Band 7.0 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 7.0 · Cambridge IELTS 12 · 2026-07-28
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 7.0)
No one can deny that some people think it is necessary to spend large sums of money on constructing new railway lines for very fast trains between cities. While other prefer to think that money should be spent on improving existing public transport. It is important to admit that voth views have their own benefits and detriments.
On the one hand, constructing new railway line for high speed trains can significantly reduce travel time between cities. This allows business people, student and tourists to travel more efficently which can boost economic growth and strenthen regional development. In addition, fast trains are more environmentally friendly than domestic flights because they produce lower carbon emission. Fast trains are more comfertable and easily provide and no heavy traffic in the citiy. Fast trains are time consuming and less budget. For example, countries such as Japan and China have developed extensive high speed rail network that have improved connectivity and increased economic activity.
On the other hand, many people rely on buses, meetro and local trains for their daily commute rather than long distance travel. In many cities, public transport is overcrowded, unreliable and poorly maintained. Therfore, investing in better buses, cleaner trains, modern stations and improved servics would benefit a much larger proportion of the population. Public transport can reduce traffic congestion, lower air pollution.
In conclusion, both approaches have clear advanatges. However, I believe that improving the existing public transport system should be the main priority because it offers great social offers.
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 7.0 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 7.0 |
| Lexical Resource | 6.5 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 6.5 |
| Overall | 7.0 |
Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 7.0
The response addresses all parts of the prompt, discussing both views and providing a clear personal opinion. The ideas are relevant and supported by examples, such as the mention of Japan and China for high-speed rail. However, some points are under-developed; for instance, the claim that fast trains are 'less budget' is confusing and lacks clarity. The conclusion is brief but effectively summarizes your stance. To improve, ensure that each supporting argument is fully explained rather than listed, and avoid contradictory statements like the one regarding the budget of high-speed rail.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 7.0
The essay is logically organized into clear paragraphs, with a standard introduction, two body paragraphs, and a conclusion. Cohesive devices such as 'On the one hand,' 'On the other hand,' and 'In addition' are used to guide the reader. However, some transitions are slightly mechanical, and there are minor issues with referencing and flow. For example, the second sentence of the introduction is a fragment ('While other prefer to think...'). Improving the variety of linking words and ensuring all sentences are complete will help achieve a higher band score.
Lexical Resource — Band 6.5
You demonstrate an adequate range of vocabulary for the task, using terms like 'connectivity,' 'economic activity,' and 'traffic congestion.' However, there are several spelling errors ('voth,' 'efficently,' 'strenthen,' 'comfertable,' 'citiy,' 'meetro,' 'servics,' 'advanatges') and some awkward word choices, such as 'less budget.' These errors do not impede communication, but they do limit the score. To reach a higher band, focus on accuracy in spelling and using more precise collocations to express your ideas more naturally.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 6.5
The essay uses a mix of simple and complex sentence structures. While the meaning is generally clear, there are frequent grammatical errors, such as subject-verb agreement issues ('other prefer' instead of 'others prefer') and missing articles ('in the citiy'). Some sentences are grammatically incomplete or awkward, such as 'Fast trains are time consuming and less budget.' While you attempt complex structures, the frequency of errors in basic grammar prevents a higher score. Focus on proofreading for subject-verb agreement and article usage to improve your accuracy.
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