Band 7.0 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 7.0 · Cambridge IELTS 12 · 2026-09-26

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 7.0)

In today's world, information plays a crucial role in scientific research, business and education. While some people believe that sharing knowledge freely can benefit society and encourage development, others argue that certain information should remain confidential because of its value and importance. In my opinion, information should generally be shared, although sensitive and commercially valuable data should be protected.

On the one hand, sharing information can contribute significantly to scientific and academic progress. When researchers exchange their findings, they can learn from one another and develop new ideas without repeating experiments that have already been conducted. This can save both time and money while accelerating scientific discoveries. Furthermore, making educational resources freely available allows students from different economic backgrounds to access valuable knowledge. For example, students in developing countries can benefit from online academic publications and research materials that might otherwise be too expensive for them.

On the other hand, there are valid reasons why some information should not be shared freely. In the business world, companies often invest substantial amounts of money in research and development to create innovative products and services. If their findings or designs were immediately available to competitors, they could lose their competitive advantage and struggle to recover their investments. Similarly, confidential information, such as customers' personal details and sensitive research data, must be protected to prevent misuse and maintain privacy. Therefore, unrestricted access to all information could create serious financial and security problems.

In conclusion, although protecting valuable information is important for businesses and individuals, sharing knowledge can promote innovation, cooperation and educational opportunities. I believe that the most appropriate approach is to encourage the free exchange of information while maintaining reasonable protection for confidential data and intellectual property.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 7.5

The student has successfully addressed all parts of the task by discussing both views—the benefits of sharing information freely in science, business, and academia, and the counter-arguments regarding confidentiality, commercial value, and privacy. A clear position is established in the introduction ('In my opinion, information should generally be shared, although sensitive and commercially valuable data should be protected') and maintained consistently throughout the essay. The ideas are well developed and extended with relevant examples, such as researchers exchanging findings to avoid repeating experiments, and the positive impact of online academic publications on students in developing countries. The arguments regarding business competitiveness and data protection are also elaborated logically. This corresponds well to a Band 8 descriptor.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 7.5

The response demonstrates a clear and logical progression throughout. Information and ideas are coherently organized into distinct paragraphs, with a traditional four-paragraph structure comprising an introduction, two body paragraphs presenting opposing views, and a balanced conclusion. Paragraphing is used sufficiently and appropriately, with each body paragraph focusing on a central theme introduced by clear signposting phrases ('On the one hand', 'On the other hand'). Cohesive devices such as 'Furthermore', 'Similarly', and 'Therefore' are managed effectively to guide the reader through the argument. Referencing is clear and accurate. This performance aligns with Band 8 descriptors for Coherence and Cohesion.

Lexical Resource: Band 6.5

The student demonstrates a sufficient and flexible range of vocabulary suited to an academic discussion. Less common lexical items are used appropriately, including phrases such as 'confidential', 'competitive advantage', 'intellectual property', and 'accelerating scientific discoveries'. Word choice and collocations are generally precise, though there is occasional reliance on standard academic phrasing rather than highly sophisticated or nuanced idioms. Spelling and word formation are completely accurate throughout the response. The range of vocabulary allows for precise communication, comfortably securing a Band 7 score.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 6.5

The essay displays a wide range of complex grammatical structures used with good control. The student effectively employs conditional and concessive clauses, participial phrases, and relative clauses, such as 'When researchers exchange their findings, they can learn from one another...' and '...research materials that might otherwise be too expensive for them.' The majority of sentences are error-free, and punctuation is handled correctly throughout. While there are a few minor slips or limitations preventing a higher band, the grammatical control is strong and communication is never impeded. This meets the criteria for a Band 7.

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