Band 7.5 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 7.5 · Cambridge IELTS 12 · 2026-09-30

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)

There is an ongoing debate about whether information should be shared as widely as possible in scientific research, business and the academic world. While open access to information can promote innovation and cooperation, some information is too valuable or sensitive to be made freely available. In my opinion, information should generally be shared, but reasonable restrictions are necessary when disclosure could cause harm or unfair loss.

On the one hand, sharing information can significantly accelerate progress. In scientific research, researchers can build on one another’s discoveries instead of repeating the same experiments. For example, when scientists publish their findings, methods and data, other researchers can verify the results and develop new ideas based on them. Similarly, universities benefit from the free exchange of academic knowledge because students and researchers gain access to a wider range of perspectives. In business, cooperation and information sharing between companies can also lead to improved products and more efficient practices, particularly when organisations are working together on large projects.

On the other hand, there are situations in which information cannot reasonably be shared without restrictions. Businesses may invest considerable amounts of money in developing a new product, technology or business strategy. If competitors could freely obtain this information, the original company might suffer serious financial losses. Intellectual property such as patents and trade secrets therefore needs protection. In scientific research, sensitive information, such as confidential patient data, must also be protected because making it public could violate people's privacy. Furthermore, some research findings could potentially be misused if they were released without appropriate safeguards.

In my view, the best approach is not to choose between complete openness and complete secrecy, but to establish a sensible balance. Information that can benefit society and does not create significant risks should be shared as widely as possible. However, confidential personal data, commercially sensitive information and knowledge that could easily be misused should be protected or released only to appropriate people. For example, researchers can publish the conclusions of a medical study while keeping individual patients' identities confidential.

In conclusion, sharing information encourages scientific progress, education and cooperation, but unrestricted access can also create problems involving privacy, competition and security. Therefore, information should be shared whenever possible, while valuable or sensitive material should be protected when there are strong reasons to do so.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 7.5

The response fully addresses all parts of the task by discussing both views—that information should be shared freely versus that some information needs protection—and providing a clear, well-supported personal opinion. The introduction clearly states the writer's stance, which is maintained throughout the essay. Each body paragraph explores a distinct aspect of the prompt, such as scientific acceleration, business innovation, intellectual property, and privacy concerns, using relevant examples like medical studies and confidential patient data. The ideas are thoroughly extended and developed, meeting all criteria for a Band 8 level in Task Achievement.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 7.5

The essay demonstrates a clear logical organization and progression throughout. Information and ideas are logically sequenced with each paragraph having a clear central topic. Cohesive devices such as 'While open access', 'On the one hand', 'On the other hand', and 'Furthermore' are used effectively and flexibly without feeling mechanical. Paragraphing is used sufficiently and appropriately, separating the introduction, two opposing viewpoint body paragraphs, the writer's opinion paragraph, and the conclusion seamlessly. The progression from general debate to specific arguments and finally to a synthesized conclusion is well managed.

Lexical Resource: Band 7.5

The student demonstrates a wide, fluent, and flexible vocabulary range suitable for an academic discussion. Less common lexical items are used skilfully and naturally, such as 'accelerate progress', 'intellectual property', 'commercially sensitive', and 'appropriate safeguards'. Word choices and collocations are generally accurate, with only rare minor instances of phrasing that could be slightly more polished. Spelling and word formation are flawless throughout the entire response, supporting a high band score in lexical resource.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 7.5

The response features a wide range of complex structures used with a high degree of accuracy. The majority of sentences are error-free, showcasing sophisticated control over conditional and subordinate clauses, such as 'If competitors could freely obtain this information, the original company might suffer serious financial losses.' Punctuation is used correctly throughout, and complex grammatical forms are integrated smoothly without straining readability. The control of grammar aligns comfortably with the descriptors for a Band 8.

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