Band 8.0 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 8.0 · Cambridge IELTS 14 · 2026-08-25

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)

## Introduction

In modern society, having a large amount of money is often considered an important source of happiness. This essay will explain how financial stability can contribute to happiness and discuss other factors, such as strong relationships and good health, that can also make people satisfied with their lives.

## Body Paragraph 1

One main reason why money can make people happy is that it provides financial security and a comfortable lifestyle. People with sufficient income can easily afford basic necessities, such as food, housing, healthcare, and education, without constantly worrying about their expenses. For example, a financially stable person can pay household bills and deal with unexpected costs without experiencing serious financial stress. As a result, money can provide peace of mind and improve overall quality of life. Furthermore, wealthy individuals can spend money on enjoyable experiences, such as travelling or pursuing their hobbies, which can also contribute to their happiness.

## Body Paragraph 2

However, several other factors are equally important for achieving happiness. One significant factor is having strong relationships with family and friends, as emotional support and companionship can make people feel valued and connected. For instance, spending quality time with loved ones can provide greater satisfaction than purchasing expensive possessions. Moreover, good physical and mental health plays an essential role in a person's well-being because it enables individuals to enjoy their daily lives and participate in activities they value. Therefore, although money can provide comfort and security, relationships and good health are also essential for long-term happiness.

## Conclusion

In conclusion, having a considerable amount of money can make people happy by providing financial security, comfort, and opportunities to enjoy life. However, strong relationships and good health are equally important because happiness depends on both financial and personal well-being.

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 financial security and the ability to enjoy experiences. Furthermore, you provide relevant alternatives, specifically strong relationships and physical/mental health. The ideas are well-developed and supported with logical reasoning and examples, such as the mention of household bills and the comparison between material possessions and quality time. The position is clear throughout the essay, and the conclusion effectively synthesizes the main points. The response is balanced and directly answers both questions posed in the task instructions.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 8.0

The essay is logically organized with a clear progression of ideas. Each paragraph has a central topic, and the transition between the discussion of money and the discussion of other factors is smooth, using appropriate cohesive devices like 'However' and 'Moreover'. The use of referencing is accurate, and the paragraphing is logical and appropriate for the structure of an IELTS essay. The flow of information is natural, and the relationship between ideas is easy to follow throughout the text, meeting the criteria for a high band score.

Lexical Resource — Band 7.5

You demonstrate a sufficient range of vocabulary that is appropriate for the task. You use precise terms such as 'financial stability', 'unexpected costs', 'emotional support', and 'well-being'. The vocabulary is used naturally and accurately, allowing for a clear expression of your ideas. While the range is solid and effective, incorporating a few more sophisticated or idiomatic collocations could elevate the response further. However, the current level is precise and error-free, which is highly effective for this type of writing task.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 8.0

The essay displays a good variety of complex sentence structures, such as the use of conditional-like reasoning ('If... then' implied) and subordinate clauses ('because it enables individuals to...'). The majority of your sentences are error-free, and your control over punctuation and grammar is consistent. There are no significant errors that impede communication. The structure is varied, moving between simple, compound, and complex sentences, which demonstrates a good command of English grammar suitable for a high band score.

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