Band 7.5 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 7.5 · 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 7.5)

The rapid development of science, business and education has made the exchange of information more important than ever. While some people argue that knowledge should be shared as widely as possible, others believe that certain information is too valuable or sensitive to be made freely available. I believe that information should generally be shared because it promotes progress and cooperation, although commercially sensitive and potentially harmful information should be protected.

There are several compelling reasons why information should be disseminated widely. In scientific research, sharing findings enables researchers to build upon one another's work rather than repeatedly investigating the same questions. This can accelerate discoveries and lead to solutions to global problems. For example, when scientists share research on diseases, treatments can be developed more rapidly because researchers in different countries can contribute their expertise. Similarly, in the academic world, unrestricted access to research allows students and scholars to learn from the latest discoveries, regardless of their financial circumstances or geographical location. In business, the exchange of knowledge can also encourage innovation by allowing companies to identify new technologies and improve existing products and services.

Nevertheless, there are circumstances in which information should not be shared without restrictions. Businesses, for instance, invest substantial amounts of money in developing new technologies, and competitors could unfairly benefit if their confidential designs or manufacturing processes were immediately disclosed. Patents and trade secrets therefore provide companies with an incentive to invest in research and development. Furthermore, certain scientific information may have serious consequences if it is misused. Research involving dangerous biological agents or sophisticated technologies, for example, may need to be subject to appropriate safeguards rather than being made accessible to everyone. Academic researchers should also receive proper recognition for their original work, as completely unrestricted use of their findings could undermine intellectual property rights.

In conclusion, sharing information can significantly accelerate scientific progress, educational development and innovation. However, this does not mean that every piece of information should be publicly available. A balanced approach is preferable: knowledge that can benefit society should be shared as widely as possible, while confidential, commercially valuable or potentially dangerous information should be protected through appropriate regulations.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 7.5

The student fully addresses all parts of the task by discussing both the view that information should be shared freely and the view that some information should be restricted, while also clearly presenting and maintaining their own position throughout. In the introduction, the writer outlines a nuanced stance, arguing for general dissemination while acknowledging exceptions. Each body paragraph explores a distinct domain—science, academia, and business—providing relevant, well-developed examples such as research on diseases and corporate trade secrets. The arguments are extended and supported logically without over-generalising, meeting the criteria for a high band. There are no omissions, and the task requirements are thoroughly satisfied.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 7.5

The response features a clear logical organisation and progression throughout. Ideas are logically sequenced, moving smoothly from a well-formulated introductory thesis to distinct body paragraphs covering different sectors, and finally to a concise conclusion. Cohesive devices such as 'Nevertheless', 'Furthermore', and 'In conclusion' are used effectively to guide the reader through the argumentation without appearing mechanical. Paragraphing is used sufficiently and appropriately, with each paragraph focusing on a single, coherent thematic cluster. Referencing and substitution are handled accurately, ensuring the relationships between ideas remain transparent and easy to follow at all times.

Lexical Resource: Band 7.0

The student demonstrates a wide, fluent, and flexible range of vocabulary appropriate for an academic context. Less common lexical items and collocations are used skillfully, such as 'disseminated widely', 'commercial secrets', 'intellectual property rights', and 'unrestricted access'. Word choice is generally precise, allowing the writer to convey complex ideas about science and business smoothly. While there are very occasional minor limitations in collocation, the vocabulary range easily supports clear and sophisticated communication, fully satisfying the requirements for a Band 7.5 or 8.0 level in this category.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 7.5

The essay displays a wide range of complex sentence structures used accurately and flexibly. The writer successfully employs subordinate clauses, conditional elements, and participial phrases, such as 'While some people argue that knowledge should be shared as widely as possible...' and 'Research involving dangerous biological agents or sophisticated technologies, for example, may need to be subject to appropriate safeguards...'. The majority of sentences are error-free, and punctuation is handled with a high degree of control. Minor slips are virtually absent, and grammatical accuracy remains consistently high throughout the entire response.

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