Band 8.0 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 8.0 · Barron's Writing · 2026-08-10

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 8.0)

Using a mobile phone while driving is widely considered a major cause of road accidents because it significantly reduces a driver's concentration. Therefore, some people believe that mobile phone use behind the wheel should be made illegal. I strongly agree with this view because it endangers both drivers and other road users.

The main reason for banning mobile phone use while driving is that it causes serious distraction. When drivers text, make calls or check notifications, their attention is diverted from the road, even for a few seconds. At high speeds, a vehicle can travel a considerable distance during this brief period. As a result, drivers may fail to notice pedestrians, traffic signals or vehicles braking suddenly. For example, a driver who reads a message while travelling on a highway could cover a significant distance without properly observing the road, potentially causing a serious accident.

Another important reason is that strict laws can encourage safer driving habits. Although most people are aware of the dangers of using phones while driving, some still do so because they believe they can multitask effectively. Imposing substantial fines and penalty points can discourage such irresponsible behaviour. For instance, drivers may be more likely to keep their phones out of reach if they know that using a handheld device could lead to serious legal consequences. This could make roads safer for motorists, cyclists and pedestrians.

In conclusion, I strongly agree that using mobile phones while driving should be illegal. The distraction they create can cause serious accidents, while strict laws can discourage dangerous behaviour and improve road safety. Drivers should always prioritise safety over responding to their phones.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 8.0

The response fully addresses all parts of the task. You have taken a clear position from the introduction and maintained it throughout the essay. The ideas are well-developed, with logical explanations provided for why mobile phone use is dangerous and how legislation can act as a deterrent. Each paragraph is focused, and the supporting examples, such as the mention of high-speed travel and the impact of fines, effectively extend your arguments. The conclusion provides a clear summary of your stance, ensuring the response is balanced and comprehensive.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 8.0

The essay is logically organized with a clear progression of ideas. Each paragraph has a distinct central theme, and the transition between the dangers of distraction and the role of legal consequences is smooth. You have used a variety of cohesive devices effectively, such as 'As a result', 'Although', and 'For instance', which help guide the reader through your argument. Paragraphing is used appropriately to separate the introduction, body paragraphs, and conclusion, ensuring the structure is easy to follow and coherent throughout.

Lexical Resource — Band 7.5

You demonstrate a sufficient range of vocabulary to discuss the topic with precision. Phrases like 'diverted from the road', 'irresponsible behaviour', and 'legal consequences' show a good command of topic-specific language. The vocabulary is used naturally and accurately, allowing for a clear expression of your ideas. While the range is solid, incorporating a few more sophisticated or idiomatic collocations could elevate the response further, but the current level is well-suited for the task and conveys your meaning without any ambiguity.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 8.0

The essay displays a good variety of complex sentence structures, such as the use of conditional and concessive clauses (e.g., 'Although most people are aware...', '...if they know that...'). The grammar is highly accurate, with the majority of sentences being error-free. Punctuation is used correctly to manage the flow of information. There are no significant grammatical slips that impede communication, and the control over tense and subject-verb agreement is consistent throughout the text, reflecting a high level of proficiency.

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