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, the issue of transport has become a subject of considerable debate. While some people argue that the it is essential to spend big money to built a new railway line in the cities, other believe that the money should spent on upgrade the previous public transprt. This essay will discuss both perspective before presenting my own opinion.

On the one hand, there are several reasons why people support the farmer views. The primary reason is that when new high speed railway built in cities. This is because individuals travell long distance in less time and citizens save their time. Furthermore, people travell on fast transport and it is better facilities for individuals. For instance, when people travell long distance on modern railway line they easily travell their distance. Therefore, it is understandable why many people consider this viewpoint beneficial.

On the other hand, other argue that money spend on previous transport for several compelling reasons. One major argument is that the frequency can increase the buses and local trains, then overcrowding can decrease during the rush hours. In other words, when people travell on local transport and it very affordable and convienent transport, then the number of private vehicles can low in roads. Moreover, when individuals receive good transport, then it can a significant impact on the society. For example, when buses arrive on time and more available, then people prefer local transport nor private transport.

In conclusion, although both perspectives have valid arguments, i believe that money spend on old transport is beneficial because when local transport is better people easily travell on local buses and othr vehicles. Ultimately, the most appropriate approach is to consider the potential benefits and drawbacks before reaching a decision.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 5.5

You address both sides of the discussion and state a preference for improving existing transport in the conclusion. The points about faster journeys on new railways and reducing overcrowding through more frequent buses and local trains are relevant. However, the arguments are only partly developed: the high-speed rail example repeats the idea of travelling long distances rather than showing a wider benefit, and the case for existing transport would be stronger with a specific explanation of how investment improves reliability or access. Your position is clearest at the end; make it explicit in the introduction and maintain it throughout. This would make the response more complete and better supported.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 6.0

The response has a recognisable structure: an introduction, separate paragraphs for the two views, and a conclusion. Signposting such as “On the one hand,” “On the other hand,” and “In conclusion” helps readers follow the discussion. However, progression within paragraphs is sometimes mechanical, with repeated “when” and “then” constructions, and some links do not clearly show how one idea leads to the next. For example, the claim that better transport has “a significant impact on the society” is not explained before the example. Develop each paragraph through a clear claim, explanation, and consequence, and use referencing or transitions more selectively to make connections clearer.

Lexical Resource: Band 5.0

You use some task-relevant vocabulary, including “high speed railway,” “overcrowding,” “rush hours,” and “private vehicles,” so the main topic is generally clear. However, the range is limited and several noticeable word-choice, collocation, and spelling errors make the writing less natural, such as “spend big money,” “previous public transport,” “farmer views,” and “convienent.” Repetition of “people,” “transport,” and “travell” also restricts precision. Aim to learn common transport collocations and vary key nouns and verbs; for example, describe investment as “funding” and existing services as “current public transport networks.” Proofreading spelling and word forms would also improve clarity.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 5.0

You attempt both simple and more complex sentences, including a contrast in the opening and clauses beginning with “when” and “because.” However, control is limited, and errors occur frequently enough to make some sentences difficult to follow. Examples include “other believe that the money should spent,” “when new high speed railway built,” and “then it can a significant impact,” where verb forms or required parts of the clause are missing. There are also problems with articles, agreement, and sentence boundaries. Practise building accurate subject–verb–object sentences first, then add subordinate clauses, checking that every clause has a subject and a correctly formed verb.

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