Band 6.0 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 6.0 · Cambridge IELTS 12 · 2026-11-14

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 6.0)

There are two different views in several countries regarding the expenditure of money on transportation facilities. Some believe that a significant proportion of money should be spared for new railway sytem while others believe that existing transportation should be improved. It depends on many factors. This essay will discuss both view alongside personal opinion.

The idea of spending money on improvement of existing public transportation is valid to some extent as expenditure of money will be lower in this case. When less money will be spent on transportation it will help to allocate the budget of the country for other critical sectors and it will definitely boost the economy and development of a country. The validity of the idea entirely depends on the current scenario of the country. For instance, Japan already has a very advanced public transportation system so it would be wise and valid to spend money on improvement of existing transportation.

The idea of a substantial amount of money on construction of new railway lines for very fast trains between cities exists due to the geographic variation of the people their needs and challanges. For instance, people living in a small city of Pakistan do not have reliable public transportation, airports and railway systems. They are of opinion that a large sum of money should be spent in constructing new railway lines. This will help them to easily access other cities for better job and educational prospects leading to development of the country. This idea is valid in scenario of a underdeveloped city where everything need to be built by scratch.

In my opinion, both views can be valid in different circumstances. The choice of expenditure of money should not be limited to a view rather it should be decided after doing a thorough research on the geographical area and its needs.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 6.0

You address both sides of the discussion and give a clear, relevant opinion that spending should depend on local circumstances. The examples of Japan’s established transport network and a smaller Pakistani city help illustrate why different countries may need different priorities. However, the case for improving existing transport is developed mainly through lower costs and the possibility of funding other sectors; it would be stronger with a specific explanation of how upgrades benefit passengers. The argument for new high-speed rail is also somewhat unclear: the example focuses on unreliable transport generally, rather than explaining why very fast intercity trains are the best solution. Develop these links and support your final recommendation with a more specific decision-making principle.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 6.5

The response has a clear overall structure: an introduction, one paragraph for each view, and a concluding opinion. The progression is easy to follow, and signposting such as “For instance” and “In my opinion” helps readers identify examples and your position. This already provides a coherent arrangement, but some connections are mechanical or imprecise. For example, “This idea is valid in scenario of a underdeveloped city” does not clearly identify which idea is being referred to, and the transition from the general case for new railways to the Pakistan example could be more explicit. Use clearer references and explain how each example supports the point immediately before it. More varied, natural linking would strengthen the flow.

Lexical Resource: Band 5.5

You use a reasonable range of topic-related vocabulary, including “expenditure,” “geographic variation,” “reliable public transportation,” and “educational prospects.” These choices allow you to discuss transport and development, though some less common expressions are not used naturally or precisely. Examples include “money should be spared for new railway sytem,” “the idea of a substantial amount of money on construction,” and “built by scratch.” Spelling errors such as “sytem” and “challanges” also reduce accuracy. Aim for established collocations and check spelling carefully; for instance, describe funds as being “allocated to” a project and refer to “building from scratch.” Greater precision would make the argument sound more fluent and appropriate for an academic essay.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 5.5

You attempt both simple and complex sentence forms, including a conditional structure in “When less money will be spent … it will help” and a longer sentence explaining the benefits of access to other cities. The main ideas remain understandable, but some grammatical errors recur. In the conditional sentence, use “When less money is spent” rather than “will be spent”; also, “a underdeveloped city” needs the article “an,” and “everything need to be built” requires subject–verb agreement (“everything needs”). The opening sentence, “It depends on many factors,” is also vague in its reference. Review articles, agreement, and conditional forms, and make sure longer sentences retain clear grammatical structure.

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