Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 5.5 · Cambridge IELTS 12 · 2026-09-06

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 5.5)

These days, majority of the public in some countries think that it is necessary to spend large amounts of money on constructing new railway lines between cities for fast trains. But what is the most effective method for dealing with spending money on railway construction is beneficial for urban areas. Some people believe that the expense should be spent on improving existing public transport. From my perspective, railway construction for a faster service has more advantages as compared to modifying the current transportation. In this essay, I will discuss both side of the arguments and draw a conclusion.

First of all, many individuals believe that an investment on a railway track is better than that of public vehicles. For example, trains are much more comfortable than local buses as they are not overcrowded.

Furthermore, if a person decides to travel by train instead of a local bus, it will save time and provide faster service. Another significant factor contributing this, is that trains generally produce less pollution than ither vehicles. Consequently, it will help in reducing air pollution.

On the other hand, there is a common belief that money should be invested on upgrading available transportation system. For instance, providing a better experience by enhancing the quality of buses and cars. As a result, people would consider urban transport systems.

In conclusion, although it is a common thought that it is vital to expend a large amount of money on building new railway for very fast trains. I believe that trains will be more convenient than any other transport because they would help us in saving our time and provide us with a better environment and experience. Personally, I think that trains are better than local vehicles because they carry many passengers without causing any pollution and reduce traffic on roads.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 5.5

The response addresses both sides of the argument and provides a clear personal opinion. However, the development of ideas is somewhat limited. While you mention that trains are more comfortable and less polluting, these points are not fully extended with specific examples or deeper analysis. The second viewpoint regarding upgrading existing transport is also briefly touched upon but lacks sufficient detail to reach a higher band. To improve, ensure that each body paragraph provides a more thorough explanation of the 'why' and 'how' behind your arguments, rather than just stating them.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.5

The essay is organized into clear paragraphs, and there is a logical progression of ideas. You use some cohesive devices such as 'First of all', 'Furthermore', and 'On the other hand' to link your points. However, the transition between the introduction and the first body paragraph is slightly abrupt, and some sentences feel a bit disconnected. The use of referencing could be more precise to ensure a smoother flow between ideas. Overall, the structure is functional and easy to follow, meeting the requirements for a band 6.

Lexical Resource — Band 5.5

You demonstrate an adequate range of vocabulary for the task, using terms like 'constructing', 'investment', and 'transportation system'. There are some minor errors in word choice and collocation, such as 'expend a large amount of money' (instead of 'spend') and 'contributing this' (missing 'to'). While you attempt to use some less common vocabulary, the range is somewhat limited, and there is occasional repetition of basic terms. To reach a higher band, try to incorporate more precise academic collocations and synonyms to avoid repeating words like 'money' and 'transport'.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.5

The essay contains a mix of simple and complex sentence structures. While you attempt complex sentences, there are several grammatical errors, such as 'majority of the public' (missing 'the'), 'both side of the arguments' (should be plural), and 'ither' (spelling error). Additionally, some sentence fragments or awkward phrasing, such as 'But what is the most effective method for dealing with spending money...', hinder clarity. You have control over basic grammar, but more attention to subject-verb agreement and article usage is needed to improve accuracy.

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

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