Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 5.5 · Barron's Writing · 2026-08-24

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 5.5)

A lot of drivers use their mobiles while driving. It may causes distractions and accidents. So, the authorities should make it illegal. In my opinion, this action should be taken as soon as possible, to prevent road disasters.

To begin with, using cell phones during driving is dangerous for the driver himself and other people in the road. The drivers who use their phones may be distracted and then he loses control on his car, so he make an accident. For instance, in freeways a lot of people use their phones while driving in a high speed. Therefore, he may do a dangerous car crash.

In addition, the authorities of each country have to state a policies about using the phone while driving. They have to make it illegal. And the drivers who will contrast those policies must be taken to jail. Because it is obviously illegal to make the other people's lives in danger due to the careless of such drivers. For example, most of people use the phones to know the road and the way of their destinations, which means they use the maps and the gps. This is acceptable however the phone should be stick on something in front of the driver, and not handle it in his hands.

In conclusion, I believe that the use of the cell phone while driving is forbbiden and illegal. Due to many consequences that may lead to a lot of disasters. Also, the authorities must state strict policies to be followed.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 5.5

The response addresses the prompt by taking a clear position in favor of banning cell phone use while driving. The ideas are relevant, such as the danger of distraction and the need for legal consequences. However, the development is somewhat uneven. While the first body paragraph discusses the dangers, the second paragraph introduces a contradictory point about GPS usage without fully integrating it into the argument for a total ban. The ideas are generally supported, but the explanation lacks depth and nuance, often relying on repetitive phrasing. To reach a higher band, you should ensure that each paragraph focuses on a single, well-developed argument that directly supports your thesis statement.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.5

The essay is organized into logical paragraphs, and there is a clear introduction and conclusion. You use some cohesive devices such as 'To begin with,' 'In addition,' and 'In conclusion' to signal the structure. However, the flow between sentences is sometimes mechanical, and the use of referencing is occasionally unclear (e.g., 'he' is used to refer to 'drivers' in the plural). The transition between the argument for a ban and the exception for GPS usage is abrupt, which affects the overall progression of ideas. Improving the variety of linking words and ensuring clear pronoun references would enhance the coherence of your writing.

Lexical Resource — Band 5.5

The vocabulary is adequate for the task but lacks the precision and variety required for a higher band. You use basic terms like 'dangerous,' 'illegal,' and 'disasters' repeatedly. There are some errors in word choice and collocation, such as 'contrast those policies' (instead of 'violate' or 'contravene') and 'stick on something' (instead of 'mounted'). While the meaning is generally clear, the range of vocabulary is limited, and there is little evidence of less common lexical items or idiomatic expressions. To improve, focus on learning collocations related to road safety and legal terminology.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.5

The essay contains a mix of simple and complex sentence structures, but there are frequent grammatical errors that occasionally impede the flow. For example, 'It may causes' (subject-verb agreement), 'other people in the road' (preposition error), and 'the careless of such drivers' (word form error). Punctuation is also inconsistent, particularly with comma usage. While you attempt complex sentences, they are often marred by errors. To achieve a higher score, you need to focus on subject-verb agreement, correct preposition usage, and ensuring that your complex sentences are grammatically sound.

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

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