Band 6.5 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 6.5 · Cambridge IELTS 12 · 2026-09-16

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 6.5)

Nowadays, information is an important part of scientific research, business and education. Some people believe that as much information as possible should be shared freely, while others argue that certain information is too valuable or important to be made public. I believe that information should generally be shared because it encourages progress, although sensitive information should be protected.

On the one hand, sharing information can provide significant benefits to society. In scientific research and education, researchers can learn from each other’s discoveries, allowing them to find solutions and make new developments more quickly. For example, during the COVID-19 pandemic, scientists from different countries shared research about the virus and vaccines, which helped researchers develop effective vaccines in a shorter period of time. Thus, the free exchange of knowledge can promote innovation and benefit society as a whole.

On the other hand, some information is too valuable or sensitive to be shared freely. Businesses often invest large amounts of money and time in developing new products, technologies and strategies, and revealing such information could allow competitors to copy their ideas. For instance, a company developing a new smartphone may keep its design and technology confidential before its launch so that competitors cannot reproduce the product. Therefore, protecting certain information is necessary to maintain business competitiveness and prevent the misuse of sensitive knowledge.

In conclusion, although sharing information can promote scientific, academic and business development, some knowledge needs to be protected because of its commercial or security value. In my opinion, information should be shared as much as possible, but appropriate restrictions should be placed on information that is sensitive or highly valuable.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 6.5

The student has successfully addressed all parts of the prompt, discussing both views regarding information sharing in scientific research, business, and academia while also providing a clear personal opinion. The position is maintained throughout the response. Ideas are well developed and supported with relevant examples, such as the COVID-19 pandemic for scientific collaboration and a smartphone development scenario for commercial confidentiality. The arguments are extended appropriately, demonstrating a thorough understanding of the task requirements. The response meets all the criteria for Band 7.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.5

The essay presents a clear logical organisation and progression throughout. Each paragraph has a distinct central topic, starting with a coherent introduction, moving through well-structured body paragraphs representing each viewpoint, and ending with a concise conclusion. Cohesive devices are used appropriately to guide the reader through the arguments, as seen with transition signals like 'On the one hand', 'On the other hand', and 'In conclusion'. Paragraphing is used sufficiently and logically, contributing to the overall readability and seamless flow of ideas, aligning well with the Band 7 descriptors.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.5

The student demonstrates a sufficient range of vocabulary for the task, allowing for some flexibility and precision. Words and phrases such as 'significant benefits', 'confidential', 'maintain business competitiveness', and 'commercial or security value' show an awareness of appropriate academic style and collocation. There are no noticeable spelling or word-choice errors that impede communication. While it does not consistently showcase the more sophisticated or uncommon lexical items typical of a Band 8, the vocabulary used is precise, natural, and fully adequate for a Band 7 score.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 6.5

The response features a good variety of complex sentence structures used alongside simple forms. For instance, the writer employs concessive clauses ('although sensitive information should be protected') and conditional ideas effectively. There is good control of grammar and punctuation, and frequent error-free sentences appear throughout the text. The few minor slips that do occur never impede communication. The control demonstrated over complex structures and sentence construction fits the Band 7 descriptor closely.

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