each paragraph has a clear central theme, and the progression of ideas is logical and smooth. You use a variety of cohesive devices, such as 'Furthermore', 'Nevertheless', and 'In addition', which are used naturally to link sentences and paragraphs. The paragraphing is skillful, with a clear introduction, two distinct body paragraphs, and a concise conclusion. The referencing is precise, and the flow of the argument is never interrupted, making the text very easy to follow.

Lexical Resource — Band 9.0

You demonstrate a wide and sophisticated range of vocabulary. Phrases like 'financial security', 'genuine or long-term happiness', and 'sense of belonging' are used accurately and naturally. The lexical choices are precise and contribute to the formal tone of the essay. There are no noticeable errors in word choice or collocation, and the vocabulary is used with a high degree of flexibility, allowing for a nuanced discussion of the topic.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 9.0

The grammatical control is excellent. You use a variety of complex sentence structures, such as conditional clauses ('if they suffer from serious health problems') and subordinate clauses ('while financial security can certainly contribute...'), with full accuracy. Punctuation is used correctly throughout, and there are no grammatical errors. The range of structures is wide, and the accuracy is consistent, meeting the criteria for the highest band.

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