Band 7.5 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 7.5 · 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 7.5)

Some people argue that information should be shared as widely as possible in scientific research, business, and academia, while others believe that certain information is too valuable or sensitive to be freely available. Although open access to knowledge brings many benefits, I believe that some restrictions are necessary to protect security, privacy, and intellectual property.

On the one hand, sharing information freely can promote innovation and accelerate progress. In scientific research, open access enables researchers from different countries to collaborate and avoid duplicating efforts. For example, the rapid development of vaccines during the COVID-19 pandemic was partly due to the exchange of medical data among scientists worldwide. Similarly, in academia, students and researchers benefit from unrestricted access to studies and publications, which enhances education and contributes to new discoveries. In business, the sharing of ideas and technological advances can also stimulate competition and economic growth.

On the other hand, not all information should be made available to the public. Some data are highly sensitive and could be misused if they fall into the wrong hands. For instance, details related to national security, military technology, or personal medical records should remain confidential. Moreover, businesses invest significant amounts of money and effort in developing products and innovations. If competitors could freely access such information, companies would lose their competitive advantage and have less incentive to invest in research and development.

In my opinion, information should generally be shared to encourage cooperation and progress, but reasonable limits are essential. Sensitive information that threatens security, privacy, or intellectual property rights must be protected. Therefore, a balanced approach is the most effective way to ensure both innovation and responsibility.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 7.5

The response fully addresses all parts of the task by discussing both the view that information should be shared freely and the view that some data should remain restricted, while clearly stating a personal position throughout. In the body paragraphs, the writer provides well-developed ideas with relevant examples, such as vaccine development during the COVID-19 pandemic for open access, and national security or intellectual property for confidential information. The arguments are extended logically and supported with appropriate reasoning. According to the band descriptors, this performance successfully covers all parts of the task well with well-developed ideas, meeting the criteria for a high band score.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 7.5

The essay demonstrates a clear logical organization and progression throughout. Ideas are logically sequenced, moving smoothly from the introduction to the two contrasting views and finally to the conclusion. Paragraphing is used sufficiently and appropriately, with each body paragraph focusing on a distinct perspective. Cohesive devices are managed well without being mechanical, utilizing phrases such as 'On the one hand', 'Similarly', and 'Moreover' to guide the reader through the argument. Referencing and substitution are clear and consistent, reflecting the descriptors for Band 8 where all aspects of cohesion are well managed and paragraphing is used skillfully.

Lexical Resource — Band 7.0

The writer uses a sufficient and flexible range of vocabulary suited to an academic discussion. Less common items such as 'accelerate progress', 'duplicating efforts', 'competitive advantage', and 'intellectual property rights' are used naturally and accurately. There are only occasional minor inaccuracies, but word choice and collocation are generally strong. The vocabulary is more than adequate for the task, allowing for precise expression of complex ideas regarding science, business, and academia. This aligns well with the Band 7 and Band 8 boundary, comfortably securing a strong score.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 7.5

The essay displays a wide range of structures, incorporating both complex and compound sentences with good control. Examples such as 'Although open access to knowledge brings many benefits, I believe that some restrictions are necessary...' and 'If competitors could freely access such information, companies would lose their competitive advantage...' demonstrate a firm command of subordinate and conditional clauses. The majority of sentences are error-free, with only very occasional minor slips that do not impede communication. Punctuation is accurate throughout, fully satisfying the requirements for Band 8.

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