Band 7.0 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 7.0 · Cambridge IELTS 12 · 2026-09-12

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 7.0)

Nowadays, many governments invest a large amount of money in transportation. Some people believe that building new high-speed railway lines between cities is necessary, while others think that improving existing public transport is a better use of public funds. This essay will discuss both views before explaining why I believe improving current transport systems should be the priority.

On the one hand, constructing high-speed railways has several advantages. Fast trains reduce travel time between cities, making it easier for people to travel for work, education, or tourism. They can also reduce traffic congestion on highways and lower air pollution because more people may choose trains instead of private cars or domestic flights. For example, countries such as Japan and China have developed high-speed rail networks that allow passengers to travel quickly and comfortably over long distances.

On the other hand, many people depend on local public transport every day. In many cities, buses and ordinary trains are often crowded, delayed, or poorly maintained. Improving these services would benefit a much larger number of people, especially students, workers, and elderly citizens. Better public transport can make daily travel more convenient and affordable, while also encouraging people to use public transport instead of driving. As a result, traffic jams and pollution could be reduced in urban areas.

In my opinion, governments should focus more on improving existing public transport before spending huge amounts of money on new high-speed railway projects. Although fast trains provide long-term benefits, they are expensive and mainly serve people travelling between cities. In contrast, improving current transport systems helps millions of commuters every day and provides greater value for public spending.

In conclusion, while high-speed railways can improve long-distance travel and support economic growth, I believe that upgrading existing public transport should be the main priority because it benefits more people and solves everyday transportation problems.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 7.5

The response fully addresses all parts of the task by discussing both views on public transport funding and clearly presenting a personal position. The introduction and body paragraphs explore both sides effectively, noting the benefits of high-speed railways, such as reduced travel time and lower air pollution, as well as the immediate advantages of upgrading local public transport for daily commuters. The writer's position is consistent throughout the essay and well-supported with relevant examples, such as reference to high-speed rail networks in Japan and China. Ideas are well-developed and extended appropriately without unnecessary digressions, fully satisfying the requirements for this criterion.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 7.5

The essay displays a clear logical organization and progression throughout. Information and ideas are structured cohesively, beginning with a clear introductory paragraph that outlines the structure of the essay. Body paragraphs are logically sequenced, moving smoothly from the advantages of high-speed trains to the benefits of improving local public transport, before culminating in a well-reasoned personal opinion and conclusion. Cohesive devices such as 'On the one hand,' 'On the other hand,' 'In my opinion,' and 'In conclusion' are used effectively to guide the reader through the argument. Paragraphing is used sufficiently and appropriately, with each paragraph focusing on a distinct central theme.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.5

The student demonstrates a sufficient and appropriate range of vocabulary for the task, allowing for flexibility and precision. Phrases such as 'traffic congestion on highways,' 'public funds,' 'long-term benefits,' and 'economic growth' show good control of topic-specific collocations. While the vocabulary is largely standard and functional rather than exceptionally sophisticated, it is used accurately throughout the response. There are no noticeable spelling or word-choice errors that impede communication, and the language effectively conveys the intended meaning.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 7.0

The writer demonstrates good control of grammar and punctuation, employing a mix of simple and complex sentence structures. Sentences such as 'Although fast trains provide long-term benefits, they are expensive and mainly serve people travelling between cities' showcase the ability to use complex clauses accurately. The majority of sentences are error-free, and punctuation is handled correctly throughout. While the range of grammatical structures is somewhat standard rather than truly wide, the control demonstrated is very high, with only very occasional or no noticeable errors.

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