Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 5.5 · Cambridge IELTS 12 · 2026-10-09

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 5.5)

In recent years, whether to spend money on construction of new railway lines or not has become a widely debated issue. Some people argue that money should be spent on construction of tracks of fast trains between cities while others believe that money should be invested on betterment of existing public transport.

I firmly believe that budget should be invested to improve the existing public transport. This essay will discuss the reasons for both views and my opinion.

Some people think that it is essential to spend a large amount of money on the construction of new railway tracks for fast trains between cities. This is mainly because to make their country compatible to other countries in advanced public transport. For example, Japan is known of its developed transport system among cities so the efforts should be made to compete with other countries at global level. This covers long distance journies between cities at a rapid speed.

Others contend that government should invest more budget in improvind the existing public transport. For example, most of the people preferred buses and other modes of transport to cover short distance between major areas of cities. Hence, key measures should be taken to enhance the already present transport system rather than making new ones.

In conclusion, although there are valid reasons in favour of fast tracks for trains, I strongly believe that more money should be spent to improve the existing transport system.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 5.0

You address both views and state a clear preference for improving existing public transport, particularly in the introduction and conclusion. The examples of Japan’s fast trains and buses for short urban journeys are relevant, but the reasons are only briefly explained: the Japan example mainly says the country should compete globally, without showing why this benefits passengers, while the case for improving local services is not developed beyond their use for short distances. The response therefore covers the task only partially, with ideas that remain limited and under-supported. It is also 10 words below the required minimum. To strengthen the response, explain the practical benefits and drawbacks of each investment and add a specific supporting example for your preferred option.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 6.0

The response has a clear overall arrangement: an introduction, separate paragraphs for the two views, and a conclusion that restates your position. Linking expressions such as “while,” “For example,” “Hence,” and “In conclusion” help readers follow the discussion. However, the progression within the body paragraphs is quite brief, and some links feel mechanical rather than showing how one point leads to the next. For instance, the Japan example is followed by a general statement about long-distance journeys, but the connection to the argument for spending on new lines could be made clearer. Develop each paragraph with a reason, explanation, and example, and use referencing to connect ideas more smoothly.

Lexical Resource: Band 5.5

You use a relevant range of topic vocabulary, including “railway lines,” “public transport,” “construction,” and “rapid speed,” so the main subject is clear. There are also attempts at more formal wording, such as “widely debated issue” and “essential.” However, several word choices and collocations are inaccurate or awkward, including “invested on betterment,” “compatible to other countries,” and “known of its developed transport system.” Spelling errors such as “journies” and “improvind” also reduce accuracy. These issues do not prevent understanding, but they limit precision and naturalness. Aim for common, accurate collocations and check spelling; for example, use “invest in improving” and “known for its developed transport system.”

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 5.5

You use both simple sentences and some complex forms, including a contrast clause beginning “although” and a reason introduced by “because.” The overall meaning is generally understandable, but there are some errors in sentence construction and grammatical patterns. For example, “This is mainly because to make their country compatible…” is an incomplete construction; it could be revised to “This is mainly because they want to make their country’s transport system competitive.” In “most of the people preferred buses,” the past tense is not appropriate for a general claim, and “the budget should be invested” needs a clearer article or plural form. Practise building complete clauses and checking tense, articles, and agreement in longer sentences.

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