Band 5.0 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 5.0 · 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 5.0)

In many nations, some people believe that high-speed rail lines need to be built among different cities for which government should spent budget on it while others argue that authorities should work on upgrading the existing transport facilities. In this essay I will discuss both these views and will argue why currently states should allot more money for improvement of current public transport.

The citizens that support huge funds assighnment for building of bullet train among cities contend that it will bring cities together that will boost productivity , comfort and economy. These high-speed railway produce convenience for cross-town movement by compressing travel time which increase efficiency and performance of workers and businessess.As a result, business connectivity increases

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 4.0

The response introduces the topic and gives a clear preference for improving current public transport, so the reader can identify your position. It also begins to explain the case for high-speed rail, linking shorter journeys with productivity and business connectivity. However, the discussion is only minimally developed: the opposing view is not completed, and there is no explanation of why existing transport deserves priority or any relevant example. The response also falls substantially short of the required minimum length, leaving the task only partially addressed. To strengthen it, develop both sides in separate paragraphs, support each main point with a specific consequence or example, and explain your own view in a concluding paragraph.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 5.5

There is a basic overall direction: an introduction states the issue and your opinion, followed by a paragraph beginning to explain support for high-speed rail. Phrases such as “while others argue” and “As a result” show an attempt to connect contrasting and consequential ideas. However, the response ends abruptly after “business connectivity increases,” so there is no complete progression through both views or a conclusion. The first paragraph also contains several ideas in one long sentence, and spacing around punctuation is inconsistent. Use a clear paragraph for each side and a final paragraph for your judgement; then ensure each paragraph develops one central point and links it explicitly to the next.

Lexical Resource: Band 5.5

You use some topic-relevant vocabulary, including “high-speed rail lines,” “upgrading,” “productivity,” “convenience,” and “travel time.” These choices make the subject clear and show an attempt to use language beyond basic transport terms. However, several phrases are inaccurate or awkward, such as “huge funds assighnment,” “produce convenience,” and “cross-town movement”; spelling errors such as “businessess” also reduce precision. Some wording is repetitive, particularly references to “cities” and “transport.” Aim for more natural collocations and accurate word forms, and proofread spelling. A broader set of terms for costs, accessibility, reliability, and passenger services would also help you explain the comparison more precisely.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 5.5

The response attempts both a complex opening sentence and a relative clause, as in “which will boost productivity,” and it uses a result clause to connect ideas. These attempts show some range, and the main meaning is generally understandable. However, control is uneven: “government should spent” has an incorrect verb form, “These high-speed railway produce” has a subject–verb agreement problem, and “which increase efficiency” does not agree with its antecedent. The opening sentence is also overloaded, making the relationship between its clauses difficult to follow. Build accuracy with shorter, controlled sentences first, then add complex structures; check verb forms, agreement, articles, and punctuation when editing.

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