Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 2 Video Games Essay: Task Response Issues
Sample Answer with Feedback

📅 Published Jun 2026⏱️ 40 minutes recommended📝 246 words · Band 5.5
In this analysis of a band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 2 essay on video games, we examine significant task response issues. While the student addresses both benefits and drawbacks, the lack of depth and examples affects the overall score. Learn how to enhance your essays for a higher band score.

IELTS Writing Task 2 Question

Agree/ Disagree (Opinion) · Video games · 40 min

Video games are seen by some as a harmless form of entertainment, or even a useful way to learn new skills. However, others argue that video games have a negative impact on the people who play them. In your opinion, do the drawbacks of video games outweigh the benefits?

Write at least 250 words.



5.5Band

Overall Band Score

246 words · Agree/ Disagree (Opinion) · AI Evaluated

5
Task Response
5.5
Grammar
6
Vocabulary
6
Coherence

Score Breakdown

IELTS Writing Band Scores (1–9)

Overall Band Score
5.5
Task Response
5
Grammatical Range & Accuracy
5.5
Lexical Resource (Vocabulary)
6
Coherence & Cohesion
6

Summary: Hello User. The essay provides a basic response to the question, discussing both the benefits and drawbacks of video games. However, it does not meet the minimum word count requirement, containing only 246 words instead of the required 250, which impacts the Task Response score. The response lacks depth in its argumentation and could benefit from more detailed examples and analysis.

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Student Answer
Real submission • 246 words • Annotated
246 wordsBand 5.5WritingPart2
● Spelling● Grammar● Vocabulary

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One of the positive aspects of video games is that they can provide entertainment and education at the same time. Users can immerse themselves in virtual worlds that are often more appealing and stimulating than reality. Video games can also foster imagination and creativity, as well as concentration, logical thinking and problem solving, which are all useful skills in life. Furthermore, some studies have indicated that video games might help users create their motor abilities and prepare them for real-world tasks like flying a plane.
However, I think that these benefits are outweighed by the negative aspects of video games. One of the most serious issues with video games is that they may be extremely addictive because they constantly reward users with indications, new challenges, and accomplishments. Many children spend hours every day playing video games, neglecting their homework, sleep and social life. This type of addiction can have serious consequences, such as lack of sleep, poor academic performance, obesity and aggression. Personally, I have never been a fan of video games and I prefer to spend my free time on other activities, such as reading, sports, or music. I think that video games can be addictive and distracting, and that they can affect users’ physical and mental well-being negatively.
In conclusion, I believe that video games have more drawbacks than benefits. Therefore, I think that people should limit their time and exposure to video games and engage in more productive and healthy activities instead.

AI Feedback Report Details

Spelling · Grammar · Vocabulary · Criteria Analysis

Vocabulary Improvements

1 suggestions
Original Word/PhraseImproved Word/PhraseExplanation
create their motor abilitiesdevelop their motor skills'Develop' is a more precise term in this context, and 'motor skills' is a more commonly used phrase.

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Detailed Criteria Feedback

AI-powered analysis for each scoring criterion

Task Response5
Evaluation
The essay attempts to answer the question by discussing both benefits and drawbacks of video games. However, it lacks depth and critical analysis.
Examples
The negative effects listed include addiction, poor academic performance, and aggression but are not elaborated with evidence or examples.
How to Improve
Provide more detailed examples and elaborate on the points with supporting evidence. Ensure to meet the word count requirement.
Coherence & Cohesion6
Evaluation
Ideas are presented in a logical sequence, and paragraphs are generally well-organized.
Examples
The transition from discussing benefits to drawbacks is clear, although some points could be linked better.
How to Improve
Improve the use of cohesive devices to enhance the flow. Ensure that each paragraph clearly supports the overall argument.
Lexical Resource6
Evaluation
The essay uses a reasonably good range of vocabulary, but lacks sophistication.
Examples
Words like 'entertainment,' 'addiction,' and 'consequences' are used accurately, but more varied vocabulary could be employed.
How to Improve
Incorporate more varied and sophisticated vocabulary to enhance expression and precision.
Grammatical Range & Accuracy5.5
Evaluation
The grammatical structures used are generally correct but are simple and repetitive.
Examples
Simple sentence structures and limited complex sentences are evident throughout.
How to Improve
Use a wider variety of grammatical structures and ensure accuracy to demonstrate greater proficiency.
💡
Tip: Review the Band 9 model answer to see how a high-scoring essay structures arguments, uses advanced vocabulary, and maintains coherence throughout.

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