Band 7.5 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 7.5 · Cambridge IELTS 12 · 2026-09-03

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)

In many countries, there is a debate about whether governments should invest heavily in high-speed railway lines or improve existing public transport systems. Both approaches have significant advantages, although I believe upgrading current services should generally be given greater priority.

On the one hand, constructing high-speed railways can bring substantial economic and environmental benefits. Fast trains can connect major cities in a short time, making business travel and tourism more convenient. They can also reduce the number of people travelling by cars and planes, which may lower traffic congestion and carbon emissions. For example, high-speed rail networks in countries such as Japan and France have made intercity travel much faster and more efficient.

On the other hand, improving existing public transport may benefit a larger proportion of the population. In many cities, buses, metro systems and conventional trains are overcrowded, unreliable or poorly maintained. Spending money on increasing their frequency, expanding routes and improving safety could make daily commuting easier, particularly for people who cannot afford private vehicles. Moreover, such improvements are often less expensive than building completely new railway lines.

In my opinion, governments should focus primarily on improving existing public transport, especially in densely populated urban areas. Although high-speed rail is valuable for connecting distant cities, it is less useful if people cannot travel efficiently within those cities. Therefore, investment in reliable local transport should come first, while high-speed rail can be developed where there is clear long-term demand.

Overall, both forms of investment are worthwhile, but improving existing public transport is likely to provide broader and more immediate benefits.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 7.5

The response fully addresses all parts of the prompt. You have discussed both views—the construction of high-speed rail and the improvement of existing public transport—and provided a clear, consistent personal opinion throughout the essay. The ideas are well-developed, with logical reasoning provided for each perspective. For instance, you effectively contrast the economic benefits of high-speed rail with the practical, immediate needs of urban commuters. The conclusion reinforces your stance without merely repeating the introduction. The response is balanced and demonstrates a strong understanding of the task requirements, maintaining a clear focus from start to finish.

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, facilitated by effective cohesive devices such as 'On the one hand,' 'On the other hand,' and 'Therefore.' The paragraphing is used appropriately to separate the different arguments and your own opinion. The flow of information is natural, and the relationship between sentences is clear. There is no evidence of mechanical or repetitive use of linking words; instead, they are used to guide the reader through your argument effectively.

Lexical Resource — Band 7.0

You demonstrate a good range of vocabulary that is appropriate for an academic task. Phrases like 'substantial economic and environmental benefits,' 'densely populated urban areas,' and 'clear long-term demand' show a level of precision and sophistication. The word choice is consistently accurate, and you avoid repetition by using varied terminology. While the vocabulary is effective and fits the context well, it could be pushed slightly further toward more 'uncommon' or idiomatic academic collocations to reach the highest band, but it is certainly sufficient for a high score.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 7.5

The essay displays a wide range of grammatical structures, including complex sentences and conditional-like reasoning. The majority of your sentences are error-free, and your control over punctuation and syntax is strong. You successfully use a mix of simple and complex forms to convey your ideas clearly. There are no significant grammatical errors that impede communication. The structure is sophisticated, and the use of modal verbs (e.g., 'can bring,' 'should be spent') is handled with precision, contributing to the overall clarity and professional tone of the writing.

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