Band 7.5 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 7.5 · Barron's Writing · 2026-08-08

IELTS Writing Task 2 question

Using a cell phone while driving is dangerous because it causes the driver to become distracted. Therefore, cell phone use by drivers should be made illegal.

To what extent do you agree or disagree?

Give reasons for your answer, and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience.

Student answer (Band 7.5)

In this modern era, technology has become an important part of life, where the cell phone plays a vital role in making life tasks easy and simple. However, many accidents have taken place due to using mobiles while driving, which distracts drivers' concentration from the road and becomes a dangerous situation in a collision. I strongly agree that cell phone use while driving should be made illegal, and the reason behind my opinion will be elaborated in the upcoming paragraphs.

To start with, using mobile phones while driving can significantly reduce a driver's attention. When people send messages, make calls, or check notifications, they are not able to concentrate fully on the road or traffic signals. Even a few seconds of distraction can be enough to miss a traffic light, pedestrian, or another vehicle. For example, a driver reading a text message may fail to notice that the car in front has suddenly stopped, resulting in a serious collision. Therefore, banning mobile phones while driving is the only option to control such severe accidents and encourage drivers to remain focused and drive more safely.

Moreover, making cell phone use illegal can protect not only drivers but also other road users and their family members. Road accidents caused by distracted driving can lead to serious injuries, which can not be cured for a lifetime not only this, but also financial losses and even deaths. Although some people may argue that drivers should simply be responsible for their own behaviour, strict laws are necessary because individual responsibility alone is not always effective. For example, if drivers know they could face a heavy fine or other penalties for using their phones while driving, they may be less likely to take this dangerous risk. This can contribute to safer roads for everyone.

In conclusion, since mobile phones can seriously distract drivers and increase the possibility of accidents, strict laws and penalties are justified. In my view, preventing distracted driving is an important step towards reducing road accidents and protecting lives.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 8.0

The response fully addresses all parts of the prompt. You clearly state your position in the introduction and maintain it consistently throughout the essay. The ideas are well-developed, particularly the argument regarding the necessity of legal deterrents versus individual responsibility. You provide relevant examples, such as the scenario of a driver failing to notice a stopped vehicle, which effectively supports your main argument. The response is balanced and logical, meeting the requirements for a Band 8 performance by providing a well-supported, clear, and focused argument throughout the text.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 7.5

The essay is logically organized with a clear progression of ideas. Each paragraph has a central topic, and the transition between paragraphs is smooth, using cohesive devices like 'To start with' and 'Moreover' effectively. You use a variety of linking words such as 'although', 'therefore', and 'consequently' to connect your thoughts. The paragraphing is appropriate, and the overall structure is coherent. While the flow is very good, it occasionally feels slightly formulaic, which is why it sits comfortably at a Band 7.5 to 8.0 range; I have awarded 7.5 as the cohesion is clear but could be slightly more sophisticated.

Lexical Resource — Band 7.0

You demonstrate a sufficient range of vocabulary to discuss the topic with precision. Phrases like 'severe accidents', 'distracted driving', and 'legal deterrents' (implied by context) show a good command of the subject matter. There are some minor collocations that could be more natural, such as 'cured for a lifetime' when referring to injuries, which is slightly unnatural. However, the vocabulary is generally accurate and appropriate for the task. To reach a higher band, you could incorporate more idiomatic or less common lexical items to add nuance to your arguments.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 7.5

You use a good mix of simple and complex sentence structures, such as the use of conditional clauses ('if drivers know...') and concessive clauses ('Although some people may argue...'). The majority of your sentences are error-free, and your control over punctuation is generally strong. There are very occasional minor slips, such as 'not only this, but also', which is slightly clunky in its placement. Overall, your grammar is accurate and supports clear communication, showing a good level of control over complex structures, which is consistent with a Band 7.5 performance.

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.