Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 5.5 · Cambridge IELTS 12 · 2026-08-06
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 5.5)
It is often argued that governments should invest heavily in building new high-speed railway lines, while others believe that improving the existing public transport system is a more effective use of public funds. This essay will discuss both views before explaining why I believe upgrading current public transport should be given greater priority.
To begin with, investing in high-speed railways offers several important benefits. Firstly, fast trains significantly reduce travel time between cities, making business and leisure travel more convenient. Secondly, they can stimulate economic growth by improving connectivity and encouraging tourism. Moreover, high-speed trains are an environmentally friendly alternative to cars and domestic flights, helping to reduce traffic congestion and air pollution
However, improving existing public transport is a more practical solution because it benefits a larger number of people on a daily basis. Reliable buses, metro systems, and local trains make commuting easier, reduce overcrowding, and improve people's quality of life. In my opinion, governments should prioritise upgrading current transport services before investing in expensive high-speed rail projects, as this ensures that public money benefits the majority of citizenship
In conclusion, although high-speed railway lines can promote economic development and faster travel, I believe that improving existing public transport is a wiser investment because it meets the everyday needs of more people and provides greater overall benefits.
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 5.0 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 5.5 |
| Lexical Resource | 5.5 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 5.5 |
| Overall | 5.5 |
Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 5.0
The essay addresses both viewpoints and provides a clear personal opinion. However, the response is significantly under the 250-word minimum requirement (219 words). This has led to a lack of depth in the supporting arguments. While the ideas are relevant, they are not fully developed; for instance, the discussion on economic growth and environmental benefits is quite brief. To achieve a higher band, you must expand on your points with more detailed explanations and specific examples. The under-length penalty is applied here as the response fails to meet the basic task requirements.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.5
The essay is logically organized with a clear introduction, body paragraphs, and a conclusion. Paragraphing is used appropriately to separate the two viewpoints. Cohesive devices such as 'To begin with', 'Firstly', 'Moreover', and 'However' are used effectively to guide the reader through the argument. The progression of ideas is logical, moving from the benefits of high-speed rail to the practical advantages of existing public transport, and finally to your own opinion. The flow is smooth and easy to follow throughout the text.
Lexical Resource — Band 5.5
You demonstrate a sufficient range of vocabulary to discuss the topic with some precision. Phrases like 'stimulate economic growth', 'environmentally friendly alternative', and 'practical solution' are used correctly. There is a minor error in word choice at the end of the third paragraph: 'majority of citizenship' should be 'majority of citizens'. While the vocabulary is adequate for the task, it lacks the more sophisticated or less common lexical items that would be required for a higher band score.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.5
The essay displays a good mix of simple and complex sentence structures. Most sentences are error-free, and your control of punctuation is generally good. You use complex structures effectively, such as 'although high-speed railway lines can promote economic development... I believe that...'. There are very few grammatical errors, and those that exist do not impede communication. To improve, you could incorporate a wider variety of complex grammatical structures, such as conditional sentences or passive voice constructions, to demonstrate greater flexibility.
See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.
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