Band 7.5 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 7.5 · 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 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 views—the benefits of open information sharing and the necessity of protecting sensitive data—while clearly stating a well-developed personal position. The introduction establishes a clear stance, and each body paragraph provides relevant, well-supported ideas with appropriate examples, such as vaccine development during the COVID-19 pandemic and corporate intellectual property protection. The arguments are logically extended and directly address scientific research, business, and academia as outlined in the prompt. The overall treatment of the task aligns very well with the Band 8 descriptor, as all parts of the prompt are covered thoroughly and supported with well-chosen examples.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 7.5

The essay demonstrates a clear logical organisation and progression throughout. Information and ideas are structured effectively, moving smoothly from the introduction to balanced body paragraphs and a concluding summary. Cohesive devices are used flexibly and appropriately, such as 'On the one hand', 'Similarly', and 'Moreover', which help to guide the reader seamlessly through the arguments. Paragraphing is managed skilfully, with each paragraph focusing on a distinct central topic. The referencing and substitution throughout the text are clear and unobtrusive, fulfilling the criteria for a high band score.

Lexical Resource — Band 7.5

The student exhibits a wide, fluent, and flexible range of vocabulary appropriate for an academic essay. Less common lexical items are used skilfully and naturally, such as 'accelerate progress', 'duplicating efforts', 'intellectual property', and 'competitive advantage'. Word choice and collocations are generally accurate and sophisticated, contributing to the professional tone of the writing. There are only occasional minor inaccuracies, but these never impede communication. The lexical range easily satisfies the requirements for a Band 8 performance.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 7.5

The essay displays a wide range of structures, incorporating both complex and compound sentences with a high degree of control. The majority of sentences are error-free, showcasing complex grammatical features such as conditional and subordinate clauses (e.g., 'Although open access to knowledge brings many benefits, I believe that...'). Punctuation and sentence boundaries are handled correctly throughout. Only very occasional non-systematic errors appear, which do not detract from the overall clarity and precision of the grammar, placing the response firmly at Band 8.

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