Band 8.0 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 8.0 · Cambridge IELTS 12 · 2026-08-31

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 8.0)

Information plays a central role in scientific discovery, business innovation and academic progress. Some people believe that knowledge should be shared as widely as possible, while others argue that certain information is too valuable or sensitive to be freely available. In my view, openness should be the general principle, particularly in science and academia, but reasonable limits are necessary when disclosure could damage privacy, security or legitimate commercial interests.

One major argument for sharing information is that progress often depends on collaboration. When researchers publish findings, data and methods, other scholars can test results, avoid unnecessary duplication and build on existing knowledge. This can accelerate discoveries in fields such as medicine, climate science and engineering. Academic openness also benefits students and researchers in poorer institutions who may otherwise lack access to expensive resources. In business, sharing non-sensitive knowledge can encourage partnerships, improve industry standards and allow organisations to learn from successful practices.

There is, however, a strong case for restricting some forms of information. Businesses invest substantial amounts of money and time in developing products, manufacturing techniques and commercial strategies. If competitors could freely copy confidential information, firms would have less incentive to innovate. Similarly, scientific or academic data may contain personal medical records, private participant information or details that could be misused. Such material should be protected or shared only under controlled conditions. Complete openness is therefore neither practical nor responsible.

Personally, I favour a system in which information is made accessible by default, but exceptions are clearly justified. Publicly funded research should generally be shared widely, whereas personal data, security-sensitive material and genuine trade secrets should remain protected.

In conclusion, extensive information sharing can advance knowledge, reduce duplication and promote innovation. Nevertheless, unrestricted access is not always desirable. The best approach is to encourage openness while protecting information whose disclosure could cause serious harm or unfairly undermine legitimate interests.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 8.0

The response fully addresses all parts of the prompt. You have clearly discussed both sides of the argument—the benefits of open information sharing and the necessity of protecting sensitive data—while maintaining a consistent and well-supported personal position throughout. The ideas are well-developed, with specific examples provided for both perspectives, such as the mention of medical and climate science for openness, and trade secrets and personal data for restrictions. The introduction and conclusion effectively frame the discussion, ensuring the reader understands your stance from the outset. The response is balanced, logical, and directly answers the prompt's requirements.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 7.5

The essay is logically organized with a clear progression of ideas. Each paragraph has a central theme, and the transition between the benefits of sharing and the need for restrictions is smooth. You use a variety of cohesive devices effectively, such as 'One major argument,' 'There is, however,' and 'In conclusion,' which guide the reader through your argument without being repetitive. Paragraphing is used appropriately to separate distinct points. The flow of information is natural, and the relationship between sentences is clear, demonstrating a high level of control over the structure of the essay.

Lexical Resource — Band 7.5

You demonstrate a wide and flexible range of vocabulary that is well-suited to the academic context of the task. Phrases such as 'legitimate commercial interests,' 'unnecessary duplication,' and 'accelerate discoveries' show a sophisticated command of language. The word choices are precise and contribute to the clarity of your argument. There are no noticeable errors in word choice or collocation, and the vocabulary is used naturally throughout the text. You successfully employ topic-specific terminology without forcing it, which enhances the overall quality of the writing.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 8.0

The essay displays a wide range of grammatical structures, including complex sentences and varied clause types, which are used with high accuracy. The majority of your sentences are error-free, and the control over punctuation and syntax is excellent. You use modal verbs and conditional structures effectively to express nuance, such as in the sentence 'If competitors could freely copy confidential information, firms would have less incentive to innovate.' There are no significant grammatical errors that impede communication, and the overall control of language is very strong, reflecting a high level of proficiency.

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