Band 8.0 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 8.0 · 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 8.0)

In today’s interconnected world, the distribution of knowledge is a subject of intense debate. While many argue that sharing information openly in science, business, and academia drives global progress, others believe certain data is too valuable or sensitive to be made public. In my opinion, while open sharing accelerates innovation, protecting proprietary and critical information is necessary to safeguard security and economic value.On the one hand, advocates of open information sharing emphasize its role in accelerating human advancement. In the scientific and academic fields, collaboration prevents researchers from duplicating efforts and allows them to build upon existing discoveries. For example, during global health crises, the rapid, open-source sharing of genetic data enables scientists worldwide to develop life-saving treatments in record time. Furthermore, in business, sharing certain non-proprietary market insights can elevate industry standards, foster healthy competition, and ultimate benefit the consumer through better products and services.On the other hand, there are compelling reasons to restrict the free flow of specific data. In the commercial sector, businesses invest millions of dollars into research and development. If intellectual property, such as tech patents or secret trade formulas, were shared freely, competitors could replicate them instantly, destroying the original company’s competitive advantage and discouraging future innovation. More critically, in scientific domains like nuclear physics or biotechnology, unrestricted access to highly sensitive research could be weaponized or misused by malicious actors, posing severe threats to global security.In my view, a balanced approach is essential. While academic and foundational scientific research should lean toward openness to educate the public and spark innovation, commercial trade secrets and data tied to national security must remain tightly controlled. Without intellectual property protections, the financial incentive to innovate would disappear, and without security filters, open information could lead to catastrophic risks.In conclusion, although the free exchange of ideas is a powerful catalyst for global development, it must be balanced against economic reality and public safety. A controlled framework that encourages collaboration while protecting sensitive data remains the most sustainable path forward.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 7.5

The response fully addresses all parts of the task by discussing both views—the benefits of open information sharing and the necessity of protecting valuable or sensitive data—while presenting a clear and well-developed personal position throughout. In the introduction, the writer states their stance that open sharing accelerates innovation while protecting critical information safeguards security and economic value. Each body paragraph explores these ideas with relevant, well-chosen examples, such as genetic data sharing during global health crises and the protection of intellectual property or biotechnology research. The arguments are extended logically and supported effectively, meeting the criteria for a high band score under Task Achievement.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 7.5

Ideas are logically sequenced and the progression of the essay is clear throughout. The response is divided into appropriate paragraphs, each serving a distinct purpose in developing the argument. Cohesive devices such as 'On the one hand', 'On the other hand', and 'In my view' are used skillfully to guide the reader through the contrasting viewpoints and the writer's conclusion. Paragraphing is used sufficiently and appropriately, and referencing throughout the text remains clear, ensuring that the relationships between ideas are always easy to follow.

Lexical Resource — Band 8.0

The writer demonstrates a wide, fluent, and flexible range of vocabulary appropriate for an academic essay. Less common lexical items are used skillfully and with good awareness of collocation, such as 'interconnected world', 'propagate research', 'proprietary market insights', and 'catalyst for global development'. There is only one minor typographical slip in the second paragraph ('ultimate benefit' instead of 'ultimately benefit'), but word choice and spelling are otherwise excellent, allowing the writer to convey precise meanings effortlessly.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 8.5

The response features a wide range of complex sentence structures used with a high degree of flexibility and accuracy. The majority of sentences are completely error-free, demonstrating a sophisticated command of dependent clauses, conditional structures, and participial phrases, as seen in sentences like 'If intellectual property, such as tech patents or secret trade formulas, were shared freely, competitors could replicate them instantly'. Punctuation is accurate, and grammar is controlled exceptionally well throughout the text, warranting a top band score for this criterion.

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