Band 8.5 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 8.5 · Cambridge IELTS 12 · 2026-08-10

IELTS Writing Task 2 question

Write about the following topic: Some people believe that it is good to share as much information as possible in scientific research, business and the academic world. Others believe that some information is too important or too valuable to be shared freely. Discuss both these views and give your own opinion.

Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience.

Student answer (Band 8.5)

The question of whether knowledge in fields such as scientific research, commerce, and academia should be openly shared or strictly protected remains a subject of intense debate. While unrestricted data sharing accelerates innovation and fosters global collaboration, certain proprietary information and sensitive scientific discoveries carry economic value and security risks that necessitate restricted access. In my view, although open access should remain the default standard for academic progress, critical commercial assets and security-sensitive data must be carefully regulated.

On the one hand, advocates of open information argue that transparency accelerates human progress and prevents unnecessary duplication of effort. When researchers and organizations publish their data freely, peer scientists worldwide can build upon existing findings, verify results, and solve complex global challenges more efficiently. A prime example of this was the rapid development of COVID-19 vaccines, which was made possible because scientists globally shared the viral genome sequence in public repositories immediately upon its discovery. Furthermore, in the academic sphere, open-access publication ensures that institutions in developing nations have equal access to cutting-edge research, thereby democratizing education and reducing the global knowledge divide.

On the other hand, there are compelling reasons to restrict the distribution of certain high-value or sensitive information. In the corporate world, intellectual property, trade secrets, and proprietary algorithms represent millions of dollars in research and development investment. If businesses were forced to share all their breakthroughs freely, the incentive to invest in high-risk, innovative projects would vanish, potentially stagnating technical advancement. Additionally, in scientific research, unrestricted access to dual-use technologies—such as detailed blueprints for synthetic pathogens, nuclear technology, or advanced artificial intelligence models—presents severe national security and ethical risks if misused by malicious actors.

In conclusion, both sides present valid arguments depending on the context of the information involved. Open knowledge sharing is fundamental to academic enrichment, medical breakthroughs, and international cooperation. However, complete transparency in business and high-stakes technology can compromise competitive incentives and global safety. Therefore, a balanced framework should be maintained where public-interest research is freely shared, while intellectual property and hazardous scientific data remain subject to appropriate protection and regulatory oversight.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 8.5

The response fully addresses all parts of the prompt. You have clearly discussed both perspectives—the benefits of open information sharing and the necessity of protecting sensitive data—while maintaining a consistent and well-supported personal position throughout. The arguments are logically developed, with specific examples such as the COVID-19 vaccine development and the mention of dual-use technologies, which demonstrate a sophisticated understanding of the topic. The introduction clearly outlines your stance, and the conclusion effectively synthesizes the arguments presented. The ideas are relevant, well-extended, and fully satisfy the requirements of the task.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 8.5

The essay is exceptionally well-organized. Each paragraph has a clear central topic, and the progression of ideas is logical and smooth. You use a variety of cohesive devices, such as 'On the one hand', 'Furthermore', and 'In conclusion', which are used naturally and effectively to guide the reader through your argument. The transition between the benefits of open access and the risks of unrestricted sharing is seamless. Paragraphing is used skillfully to separate distinct points, contributing to a coherent and professional structure throughout the text.

Lexical Resource — Band 8.5

You demonstrate a wide and sophisticated range of vocabulary, which is used with precision and natural control. Phrases such as 'unrestricted data sharing', 'proprietary information', 'democratizing education', and 'regulatory oversight' show a high level of lexical flexibility. The word choices are consistently appropriate for an academic context, and there are no noticeable errors in collocation or spelling. The vocabulary is not only accurate but also enhances the clarity and impact of your arguments, fitting the criteria for a high band score.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 8.5

The essay displays a wide range of complex grammatical structures, including conditional sentences, relative clauses, and sophisticated passive constructions. The majority of sentences are error-free, and the punctuation is used correctly to manage complex ideas. You demonstrate excellent control over sentence variety, which keeps the writing engaging and fluent. There are no grammatical slips that impede communication, and the overall accuracy is very high, reflecting a strong command of English grammar suitable for an academic writing task.

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