Band 7.0 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 7.0 · Cambridge IELTS 12 · 2026-09-23

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)

Constructing new railway lines can enhance connections between cities and provide a high-speed rail network. However, allocating substantial funding to railway infrastructure is not necessarily the right decision, as some people argue that upgrading existing public transportation would be more beneficial. Despite this ongoing debate, I believe that investing in new railway lines can promote long-distance travel and encourage regional development.

On the one hand, investing in railway infrastructure can connect major cities more efficiently and reduce travel times. In addition, train fares can be relatively affordable compared with other forms of long-distance transportation, making rail travel a suitable option for families living in smaller cities who need to travel to major urban centers. Moreover, fast and reliable railway services could allow students and employees to live in one city while studying or working in another. This could provide people with greater flexibility and improve access to educational and employment opportunities.

On the other hand, upgrading existing public transportation may be more practical for people's daily lives. Improving public transport systems by expanding bus and metro networks could reduce overcrowding and make commuting more convenient. Furthermore, allocating funding to these systems could improve their reliability and increase service frequency. In addition, upgrading existing transportation infrastructure would generally cost less than constructing entirely new railway networks. As a result, governments could provide better transportation services to a larger proportion of the population.

In my view, I would prefer investment in railway infrastructure because of my own experience. I live in a city that is relatively far from many of the major cities in my country, where my university and many companies are located. Consequently, having a fast and affordable railway connection would make long-distance travel much more convenient for me and for other people living in smaller cities. Therefore, I believe that developing new railway lines can provide significant benefits, particularly by improving connectivity and access to education and employment.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 6.5

The response successfully addresses all parts of the task by discussing both views on public transport funding and providing a clear, well-supported position. In the introduction, the writer outlines the debate surrounding high-speed rail versus upgrading existing systems and clearly states their personal stance. The body paragraphs effectively explore the merits of both approaches: the first body paragraph highlights how new railway lines enhance inter-city connections, reduce travel times, and create educational and employment flexibility, while the second body paragraph addresses the practicality, cost-effectiveness, and daily commuter benefits of upgrading existing bus and metro networks. The conclusion and final supporting arguments logically extend these ideas by integrating personal context, fulfilling the requirements for Task Achievement at a high level.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 6.5

The essay demonstrates a clear logical organisation and progression throughout. Each paragraph has a distinct focus, starting with an introduction that frames the issue, followed by balanced body paragraphs addressing alternative perspectives, and concluding with a well-integrated personal opinion. The writer makes effective use of cohesive devices to guide the reader, such as 'On the one hand', 'On the other hand', 'In addition', and 'Consequently'. Paragraphing is used appropriately and supports the overall structure of the essay. Referencing is clear and mechanical errors in cohesion are absent, leading to a smooth and natural flow of ideas from start to finish.

Lexical Resource: Band 7.0

The student uses a sufficient and appropriate range of vocabulary for the task, allowing for precision in discussing infrastructure and public transport. Terms such as 'allocating substantial funding', 'inter-city connections', 'cost-effectiveness', and 'regional development' demonstrate a good command of topic-specific language. There are appropriate attempts at less common lexical items, and word choices are generally natural and accurate. While the vocabulary is not excessively sophisticated throughout, it is precise enough to convey complex ideas clearly without any impediment to communication, fitting comfortably into the criteria for a solid band 7.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 7.5

The response features a wide variety of complex sentence structures used accurately and flexibly. Examples include conditional and concessive clauses such as 'Despite this ongoing debate, I believe that...' and relative clauses like '...a city that is relatively far from many of the major cities in my country, where my university and many companies are located.' The majority of sentences are error-free, and punctuation is handled correctly throughout. Minor slips are virtually non-existent, and the grammar demonstrates a high level of control that allows the writer to express nuanced arguments smoothly and effectively.

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