Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

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

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)

Railway system is a major player in transportation, consequently doing major contributions to the economical growth and comforatable travel for people in country and movement of indutrial goods. There has been increasing debate where some poeple argue that spending more for development of new railway networks will be an advantage in contrast to those who claim improvement in available transportation system will be more beneficial.

On the one hand side, People with opinion of new development of railway lines argue that for the growth of economy, development of new transportation systems is inevitable. Along with the industrial developments, country would require expanded transport network that would make it smooth for goods flow and public transport that sometime require less time for move, which may be not possible for existing system. Likewise, they argue that with the passage of time population growth demands new transportation as existing might fail to cater growing demnad. To help prevent strain on current transportation systems that may result in congestion and to reduce time for travel, administration must invest capital to construct new fast railway lines that is the most preferred mean of transport in countries like India and China.

On the other hand, people who support idea of investment for existing public transport argue that new investments may be difficult for some countries as it will result in challangeing situations for developing countries to bring huge investments. They argue that, In cities with limited urban land this new construction will lead to more destruction of infrastructure and huge capital and investing in current system will be more fruitful. For instance, they may add new advanced engines in current lines and upgrading current network.

In my opinion investing to construct new lines will be more beneficial.

As it leads to more economical growth and infrstructure development. That will fulfill demand for population growth anf industry.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 5.5

You discuss both proposed approaches and state a clear preference for building new lines: “In my opinion investing to construct new lines will be more beneficial.” The arguments about population growth, congestion, goods movement and the cost or land demands of new construction are relevant. However, the discussion is only partly developed. The case for improving existing transport is brief and its example—adding advanced engines or upgrading the network—is not explained in terms of how this would benefit passengers. Your own position is also asserted rather than supported with a specific example or fuller reasoning. Develop each side with a clear consequence and explain why the advantages of new lines outweigh the costs or limitations you identify.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 6.0

The response has a recognisable overall structure: an introduction, one paragraph for each view, and a concluding opinion. Phrases such as “On the one hand” and “On the other hand” help signal the contrast, and the main ideas generally follow a sensible order. However, the final opinion is separated into two short lines, so the conclusion feels abrupt and does not draw the discussion together. Some links are mechanical or unclear: “Likewise” introduces a related point without showing its precise relationship, while “That” in the final paragraph has an uncertain reference. Group the conclusion into a complete paragraph and use clearer links to show how each reason supports your position.

Lexical Resource: Band 5.5

You attempt topic-specific vocabulary, including “transport network,” “congestion,” “urban land,” and “industrial goods,” which helps communicate the subject. There is also some variety in how you describe investment and development. However, inaccurate word forms, spelling and collocations are noticeable and sometimes make the reader pause: “economical growth,” “comforatable,” “demnad,” and “preferred mean of transport” are examples. Some phrases are also vague or unnatural, such as “new development of railway lines” and “challangeing situations.” Aim for accurate, natural combinations rather than more elaborate wording, and proofread spelling carefully. More precise terms for costs, capacity and passenger benefits would help you express the comparison with greater control.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 5.0

You attempt both simple and complex sentences, including clauses beginning “that” and “which,” and the longer sentences show an effort to explain causes and consequences. However, complex structures are often faulty, and errors occur frequently enough to make some sentences difficult to follow. For example, “Railway system is a major player … consequently doing major contributions” lacks a clear grammatical connection, while “population growth demands new transportation as existing might fail” omits a clear noun after “existing.” There are also problems with articles, agreement and sentence boundaries, as in “new fast railway lines that is” and the fragment “As it leads to…”. Use shorter, complete sentences where needed, check subject–verb agreement, and ensure each clause has a clear subject and verb.

See this exact question answered at other band scores. The same prompt compared across bands.

Browse more IELTS Writing model answers or get your own writing scored by the same AI examiner.