Band 7.5 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 7.5 · Cambridge IELTS 12 · 2026-08-31

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)

Whether to allocate public funds toward high-speed intercity rail networks or the optimization of existing public transit infrastructure remains a widely debated topic. While bullet trains offer transformative benefits for regional integration, I believe prioritizing the upgrade of local transit systems yields greater social and economic value for the majority.

Proponents of high-speed railways argue that modernizing intercity transportation drives long-term national productivity. High-speed rail drastically reduces travel times between major economic hubs, facilitating seamless business mobility and reducing dependence on carbon-heavy domestic aviation. For instance, Japan’s Shinkansen network has successfully boosted regional trade and decentralized economic activity away from overcrowded capital cities. Furthermore, mega-infrastructure projects act as catalysts for technological innovation and job creation, serving as a cornerstone for future national development.

On the other hand, advocates for upgrading existing public transit highlight immediate utility and equity. Buses, subways, and traditional commuter trains cater to millions of citizens during daily commutes. When these systems suffer from overcrowding, delays, or outdated facilities, the economic efficiency of an entire city suffers. Allocating capital to overhaul existing transit directly enhances the daily life of urban populations, particularly lower- and middle-income demographics who rely heavily on affordable transit options. A well-maintained local grid also mitigates daily traffic congestion, improving overall urban air quality.

In conclusion, while high-speed trains foster long-term intercity integration, improving existing public transport addresses the immediate and widespread needs of urban populations. Therefore, governments should prioritize upgrading existing local infrastructure to maximize societal benefit before making substantial investments in high-speed rail.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 7.5

The response fully addresses all parts of the prompt. You have clearly discussed both perspectives—the benefits of high-speed rail for national productivity and the immediate social utility of local transit—while maintaining a consistent personal position throughout. The ideas are well-developed, with specific examples like the Japanese Shinkansen provided to support the arguments. The conclusion effectively synthesizes the discussion and reinforces your stance. The response is balanced and demonstrates a strong understanding of the task requirements, providing a logical progression of ideas that directly answers the prompt.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 7.5

The essay is logically organized with a clear progression of ideas. Each paragraph has a central theme, and the transition between the two viewpoints is smooth, using effective cohesive devices such as 'Proponents of', 'On the other hand', and 'In conclusion'. The use of referencing is precise, and the flow of information is natural. Paragraphing is used appropriately to separate the different arguments, making the essay easy to follow. There is no evidence of mechanical or repetitive linking, and the overall structure is highly coherent.

Lexical Resource — Band 7.5

You demonstrate a wide and sophisticated range of vocabulary, which is used with precision and natural control. Phrases such as 'transformative benefits', 'regional integration', 'economic hubs', and 'mitigates daily traffic congestion' show a high level of lexical flexibility. The word choice is consistently appropriate for an academic context, and there are no noticeable errors in collocation or spelling. You successfully incorporate less common items to convey complex ideas clearly, which is indicative of a high level of lexical proficiency.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 8.0

The essay displays a wide range of grammatical structures, including complex sentences and varied clause types, used with high accuracy. The majority of sentences are error-free, and the control over punctuation and syntax is excellent. You effectively use subordinating conjunctions and participial phrases to create sophisticated sentence structures. There are no significant grammatical errors that impede communication, and the overall control of grammar is consistent throughout the piece. The writing is fluent and demonstrates a high level of grammatical competence.

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