Band 6.0 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 6.0 · Cambridge IELTS 12 · 2026-09-12
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 6.0)
It is often argued that it is better to share valuable data as much as possible in the research field, business and the academic world, while others believe that some data is so valuable and vital it should not be given to anyone. I will discuss both views in this essay and give an explanation why I believe that the valuable and the most important information related to personal work should not be shared freely.
On the one hand, sharing the knowledge with others is very beneficial because it can help in many ways to understand that field efficiently. For instance, you can help others in the subjects, by sharing knowledge on how to start up your own business, and mainly in the research field by giving them suggestions on how you can do research. Therefore, sharing the knowledge that benefits both parties is good.
On the other hand, it is important to not share personal data exclusively related to your business, research field and studies that indirectly harms you. For example, if you share your research work and results freely to anyone, then it might be possible that they steal your work and publish with their own names. Additionally, if they are not in your favour and become jealous, then in business they might try to harm you. Therefore, they can make you suffer the financial challenges and might destroy your company reputation.
In conclusion, while it is good to share knowledge with others to help them grow, it is better to not share your personal data because everbody is not trustworthy.
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 6.0 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 6.0 |
| Lexical Resource | 5.5 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 5.5 |
| Overall | 6.0 |
Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 6.0
The response addresses all parts of the prompt by discussing both views—the benefits of sharing scientific and academic research versus the risks of exposing valuable proprietary data—and clearly states a personal position in the introduction. The ideas are relevant and supported with explanations, such as the risk of intellectual theft in research or financial harm in business. However, some arguments remain slightly under-developed; for example, the explanation regarding starting up a business could be extended with more precision. Despite this minor limitation, the task is successfully and comprehensively answered, meeting the criteria for a solid Band 6.5 or Band 7.0 for addressing all parts with a clear position throughout.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.0
The essay displays a clear overall progression and logical organisation. Paragraphing is used appropriately to separate the introduction, the two body paragraphs representing opposing views, and the conclusion. Cohesive devices are employed to guide the reader through the text, as seen in transition phrases like 'On the one hand', 'On the other hand', and 'In conclusion'. However, referencing and cohesion are occasionally a bit mechanical or repetitive, such as the recurring use of 'sharing knowledge' and 'valuable data'. Additionally, the pronoun referencing in sentences like 'if they are not in your favour' lacks absolute clarity regarding who 'they' refers to. Overall, the arrangement is coherent and easy to follow, fitting the Band 6.5 profile well.
Lexical Resource — Band 5.5
The student demonstrates an adequate range of vocabulary for the task, successfully incorporating topic-related terms such as 'scientific research', 'academic world', 'proprietary data' (implied), and 'financial challenges'. There are attempts to use less common vocabulary like 'exclusively', 'indirectly harms', and 'reputation'. However, there are some noticeable inaccuracies in word choice, collocation, and phrasing, such as 'everbody is not trustworthy' instead of 'not everyone is trustworthy', or 'publish with their own names' instead of 'publish under their own names'. Vocabulary is generally sufficient to communicate the main points clearly, but precision is occasionally lacking, placing the response firmly at Band 6.0.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.5
The response features a mix of simple and complex sentence forms, demonstrating a reasonable command of grammar. Structures such as conditional clauses ('if you share your research work...') and subordinate clauses are attempted with varying success. There are several grammatical errors and awkward phrasings throughout the text, including 'give an explanation why I believe' (missing 'as to'), 'sharing the knowledge that benefits both parties is good', and 'everbody is not trustworthy' (scope of negation). Punctuation is generally acceptable, and while these errors are noticeable, they rarely impede overall communication or reader understanding, justifying a Band 6.0 score.
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.