Band 8.0 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 8.0 · 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 8.0)
Nowadays, many governments invest a large amount of money in transportation. Some people believe that building new high-speed railway lines between cities is necessary, while others think that improving existing public transport is a better use of public funds. This essay will discuss both views before explaining why I believe improving current transport systems should be the priority.
On the one hand, constructing high-speed railways has several advantages. Fast trains reduce travel time between cities, making it easier for people to travel for work, education, or tourism. They can also reduce traffic congestion on highways and lower air pollution because more people may choose trains instead of private cars or domestic flights. For example, countries such as Japan and China have developed high-speed rail networks that allow passengers to travel quickly and comfortably over long distances.
On the other hand, many people depend on local public transport every day. In many cities, buses and ordinary trains are often crowded, delayed, or poorly maintained. Improving these services would benefit a much larger number of people, especially students, workers, and elderly citizens. Better public transport can make daily travel more convenient and affordable, while also encouraging people to use public transport instead of driving. As a result, traffic jams and pollution could be reduced in urban areas.
In my opinion, governments should focus more on improving existing public transport before spending huge amounts of money on new high-speed railway projects. Although fast trains provide long-term benefits, they are expensive and mainly serve people travelling between cities. In contrast, improving current transport systems helps millions of commuters every day and provides greater value for public spending.
In conclusion, while high-speed railways can improve long-distance travel and support economic growth, I believe that upgrading existing public transport should be the main priority because it benefits more people and solves everyday transportation problems.
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 8.5 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 8.5 |
| Lexical Resource | 7.5 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 8.0 |
| Overall | 8.0 |
Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 8.5
The response fully addresses all parts of the task. You have discussed both perspectives—the construction of high-speed rail and the improvement of existing public transport—and provided a clear, consistent opinion throughout the essay. The ideas are well-developed, with relevant examples such as Japan and China to support the argument for high-speed rail, and a logical explanation of why local transport improvements offer better value for money. The position is maintained from the introduction through to the conclusion, ensuring the reader is never in doubt about your stance.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 8.5
The essay is logically organized with a clear progression of ideas. Each paragraph has a central focus, and the transition between the two viewpoints is smooth, aided by appropriate cohesive devices such as 'On the one hand,' 'On the other hand,' and 'In contrast.' Paragraphing is used effectively to separate the different arguments. The flow of information is natural, and the use of referencing is clear throughout the text, making the essay easy to follow from start to finish.
Lexical Resource — Band 7.5
You demonstrate a sufficient range of vocabulary to discuss the topic with precision. Phrases like 'traffic congestion,' 'public funds,' and 'economic growth' are used accurately. While the vocabulary is functional and appropriate for the task, it lacks a high degree of sophistication or 'less common' lexical items that would push the score into the 8.0 or 9.0 range. However, there are no significant errors in word choice or collocation, and the language used is natural and fits the academic context well.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 8.0
The essay displays a good variety of complex structures, such as the use of 'Although' clauses and conditional-like reasoning ('if... then' implied). The majority of sentences are error-free, and your control over punctuation and grammar is consistent. There are no major errors that impede communication. To reach a higher band, you could incorporate a wider variety of more complex grammatical structures, such as passive voice constructions or more varied subordinate clauses, to demonstrate greater flexibility.
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