Band 6.5 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 6.5 · Cambridge IELTS 12 · 2026-09-26

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)

Some people believe that governments should spend large amounts of money constructing new railway lines for very fast trains between cities, while others think this money should be used to improve existing public transport. This essay will discuss both views and explain why I believe investing in high-speed railways is beneficial.

On the one hand, many people believe that improving existing public transport should be the priority. In many cities, buses, trains and local transport systems are overcrowded, unreliable and uncomfortable. Spending money on these services could make daily travel easier for a large number of people. For example, improving local buses and railway networks can reduce delays and provide better transportation for people who use public transport every day. Moreover, better public transport can encourage people to leave their cars at home, which may help reduce traffic congestion and pollution.

On the other hand, there are strong reasons to invest in new high-speed railway lines between cities. First, these trains can significantly reduce travelling time. People can travel between major cities much faster than by bus or car, which is particularly useful for business travellers and people who need to travel frequently. Second, high-speed trains can provide a comfortable and convenient alternative to other forms of transport.

In my opinion, governments should spend a considerable amount of money on developing high-speed railway networks. Although improving existing public transport is important, new railway lines can provide long-term benefits by connecting cities more efficiently and reducing travelling time. If these systems are properly planned and reasonably priced, they can become an attractive alternative to cars and buses.

In conclusion, while improving existing public transport can benefit people in their daily lives, I believe that developing new high-speed railway lines is also a valuable investment because it offers faster and more efficient travel between cities.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 6.5

The response fully addresses all parts of the task by discussing both views—investing in new high-speed railways versus improving existing public transport—and provides a clear position throughout the essay. The introduction clearly states that the essay will discuss both views and explain the writer's belief. Each body paragraph explores a distinct perspective with relevant supporting points. For instance, the discussion on existing public transport highlights overcrowding, reliability, and reduced traffic congestion, while the counter-argument explores travel time reduction and convenience for business travellers. The position is consistently maintained in the body and conclusion, demonstrating well-developed ideas with clear reasoning, easily meeting the Band 7 standards for Task Achievement.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 6.5

The essay presents a clear logical organization and progression throughout. Each paragraph has a distinct central topic, starting with a well-defined introduction, followed by balanced body paragraphs, a clear opinion paragraph, and a concise conclusion. Cohesive devices are used effectively and flexibly, such as 'On the one hand', 'On the other hand', 'For example', and 'Moreover', which help guide the reader smoothly through the arguments. Paragraphing is used appropriately to separate different perspectives. Referencing and substitution are clear, meaning the flow of ideas is never impeded, making this performance sit comfortably at a Band 7 level for Coherence and Cohesion.

Lexical Resource: Band 6.5

The student demonstrates an adequate to sufficient range of vocabulary for the task, successfully incorporating less common lexical items such as 'overcrowded', 'convenient alternative', 'long-term benefits', and 'efficiently'. Word choices are generally appropriate and communication is clear throughout. Although there are some instances of repetitive phrasing, such as the repeated use of 'spend a considerable amount of money' and 'public transport', the vocabulary is precise enough to convey the intended meaning without errors in word choice or spelling that would impede the reader. The control of lexical items aligns well with a solid Band 6.5 or 7.0 profile; given the natural phrasing in places, a score of 7.0 is justified.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 6.5

The writer employs a good mix of simple and complex sentence forms, demonstrating control over grammatical structures. Complex sentences, such as 'Although improving existing public transport is important, new railway lines can provide long-term benefits by connecting cities more efficiently...' and conditional structures like 'If these systems are properly planned...', are used accurately. Punctuation and grammatical control are strong, with frequent error-free sentences throughout the text. Minor slips are virtually absent, and the structural variety supports clear communication of complex ideas, easily satisfying the requirements for a Band 7 in Grammatical Range and Accuracy.

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