Band 7.5 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 7.5 · Cambridge IELTS 12 · 2026-09-10

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 7.5)

There is an ongoing debate over whether information in scientific research, business and academia should be shared as widely as possible or whether certain knowledge is too valuable or sensitive to be made freely available. While unrestricted access to information can accelerate progress and innovation, I believe that some forms of knowledge require appropriate protection.

On the one hand, advocates of open information argue that sharing knowledge is fundamental to human progress. In scientific research, for instance, researchers can build upon existing discoveries rather than duplicating work that has already been undertaken. This can substantially accelerate breakthroughs in areas such as medicine, renewable energy and artificial intelligence. Similarly, open access to academic research enables students and scholars from different parts of the world to exchange ideas, challenge established theories and develop new perspectives. In the business world, collaboration and knowledge-sharing can also stimulate innovation, particularly when companies work together to address large-scale problems that cannot be solved independently.

On the other hand, there are compelling reasons why some information should remain confidential. Businesses often spend enormous amounts of money and time developing new technologies, products and commercial strategies. If such information were freely available, competitors could simply reproduce these innovations without making comparable investments, potentially discouraging future research and development. Furthermore, certain scientific discoveries may have serious security implications if they fall into the wrong hands. Personal data, medical records and confidential government information are other examples where unrestricted disclosure could cause significant harm.

In my view, the principle of sharing information should be encouraged, but it cannot reasonably be applied without limits. Knowledge that can benefit society, such as publicly funded scientific research and educational material, should generally be accessible to the wider public. However, genuinely sensitive information should be protected through appropriate legal, ethical and technological safeguards. The key issue, therefore, is not whether information should be shared, but whether it is responsible and beneficial to do so.

In conclusion, although the free exchange of information can promote scientific advancement, education and innovation, certain commercial, personal and security-related information deserves protection. A balanced approach, in which useful knowledge is shared while genuinely sensitive information remains confidential, is the most beneficial policy for society.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 7.5

You have fully addressed all parts of the prompt. You clearly discussed both perspectives—the benefits of open information sharing and the necessity of protecting sensitive data—and provided a well-reasoned personal opinion. Your ideas are extended and supported with relevant examples, such as the mention of medical research and commercial intellectual property. The position is consistent and clear from the introduction through to the conclusion. The response is well-balanced, ensuring that both sides of the argument receive sufficient attention, which demonstrates a high level of task engagement and logical development.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 7.5

The essay is logically organized with a clear progression of ideas. Each paragraph has a distinct focus, and the transition between the two viewpoints is smooth. You use a variety of cohesive devices effectively, such as 'On the one hand', 'Similarly', 'Furthermore', and 'In my view', which help guide the reader through your argument. Paragraphing is used appropriately to separate the different stages of your discussion. The flow of information is natural, and there is no evidence of mechanical or repetitive use of linking words, which contributes to a very coherent piece of writing.

Lexical Resource — Band 7.5

You demonstrate a wide and flexible range of vocabulary, which allows for precise expression of your ideas. You use sophisticated collocations and topic-specific terminology such as 'unrestricted access', 'accelerate breakthroughs', 'commercial strategies', and 'technological safeguards'. The language is natural and fits the academic context of the task perfectly. There are no noticeable errors in word choice or spelling, and the vocabulary is used with a high degree of control, which is characteristic of a high-level response.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 8.0

Your control over grammatical structures is excellent. You use a wide range of complex sentence structures, including conditional clauses and relative clauses, with high accuracy. For example, the sentence 'If such information were freely available, competitors could simply reproduce these innovations...' demonstrates a strong grasp of the second conditional. Punctuation is used correctly throughout, and the majority of your sentences are error-free. The writing is fluent, and there are no grammatical slips that impede communication or distract the reader, reflecting a high level of grammatical competence.

See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.

Browse more IELTS Writing model answers or get your own writing scored by the same AI examiner.