Band 5.0 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 5.0 · Cambridge IELTS 12 · 2026-09-07

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 5.0)

Some people argue that we would have to spend large amount of money for constructing new railway lines. On the other side some may say that we sould have to on sending money on our public transport.

Another important consideration is that, fi you would want to spend your money then spend it on making railway line for very fast trains. Because it eassier then public transportation. For intance , In public transportation there is to much crowed and on the other side fast trains like bolt train has croweded area then that. So in my oppinion we would spend our money on railway lines.

Were if you want to invest large amount in railway line then it would redues the more public congestion.

So, if we compared public transportation with fast trains then obviously fast trains is more realiable then public transport.

On the other hand, there are some advantages and dis advantages of public transport and fast trains. So , firstly if you want to spend your money for being low cost then spend to make public transportaion better but it not be reliable to much for public. On the other side, if you spend a large amount of money at railway lines to run fast trains then it would be more expensive then transporttation but it is more reliable for pulic it decreaces congesion.

In conclusion, I strongly believe that governments should prioritise investment in railway lines because it is more benificial for our public then the public transportation.

AI examiner evaluation

CriterionBand
Task Achievement / Task Response5.0
Coherence and Cohesion5.0
Lexical Resource5.0
Grammatical Range and Accuracy5.0
Overall5.0

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 5.0

The response addresses both sides of the argument and provides a clear personal opinion. However, the development of ideas is limited and repetitive. For example, the argument regarding 'crowding' is unclear, and the comparison between 'bolt train' (likely bullet train) and public transport lacks depth. The reasoning is somewhat simplistic, and the essay relies on general assertions rather than well-supported evidence or specific examples. To improve, you should expand on your points by explaining the 'why' and 'how' behind your opinions, ensuring each paragraph contributes to a more sophisticated discussion of the topic.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.0

The essay is divided into paragraphs, but the logical progression is weak. While some cohesive devices like 'On the other hand' and 'In conclusion' are used, they are often applied mechanically or incorrectly. The transition between ideas is frequently abrupt, making the argument difficult to follow. For instance, the second paragraph jumps between ideas without clear signposting. Referencing is also inconsistent, which hinders the flow of the text. To improve, focus on using transition words that accurately reflect the relationship between sentences and ensure that each paragraph has a clear, singular focus that builds toward your conclusion.

Lexical Resource — Band 5.0

The vocabulary is basic and repetitive, which limits the ability to convey complex ideas. There are frequent errors in word choice and spelling, such as 'crowed' instead of 'crowded', 'oppinion' instead of 'opinion', and 'benificial' instead of 'beneficial'. The range of vocabulary is insufficient to discuss the topic with precision. To reach a higher band, you need to move beyond simple descriptors and incorporate topic-specific terminology related to infrastructure, urban planning, and public policy. Additionally, proofreading for common spelling errors is essential to ensure your writing appears professional and clear.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.0

The essay contains frequent grammatical errors that occasionally impede communication. There are issues with subject-verb agreement ('fast trains is more realiable'), sentence structure ('if you would want to spend your money then spend it'), and article usage. The range of structures is limited, consisting mostly of simple or poorly constructed complex sentences. Many sentences are fragmented or contain run-on structures that make the meaning unclear. To improve, focus on mastering basic sentence construction, specifically subject-verb agreement and the correct use of conditional clauses, before attempting more complex grammatical structures.

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

Browse more IELTS Writing model answers or get your own writing scored by the same AI examiner.