Band 6.0 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 6.0 · Cambridge IELTS 12 · 2026-08-09
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 6.0)
Some people believe that authorities should spend a large amount of money on building new high-speed railway network between cities. Others argue that this money should be used to improve existing public transport. This essay will discuss both views, and I believe that improving current transport should be given more priority.
On the one hand, there are several benefits of constructing high-speed railway lines. Firstly, they can reduce travelling time between major cities. For example, people can travel for work or business much faster than by car or traditional trains. Secondly, high-speed trains can reduce traffic congestion and pollution because a large number of people may choose trains instead of private vehicles. In addition, such railway projects can create more jobs and support economic development in the areas connected by these trains.
On the other hand, improving existing public transport is also significant. A large number of cities, buses, local trains and metro services are overcrowded and unreliable. If governments spend money on these services, millions of people can benefit from better and more affordable transportation. For instance, improving the bus network and increasing the number of local trains can make daily travel easier for students and workers. As a outcome, people can use for this facilities everyday it is also economic and environmental benefits. Authorities should focus on electric transport system because electric car, buses and other vehicles are truly beneficial for the environment. Moreover, these improvements are usually more useful for ordinary people than expensive high-speed railway projects.
Form my perspective, authorities should focus mainly on improving existing transit system before investing new high-speed railway network. Although fast trains are useful for long-distance travel, a good local transport system is more important for the majority of citizens.
In conclusion, high-speed railways can bring economic and environmental benefits, but improving existing public transport would provide wider benefits to society.
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 6.5 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 6.0 |
| Lexical Resource | 6.0 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 5.5 |
| Overall | 6.0 |
Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 6.5
The response addresses all parts of the prompt, discussing both viewpoints and providing a clear personal opinion. The position is consistent throughout the essay. Ideas are generally well-developed, particularly the arguments for improving existing infrastructure. However, the development of the high-speed rail argument could be slightly more nuanced to reach a higher band. The essay maintains a clear focus on the topic, and the conclusion effectively synthesizes the main points. To improve, ensure that the supporting examples are fully integrated into the argument rather than just listed.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.0
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 'On the one hand', 'In addition', and 'Moreover' are used effectively to guide the reader. However, there are some minor issues with cohesion in the third paragraph, specifically the sentence 'As a outcome, people can use for this facilities everyday it is also economic and environmental benefits', which is grammatically disjointed and affects the flow of ideas. Improving the transition between these clauses would enhance the overall coherence.
Lexical Resource — Band 6.0
The vocabulary is generally adequate and appropriate for the task. You use relevant terms such as 'traffic congestion', 'economic development', and 'infrastructure'. There are some minor errors in word choice and collocation, such as 'use for this facilities' instead of 'use these facilities' and 'investing new' instead of 'investing in new'. While the range is sufficient to convey your meaning clearly, incorporating more sophisticated or less common lexical items would help elevate the score. Focus on using more precise collocations to express your ideas with greater nuance.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.5
The essay uses a mix of simple and complex sentence structures. While the meaning is generally clear, there are several grammatical errors that occur throughout the text, such as 'building new high-speed railway network' (missing article), 'Form my perspective' (typo), and 'it is also economic and environmental benefits' (incorrect sentence structure). These errors are frequent enough to prevent the essay from reaching a higher band. To improve, focus on subject-verb agreement, correct article usage, and ensuring that complex sentences are constructed accurately without missing prepositions or auxiliary verbs.
See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.
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