Band 8.5 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 8.5 · Cambridge IELTS 12 · 2026-07-31

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 8.5)

Nowadays, governments invest substantial amounts of money in transport infrastructure. While some people argue that constructing high-speed railway lines between cities is essential, others believe that improving existing public transport systems should be given greater priority. This essay will discuss both views before explaining why I believe upgrading current public transport is the more practical approach.

On the one hand, supporters of high-speed railways argue that they offer numerous economic and social benefits. Fast trains significantly reduce travel time, allowing passengers to commute between cities more efficiently. This not only boosts tourism and business activities but also strengthens regional economic development. Furthermore, high-speed rail is generally more environmentally friendly than domestic flights, as it produces lower carbon emissions. Consequently, investing in modern railway networks can contribute to both economic growth and environmental sustainability.

On the other hand, many people believe that governments should prioritise improving existing public transport. Millions of citizens rely on buses, metro systems, and conventional trains every day, making these services more beneficial to the general population. Enhancing their reliability, affordability, and frequency would reduce traffic congestion, lower pollution levels, and improve commuters’ quality of life. Moreover, upgrading current infrastructure is often less expensive than constructing entirely new railway lines, allowing governments to allocate public funds more efficiently.

In my opinion, although high-speed railways provide long-term advantages, improving existing public transport should be the primary focus. Since public transport is used daily by a much larger proportion of the population, investing in its development would produce more immediate and widespread benefits.

In conclusion, while building high-speed railway lines can stimulate economic growth and provide faster intercity travel, I believe that enhancing existing public transport systems is a more cost-effective and beneficial solution for the majority of people.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 8.5

The response fully addresses all parts of the task. You have clearly discussed both perspectives—the benefits of high-speed rail and the advantages of improving existing public transport—and provided a clear, consistent personal opinion throughout the essay. The ideas are well-developed, with logical reasoning provided for each viewpoint, such as the economic benefits of rail and the accessibility benefits of local transport. The conclusion effectively synthesizes these points to support your stance. The response is well-structured and directly answers the prompt, demonstrating a strong understanding of the requirements.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 8.5

The essay is logically organized with a clear progression of ideas. Each paragraph has a central topic, and the transition between paragraphs is smooth, using appropriate cohesive devices such as 'On the one hand,' 'On the other hand,' and 'Consequently.' The use of referencing is precise, and the paragraphing is logical and consistent. The flow of the argument is easy to follow, and the relationship between ideas is clearly established throughout the text. There is no evidence of mechanical or repetitive use of cohesive devices, making the writing feel natural and well-structured.

Lexical Resource — Band 8.5

You have demonstrated a wide and flexible range of vocabulary that is well-suited to the academic context. Phrases such as 'transport infrastructure,' 'economic and social benefits,' 'environmental sustainability,' and 'cost-effective' are used accurately and naturally. There is a good command of collocation, and the vocabulary is sufficiently varied to convey complex ideas without repetition. While the vocabulary is precise and appropriate, it does not quite reach the level of 'sophisticated' or 'uncommon' lexical items that would characterize a band 9, but it is certainly strong and effective for a band 8.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 8.5

The essay displays a wide range of grammatical structures, including complex sentences with subordinate clauses and varied sentence beginnings. The majority of your sentences are error-free, and your control over punctuation and verb tenses is excellent. There are no significant grammatical errors that impede communication. The structure is sophisticated, and the use of modal verbs and conditional-like reasoning (e.g., 'would produce') is handled with high accuracy. The writing is fluent and demonstrates a high level of grammatical control throughout the entire response.

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