Band 7.5 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 7.5 · Cambridge IELTS 12 · 2026-08-28

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 7.5)

Transport infrastructure is essential for economic growth and quality of life. While some people believe governments should invest heavily in high-speed railway lines connecting cities, others argue that upgrading existing public transport should be the priority. Although fast trains can bring substantial long-term benefits, I believe improving current transport systems is generally a more urgent and equitable use of public funds.

Supporters of high-speed rail argue that it can transform travel between major cities. Fast trains significantly reduce journey times and can provide a convenient alternative to domestic flights. As rail travel usually produces fewer carbon emissions than air or road transport, such projects may also help countries meet environmental targets. Moreover, constructing new railway lines can create jobs, stimulate regional development and encourage businesses to expand beyond capital cities. Japan's bullet-train network, for example, has enabled passengers to travel quickly and reliably between major economic centres.

However, opponents point out that high-speed rail projects are extremely expensive and mainly benefit people who travel between large cities. In many countries, ordinary commuters face more immediate problems, including overcrowded buses, unreliable suburban trains and poorly maintained stations. Investing in additional vehicles, modern signalling systems and affordable fares could improve daily life for a much larger proportion of the population. Better local transport can also reduce traffic congestion and provide greater access to employment and education, particularly for low-income residents who do not own cars.

In my view, governments should prioritise improving existing public transport before committing vast sums to new high-speed lines. A modern intercity railway may be impressive, but it has limited value if passengers cannot reach the station because local services are inadequate. Nevertheless, high-speed rail can be justified where there is strong passenger demand, sufficient funding and a clear environmental or economic benefit. The most sensible approach is therefore to repair and expand essential local networks first, while developing fast intercity rail selectively rather than treating it as a national prestige project.

In conclusion, high-speed trains can promote cleaner travel and economic development, whereas improvements to existing public transport benefit more people in their everyday lives. For this reason, current networks should normally receive priority, with new railway lines constructed only when they meet a genuine and well-established need.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 7.5

The response fully addresses all parts of the task. You have clearly discussed both perspectives—the benefits of high-speed rail and the necessity of improving existing public transport—while maintaining a consistent and well-supported personal opinion throughout. The ideas are well-developed, with relevant examples such as the Japanese bullet-train network and the specific needs of daily commuters. The conclusion effectively synthesises the arguments and reinforces your stance. The response is balanced, logical, and directly answers the prompt, demonstrating a high level of task engagement.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 7.5

The essay is logically organised with a clear progression of ideas. Each paragraph has a central theme, and the transition between the two viewpoints and your own opinion is seamless. You make effective use of cohesive devices such as 'Moreover', 'However', 'In my view', and 'For this reason', which guide the reader through your argument without being repetitive. Paragraphing is used appropriately to separate distinct points, and referencing is clear throughout. The structure is sophisticated and contributes to the overall clarity of the argument.

Lexical Resource — Band 7.5

You demonstrate a wide and flexible range of vocabulary that is used with precision. Phrases such as 'transport infrastructure', 'equitable use of public funds', 'stimulate regional development', and 'genuine and well-established need' show a high level of lexical control. You successfully use less common items and collocations that enhance the academic tone of the essay. There are no noticeable errors in word choice or spelling, and the vocabulary is consistently appropriate for the context of the task.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 7.5

The essay displays a wide range of grammatical structures, including complex sentences with subordinate clauses and varied sentence beginnings. The majority of sentences are error-free, and your control over punctuation and tense usage is excellent. You use modals and conditional structures effectively to express nuanced opinions, such as 'high-speed rail can be justified where there is strong passenger demand'. There are no significant grammatical errors that impede communication, and the writing is fluent and accurate throughout.

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