Band 6.0 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 6.0 · Barron's Writing · 2026-08-11

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 6.0)

Using a mobile phone while driving is a major safety concern because it can distract drivers and reduce their ability to react quickly. Therefore, I strongly agree that using a mobile phone while driving should be made illegal.

The main reason for banning a mobile phone use behind the wheel is that it significantly reduces driver's concentration. When people make calls ,send messages or check notifications ,their attention is divided between the road and their phones. Even looking at a screen for a few seconds can prevent a driver from noticing a pedestrian ,traffic light or another vehicle. For example, a driver who is replying to a text message may fail to notice that the vehicle in front has suddenly stopped, potentially causing a serious accident.

Another important reason is that strict laws can encourage safer driving habits and reduce road accidents. Although some drivers understand the dangers of using phones, they may continue doing so because they believe they can control their vehicles at the same time. If governments impose fines and other penalties , people are most likely to think twice before using their phones while driving. For instance, countries with strict distracted -driving laws can discourage motorists from texting or making unneccasary

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 5.0

The response clearly states a position in favor of banning mobile phone use while driving and provides relevant arguments regarding driver distraction and the potential for accidents. However, the essay is significantly under the 250-word minimum requirement, which prevents a full development of the ideas. The final paragraph is incomplete, ending abruptly mid-sentence ('making unneccasary'), which leaves the argument unfinished. While the main points are relevant, the lack of length and the incomplete conclusion mean that the task is only partially addressed. To improve, you must ensure you meet the word count and provide a complete, well-rounded conclusion that summarizes your main points.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.0

The essay is organized into logical paragraphs, with a clear introduction and body paragraphs that focus on distinct points. Cohesive devices such as 'The main reason', 'For example', and 'Another important reason' are used effectively to guide the reader through the argument. However, the abrupt ending of the final paragraph disrupts the overall flow and coherence of the piece. The progression of ideas is logical, but the failure to complete the final sentence and the lack of a concluding paragraph limit the overall cohesion. Using a wider variety of linking words and ensuring all paragraphs are fully developed would improve this score.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.0

The vocabulary is generally appropriate for the topic, with terms like 'major safety concern', 'significantly reduces', and 'distracted-driving laws'. There is an attempt to use topic-specific language, which is good. However, there are some minor spelling errors, such as 'unneccasary', and the range of vocabulary is somewhat limited. To achieve a higher band, you should aim to incorporate more sophisticated collocations and less common lexical items. For instance, instead of 'make calls', you could use 'engage in telephonic communication'. The vocabulary is sufficient for the task but lacks the precision and flexibility required for higher bands.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 6.0

The essay demonstrates a mix of simple and complex sentence structures. There is generally good control over basic grammar, and the meaning is clear throughout most of the text. However, there are some punctuation issues, such as the spacing around commas ('calls ,send') and the hyphenation in 'distracted -driving'. While these errors do not impede communication, they indicate a need for more careful proofreading. To improve, focus on using a wider variety of complex structures, such as conditional sentences or passive voice, and ensure consistent accuracy in punctuation and sentence construction.

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

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