Band 6.5 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 6.5 · Cambridge IELTS 12 · 2026-09-19

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 6.5)

In many countries, governments face the different decision of whether to invest in high-speed railway networks. While new railway lines can provide faster connections between major cities, upgrading current transport facilities may benefit a much larger section of the population. This essay wil discuss both views before explaining why improving existing public transport should receive greater priority.

On the one hand, constructing high-speed railway lines can significantly improve connections between cities. Modern trains can travel at extremely high speeds, allowing passengers to cover long distances in considerably less time than conventional trains or cars. This can make travelling for work, education and business much more convenient. Furthermore, efficient rail networks can reduce dependence on private cars and domestic flights. For example, a well-connected high-speed railway system can allow people to live in one city while working or studying in another, without spending several hours traveling each day. Therefore, investing in faster trains can contribute to both economic development and greater mobility.

On the other hand, improving existing public transport may be a more practical way of addressing the everyday needs of citizens. In many cities, buses, local trains and metro systems are overcrowded, unreliable or poorly maintained, and millions of people depend on them everyday. Spending money on increasing service frequently, expanding routes, upgrading stations and improving accessibility could immediately make commuting safer and more comfortable. Moreover, such improvements would generally benefit not only people travelling between major cities but also those living in smaller towns and urban areas. In my view, governments should therefore prioritise existing public transport, while developing high-speed rail gradually when sufficient funding is available.

In conclusion, high-speed railway lines can provide faster inter-city travel and support economic growth, whereas improving existing public transport can address the daily transportation problems of a considerably wider population. A balanced approach is possible, but priority should be given to strengthening the transport systems that people already rely on.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 7.0

The response fully addresses all parts of the prompt by discussing both views—constructing high-speed railway lines and improving existing public transport—and provides a clear personal opinion throughout the essay. The writer's position is established in the introduction and maintained logically to the conclusion. Ideas are well-extended and supported with relevant examples, such as the benefits of reducing dependence on private cars and addressing overcrowded local transport systems. The arguments are well-developed and the task is answered thoroughly, corresponding well to the Band 7 and Band 8 descriptors for task achievement.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.5

The essay demonstrates a clear logical organization and progression from introduction to conclusion. Paragraphing is used sufficiently and appropriately, with each body paragraph focusing on a distinct view. Cohesive devices such as 'On the one hand', 'On the other hand', 'Furthermore', and 'Moreover' are used effectively to guide the reader through the arguments. Referencing is clear throughout the text. While cohesion is sometimes slightly standard in its structural choices, the overall flow meets the requirements for a strong band score, matching the Band 7 descriptor closely.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.5

The student exhibits a sufficient range of vocabulary for flexibility and precision, successfully using less common items and subject-specific collocations such as 'high-speed railway networks', 'conventional trains', and 'economic development'. There is a minor typo in the introduction ('wil' instead of 'will'), but overall, word choice is appropriate and conveys meaning effectively. Style and collocation are handled reasonably well, placing the essay comfortably within the Band 7 range.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 6.5

The writer employs a good variety of complex structures with frequent error-free sentences, such as 'While new railway lines can provide faster connections between major cities, upgrading current transport facilities may benefit a much larger section of the population.' Control of grammar and punctuation is generally good, and minor slips do not impede communication. The mix of simple and complex sentence forms is handled with confidence, reflecting the characteristics of Band 7 grammar.

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