Band 7.5 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 7.5 · Cambridge IELTS 12 · 2026-09-03

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 7.5)

It is often argued that information should be shared as widely as possible in scientific research, business and academia, while others contend that certain knowledge is too valuable to be made freely available. Although unrestricted access to information can accelerate innovation and benefit society, I believe that sensitive and commercially valuable knowledge should sometimes be protected.

On the one hand, sharing information can significantly contribute to scientific and academic progress. When researchers make their findings publicly available, other experts can examine, verify and build upon their work rather than duplicating research that has already been conducted. This collaborative approach can lead to faster discoveries and more effective solutions to global challenges. For instance, researchers working on diseases can share data about potential treatments, allowing scientists in different countries to contribute to the development of effective medicines. Similarly, students and academics benefit from access to research papers because it enables them to acquire knowledge beyond the limitations of their own institutions. Therefore, the free exchange of information can promote education, innovation and wider social development.

On the other hand, there are legitimate reasons for restricting access to certain types of information. Businesses, for example, invest substantial amounts of money and time in developing new technologies, products and strategies. If competitors could freely obtain such information, companies might lose their competitive advantage and have little incentive to invest in further research and development. Furthermore, some scientific information may be confidential or potentially harmful if released without appropriate safeguards. Personal research data, for example, may contain sensitive information about participants that should not be publicly disclosed. Consequently, a complete policy of unrestricted information sharing could create economic, ethical and privacy-related problems.

In my view, information should be shared whenever doing so is likely to produce significant public or academic benefits, but this principle should not apply to every type of information. Research findings that can improve public health, education or scientific understanding should generally be accessible, whereas confidential personal data, commercially sensitive material and information with potential security risks should be protected. A balanced approach would therefore allow society to benefit from collaboration without undermining individual privacy or discouraging businesses and researchers from investing in valuable discoveries.

In conclusion, although the free exchange of information can greatly accelerate scientific and academic development, some knowledge is too sensitive or commercially valuable to be shared without restrictions. The most beneficial approach is therefore to encourage openness while protecting information when there are compelling ethical, economic or security reasons to do so.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 7.5

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 extended with relevant examples, such as the mention of medical research for the benefits of sharing and the protection of intellectual property in business. The conclusion effectively synthesizes your position, ensuring the response is balanced and comprehensive. The ideas are well-developed, and the response meets all requirements of the task.

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 two viewpoints is smooth, using effective signposting language like 'On the one hand' and 'On the other hand'. Cohesive devices are used naturally and accurately, such as 'Consequently', 'Furthermore', and 'Similarly', which help guide the reader through your argument without being repetitive. Paragraphing is used appropriately to separate distinct ideas, and the overall structure is coherent and easy to follow from the introduction to the conclusion.

Lexical Resource — Band 7.5

You demonstrate a wide and flexible range of vocabulary that is well-suited to the academic nature of the task. You use precise terminology such as 'unrestricted access', 'competitive advantage', 'safeguards', and 'commercially sensitive material' with natural control. The word choices are accurate and contribute to the sophisticated tone of the essay. There are no noticeable errors in word choice or collocation, and the vocabulary is used with sufficient precision to convey complex ideas effectively. The range is more than adequate for the task.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 7.5

The essay displays a wide range of grammatical structures, including complex sentences with subordinate clauses and conditional structures. The majority of sentences are error-free, and your control over punctuation and syntax is excellent. You use a variety of sentence forms, such as 'If competitors could freely obtain such information, companies might lose...', which shows a high level of grammatical competence. There are no significant errors that impede communication, and the overall accuracy is very high, consistent with a high-band performance.

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