Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 5.5 · Cambridge IELTS 12 · 2026-09-13

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 5.5)

As far as this topic is concerned, I would like to say that the 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 which has always been debatable and has now become more controversial with many people claiming that it is beneficial while others reject this notion. The substantial influence of this trend has sparked the controversy over the potential impact in recent years. From my perspective, the former proposition appears to be more rational. This essay will further elaborate my views for favoring the positive or negative impact of this trend and thus will lead to a logical conclusion.

Analyzing the statement further, the primary reason behind this the sharing information can help society make progress and solve important problems. In scientific research, researchers can share their findings with others, which can help them develop new medicines and technologies. Categorically discussing, it cannot be ignored that the main reason behind this is that especially in our country, it has far-reaching consequences.Some information should not be shared freely because it may be confidential or valuable. For example, companies have private business plans, financial information and new inventions that could be stolen by competitors. Similarly, some scientific discoveries may have security risks if they are used for harmful purposes

Moving further, it is pertinent to mention that it is the basic duty of the government to provide a safe and stable society for the betterment of the public. It is imperative for the authorities concerned to look into the factor behind this issue and take drastic action against the concerned persons.

To encapsulate, I would like to appeal to the learned figures to come forward, focus their gaze on this issue and launch a vigorous campaign to reform it across the society.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 6.0

The response addresses all parts of the prompt by discussing both the view that information should be shared freely and the view that some information should remain confidential, while also stating a personal position in the introduction. However, the development of ideas becomes somewhat repetitive and tangential in the later paragraphs. For instance, the discussion moves into vague calls for government intervention and societal campaigns rather than fully exploring the implications of open versus restricted information in business and academia. Furthermore, some sentences merely echo the prompt instructions rather than advancing the argument. While the main points are present, they lack deep extension and clear focus in the body paragraphs, which places this performance at a Band 6 level.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.5

The essay has a clear overall progression in terms of a standard essay structure, featuring an introduction, body paragraphs, and a conclusion. However, cohesive devices are sometimes handled awkwardly or used mechanically, as seen in transitions like 'Moving further, it is pertinent to mention' and 'To encapsulate'. Additionally, referencing becomes slightly unclear at times, and paragraphing is disrupted by abrupt shifts in topic, such as the sudden introduction of government duties in the third paragraph. While the ideas are generally arranged in a coherent sequence, the logical flow between sentences occasionally breaks down due to repetitive phrasing, aligning the cohesion with Band 5.5 to 6.0 descriptors.

Lexical Resource — Band 5.5

The vocabulary used is adequate for the task, with attempts at less common lexical items such as 'confidential', 'impartial', and 'far-reaching consequences'. However, there are noticeable inaccuracies in word choice and collocation, along with repetitive phrasing. For instance, the opening sentences heavily recycle the exact wording from the prompt ('Some people believe that it is good to share as much information as possible...'). Phrases like 'focus their gaze on this issue' are slightly unnatural in an academic context. The range of vocabulary is sufficient to convey the main message, but errors in word selection and a reliance on basic or repetitive terms keep the score at Band 5.5.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.0

The writer attempts a mix of simple and complex sentence forms, demonstrating some control over grammar. However, there are frequent grammatical errors and awkward syntactic structures throughout the text. Examples include 'the some people believe that', 'behind this the sharing information can help', and 'Categorically discussing, it cannot be ignored that the main reason behind this is that especially in our country, it has far-reaching consequences.' These errors and clumsy phrasings sometimes cause strain for the reader, though they rarely completely impede communication. Because complex structures often contain errors and the frequency of grammatical slips is noticeable, a Band 5.0 is appropriate.

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

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