Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 5.5 · Cambridge IELTS 12 · 2026-09-24

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)

It is argued by some people that the information from research in the different areas of practical work is essential to provide to others as much as possible. Meanwhile, other argue that some information is very important so that it should not be shared. however, I believe that research data should be shared with others.

On the one hand, individuals that think the information should be shared believes that research information could help many people in different fields. As there are many business men, students and professors who can't conduct their own research because sometimes it is too expensive or they don't have the right tools. Take an example of a recent statement by Interior Minister of South Africa that in 2012, when government provides free research papers in every library of the country the number of graduates increase by 50 percent in a very short time. Thus, sharing valuable information is very important.

On the other hand, people who believe that sharing important information can be dangerous. As most of the time people use information to exploit the laws and to harm others. For instance if the research on making of nuclear weapon becomes available it can be used by terrorists which is very dangerous. Hence, not every information is worth sharing.

However, I believe that research information should be shared as much as possible and free of cost. As it will help a lot of people like students to clear their understandings, businessmen to improve their businesses.

To sum up, I believe that even though sharing important research information can be dangerous but from my perspective it can help many individuals.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 5.5

The response addresses all parts of the task by discussing both views—that information should be shared freely and that some information is too important to share—while also presenting a clear personal opinion. The ideas are relevant and supported with examples, such as the mention of government-provided research papers in South Africa and the danger of nuclear weapon data falling into the hands of terrorists. However, some of the supporting points are somewhat generalized and under-developed, falling short of the deep extension required for higher bands. For instance, the conclusion largely restates earlier points without adding new depth. Nonetheless, a clear position is maintained throughout, satisfying the requirements for a Band 6.5 or 6.0. Overall, the task response is solid, earning a band score of 6.0.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 5.5

The essay is arranged with a clear overall structure, utilizing an introduction, two body paragraphs discussing opposing views, a personal opinion paragraph, and a conclusion. Paragraphing is used appropriately to separate ideas. Cohesive devices are employed, such as 'On the one hand', 'On the other hand', and 'To sum up', though some transitions feel a bit mechanical or repetitive. Referencing is generally clear, but there are instances where linking could be smoother, particularly with sentence boundaries where conjunctions or punctuation are misused (e.g., starting sentences with 'As' or 'However' in a fragmented manner). Progression is maintained throughout the response, but minor flaws in logical linking place this firmly in the Band 6 category.

Lexical Resource: Band 5.5

The student uses an adequate range of vocabulary for the task, successfully attempting less common items such as 'exploit', 'terrorists', and 'graduates'. However, there are noticeable inaccuracies in word choice and word formation, such as writing 'other argue' instead of 'others argue', 'business men' instead of 'businessmen', and 'every information' instead of 'all information' or 'every piece of information'. Spelling is generally acceptable, but grammatical inflections on vocabulary items occasionally falter. While the vocabulary is sufficient to convey the intended meaning, the persistent minor errors and lack of sophisticated phrasing prevent the response from reaching a higher band. Thus, a band score of 6.0 is appropriate.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 5.5

The essay demonstrates a mix of simple and complex sentence forms, attempting relative clauses and conditional structures. However, grammatical accuracy is inconsistent. There are several recurring errors, such as subject-verb agreement issues ('the number of graduates increase' instead of 'increased'), incorrect capitalization and punctuation ('however, I believe'), and sentence fragments starting with subordinating conjunctions like 'As' and 'Take an example of'. Furthermore, missing articles ('Take an example of a recent statement by Interior Minister') detract from fluency. While these errors rarely impede overall communication, their frequency prevents the essay from achieving a Band 7. Therefore, a band score of 6.0 reflects the mix of structures alongside noticeable grammatical slips.

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

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