Band 7.0 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 7.0 · Cambridge IELTS 12 · 2026-08-19

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)

In many countries, there is a debate about how governments should spend money on transport. Some people believe that governments should build new railway lines for very fast trains between cities. Others think that this money should be used to improve existing public transport. This essay will discuss both views, and I believe that improving existing transport is more important.

On the one hand, building new railway lines for fast trains has several benefits. First of all, high-speed trains can save a lot of time when people travel between cities. For example, a person can travel from one city to another much faster by using a high-speed train. Secondly, these trains can reduce the number of cars on roads. This can help reduce traffic and air pollution. Therefore, new railway lines can be useful for a country in the long term.

On the other hand, improving existing public transport can help a much larger number of people. In many cities, buses and trains are old, crowded and sometimes not reliable. If governments spend money on better buses, more trains and cleaner stations, daily travel can become easier for ordinary people. Moreover, good public transport can reduce traffic because people may choose buses or trains instead of using their cars.

In my opinion, governments should give more importance to improving existing public transport. The main reason is that it directly helps people who use public transport every day. However, if a country has enough money, it can also build high-speed railway lines in the future.

In conclusion, high-speed trains can make travel between cities faster, but improving existing public transport can provide benefits to more people. Therefore, I believe that governments should first improve the current transport system.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 7.0

The response addresses all parts of the prompt. You clearly discuss both views regarding high-speed rail and existing public transport improvements, and you provide a clear personal opinion in the introduction and conclusion. The ideas are relevant and logically extended, such as the point about high-speed rail reducing car usage and the argument that improving existing systems benefits a larger demographic. To reach a higher band, you could provide more specific examples or data to support your claims, as the current arguments are somewhat generalised. However, the position is consistent throughout the essay.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 7.0

The essay is logically organised with a clear progression of ideas. Each paragraph has a central topic, and you use transition signals such as 'On the one hand', 'Secondly', and 'Moreover' effectively to guide the reader. Paragraphing is used appropriately to separate the different viewpoints. While the cohesive devices are used correctly, the range is somewhat basic and repetitive. To improve, you could incorporate a wider variety of linking words and ensure that referencing between sentences is more sophisticated to avoid a slightly mechanical feel.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.0

You demonstrate an adequate range of vocabulary for the task, allowing you to convey your ideas clearly. You use topic-specific terms like 'high-speed trains', 'public transport', and 'infrastructure' (implied). However, the vocabulary is generally functional rather than sophisticated. There is a lack of less common lexical items or idiomatic collocations that would elevate the writing to a higher band. To improve, try to use more precise synonyms and academic collocations instead of repeating simple phrases like 'spend money' or 'good public transport'.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 7.0

The essay displays a good mix of simple and complex sentence structures. Most of your sentences are error-free, and your control of punctuation is generally sound. You successfully use conditional structures ('If governments spend money...') and comparative forms. While the grammar is accurate, the range of complex structures is somewhat limited. To achieve a higher score, you should aim to incorporate a wider variety of advanced grammatical forms, such as passive voice constructions or more complex subordinate clauses, while maintaining the high level of accuracy you have already achieved.

See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.

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