Band 6.5 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 6.5 · Cambridge IELTS 12 · 2026-08-24

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 6.5)

Nowadays, many countries are thinking about spending a lot of money on transportation. Some people believe that governments should build new railway lines for very fast trains between cities, while others think that improving existing public transport is better.

On the one hand, building fast trains has some advantages. The main benefit is that people can travel between cities in less time. For example, a person can travel from one city to another for work or business much faster. High-speed trains can also be more comfortable than cars and buses. if more people use trains instead of cars, it may help to reduce traffic problems and pollution.

On the other hand, improving existing public transport is also very important. In many cities, buses and local trains are overcrowded and sometimes not comfortable. If governments spend money on better buses, more trains and cleaner stations, many people can benefit from these improvements every day. Also, building completely new high-speed railway lines is very expensive. This money could be used for other important public services such as hospitals, schools and roads.

In my opinion, governments should mainly focus on improving existing public transport. This is because it can help a larger number of people, especially those who use buses and trains every day. However, high-speed trains can also be built in places where there is a strong need for faster travel.

In conclusion, high-speed trains can make travel between cities quicker, while improving existing transport can help more people in their daily lives. I believe improving current public transport should be the first priority.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 6.5

The response addresses all parts of the prompt. You clearly discuss both views regarding high-speed rail and existing public transport, and you provide a clear personal opinion throughout the essay. The ideas are relevant and logically developed, such as the mention of cost-effectiveness and the benefit to the general public. To reach a higher band, you could further extend your arguments by providing more specific examples or deeper analysis of the long-term economic or environmental impacts of these transport choices. Overall, the response is well-focused and maintains a consistent position.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.5

The essay is logically organized with a clear introduction, body paragraphs for each viewpoint, and a conclusion. Paragraphing is used appropriately to separate ideas. You use basic cohesive devices such as 'On the one hand', 'On the other hand', 'Also', and 'In conclusion' to guide the reader. While the flow is clear, the range of cohesive devices is somewhat limited and occasionally repetitive. To improve, try incorporating more sophisticated linking phrases or referencing techniques to connect sentences and ideas more fluidly, which would make the progression of your argument feel more natural and less mechanical.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.0

You demonstrate an adequate range of vocabulary for the task, using terms like 'overcrowded', 'public services', and 'priority' correctly. The language is generally natural and clear. However, the vocabulary is somewhat functional and lacks the variety of less common or more precise lexical items that would elevate the response to a higher band. For example, instead of repeating 'spending a lot of money', you could use 'allocating significant financial resources' or 'heavy investment'. Expanding your range of collocations and topic-specific vocabulary would help you achieve a higher score in this criterion.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 6.5

The essay uses a mix of simple and complex sentence structures. Most sentences are grammatically accurate, and errors are rare and do not impede communication. For instance, your use of conditional structures ('If governments spend money...') is correct. However, the range of complex structures is somewhat limited. To improve, you should aim to incorporate a wider variety of grammatical forms, such as passive voice constructions or more sophisticated relative clauses, while maintaining the high level of accuracy you have already achieved. Your punctuation is generally sound throughout the text.

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

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