Band 8.0 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 8.0 · Cambridge IELTS 14 · 2026-08-31

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)

Some people argue that having a substantial amount of money is the key to happiness. Although financial security can certainly improve people’s quality of life, I believe that lasting happiness depends on a much broader range of factors, including relationships, health and a sense of purpose.

Having considerable wealth can undoubtedly make people happier in several ways. First, money provides financial security, allowing individuals to afford comfortable housing, nutritious food and quality healthcare without constantly worrying about expenses. This can significantly reduce stress, particularly during unexpected situations such as illness or unemployment. Furthermore, wealthy people can enjoy experiences that enrich their lives, such as travelling, pursuing hobbies or spending more time with their families. For example, someone with sufficient savings may be able to take an extended holiday without being concerned about losing income.

However, money is not the only, or necessarily the most important, source of happiness. Strong relationships with family and friends can provide emotional support, companionship and a sense of belonging, none of which can simply be purchased. Good physical and mental health is equally important because wealth has little value if a person is unable to enjoy life. In addition, having meaningful goals, such as building a successful career, helping others or developing a skill, can give people a deep sense of fulfilment.

In conclusion, money can contribute greatly to happiness by providing security and freedom, but it cannot guarantee a fulfilling life. In my view, genuine and lasting happiness comes from combining financial stability with meaningful relationships, good health and a sense of purpose.

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, such as through financial security and the ability to enjoy life experiences, and you provide a balanced view by discussing other essential factors like relationships, health, and purpose. Your position is clear from the introduction and is maintained consistently throughout the essay. The ideas are well-developed and supported with relevant examples, such as the mention of unexpected situations like illness or unemployment. The structure is logical, and the conclusion effectively synthesizes your main points.

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 importance of other factors is smooth. You use a variety of cohesive devices effectively, such as 'Furthermore', 'However', and 'In addition', which help guide the reader through your argument. Paragraphing is used appropriately to separate distinct ideas. The flow is natural, and there is no evidence of mechanical or repetitive linking, making the text easy to follow.

Lexical Resource — Band 8.0

You demonstrate a wide and flexible range of vocabulary that is well-suited to the topic. Phrases like 'substantial amount of money', 'financial security', 'quality healthcare', and 'sense of fulfilment' are used accurately and naturally. The language is precise, and you avoid repetition by using synonyms and varied collocations. There are no noticeable errors in word choice or spelling, and the vocabulary contributes to a sophisticated tone that is appropriate for an IELTS writing task.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 8.0

The essay displays a wide range of grammatical structures with high accuracy. You successfully use complex sentences, such as 'Although financial security can certainly improve people’s quality of life, I believe that...', and maintain control over punctuation and verb tenses throughout. The majority of your sentences are error-free, and the few structures used are handled with confidence. There is no evidence of grammatical errors that would impede communication or cause confusion for the reader.

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