Band 5.0 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 5.0 · Cambridge IELTS 12 · 2026-11-06

IELTS Writing Task 2 question

In a number of countries, some people think it is necessary to spend large sums of money on constructing new railway lines for very fast trains between cities. Others believe the money should be spent on improving existing public transport.

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 5.0)

In some countries, few individuals believe that it is importatant to spend huge amount of money for constructing new railway lines for fast transportation between cities, whereas, few other has mindset to make change in existing public transport. As per my point of view railway is the more important aspect than public transport for any country, also public tranport targets locals and does not need much attention.

In today's time railways plays major role in any countries development and in densely populated nations it is the key factor for uplifting the growth of people. Countries like India, China and USA has mostly public transporting through metros and railways, moreover, rails connects cities which makes easy for individuals who do jobs and live in another city. Furthermore, railways also contributes in tourism for own citizens exploring culture and places of their own nation which develops and make aware of nation.

On the other hand, public tranport is already to provide basic necessity to local individuals for changing neaby places which is enough for locals. Moreover, it is low maintainance compare to railways in which goverment does not need to

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 4.0

You state a clear preference for investing in railways, and you give relevant reasons, including links between cities, commuting, and tourism. However, the discussion of the opposing view is very brief: you say local transport meets basic needs, but do not explain why improving it might be a better use of public funds or provide an example. The railway argument also relies on broad claims about India, China and the USA rather than developed evidence. The response ends mid-sentence, so the comparison and conclusion are incomplete, and it does not meet the required minimum length. These limitations mean the task is addressed only partially. Develop both sides with specific support and finish by restating a reasoned opinion.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 5.0

There is some organisation: the opening introduces the two positions, the next paragraph gives reasons for rail investment, and “On the other hand” signals a shift to local transport. Linking expressions such as “Moreover” and “Furthermore” help connect points within paragraphs. However, the overall progression is limited because the opposing argument is not developed and the response stops during a sentence, leaving no completed conclusion. Several ideas are joined in long sentences, making their relationships less clear, and the repeated use of “Moreover” and “Furthermore” feels mechanical. To improve, give each view a complete paragraph, use clearer links between claims and examples, and add a concluding paragraph that directly answers the question.

Lexical Resource: Band 5.0

You use some topic-related vocabulary, including “railway lines,” “public transport,” “densely populated,” “tourism,” and “development,” so the reader can follow the general subject. However, the range is limited and several word choices or collocations are inaccurate or awkward, such as “few individuals believe,” “has mindset,” “public transporting,” and “low maintainance.” Spelling errors, including “importatant,” “tranport,” and “goverment,” also reduce accuracy. Some phrases are repeated rather than varied, particularly references to railways and public transport. Aim for more natural academic collocations and check spelling carefully; for example, use “some people argue,” “hold the view,” and “public transport systems.”

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 5.0

You attempt both simple and more extended sentence forms, including clauses introduced by “whereas,” “which,” and “who.” This shows some effort to connect ideas, but the range is limited and complex sentences are often faulty. Examples include “railways plays,” where the subject and verb do not agree, and “Countries like India, China and USA has,” which also has agreement and article problems. In “few other has mindset,” the plural subject is not formed correctly, while “railways also contributes” repeats the agreement error. The final sentence is incomplete, ending with “does not need to.” Work on subject–verb agreement, articles, plural forms, and completing each sentence; shorter, accurately controlled sentences would make your meaning clearer.

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