Band 7.5 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 7.5 · Barron's Writing · 2026-08-27

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)

The use of mobile phones while driving has become a serious concern because it can distract motorists and increase the likelihood of accidents. Although some people argue that drivers should be allowed to use their phones in certain circumstances, I strongly agree that using a mobile phone while driving should be illegal because it poses a significant risk to both drivers and other road users.

The primary reason for banning mobile phone use while driving is that it considerably reduces a driver's concentration. Reading messages, making calls or checking notifications requires visual and mental attention that should instead be focused on the road. Even a brief distraction can prevent a driver from noticing a pedestrian, traffic signal or vehicle ahead. For example, a driver who looks at a message for only a few seconds may fail to react quickly when the vehicle in front suddenly brakes. Therefore, prohibiting such behaviour could help prevent avoidable accidents and protect innocent road users.

Another important reason is that strict laws can discourage people from engaging in risky behaviour. If using a phone while driving were illegal and substantial penalties were imposed, motorists would be more likely to keep their devices out of reach until they had stopped safely. Furthermore, modern technology provides safer alternatives, such as hands-free systems and voice commands, allowing drivers to perform essential functions without physically handling their phones. For instance, navigation can be set before a journey or controlled through voice instructions, reducing the need to look at a screen.

Admittedly, there may be situations in which drivers need to make an urgent call. However, even in emergencies, they can pull over in a safe location before using their phones. The temporary inconvenience of stopping is insignificant compared with the potentially devastating consequences of causing an accident.

In conclusion, I strongly agree that mobile phone use while driving should be prohibited. Since distracted driving can cause serious accidents, strict legislation, combined with appropriate penalties and public awareness, is necessary to make roads safer for everyone.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 7.5

You have fully addressed all parts of the prompt. Your position is clear from the introduction and is maintained consistently throughout the essay. Each paragraph introduces a relevant, well-developed argument, such as the impact on concentration and the role of legislation in deterring risky behavior. You support these points with logical explanations and relevant examples, such as the mention of hands-free systems and the necessity of pulling over in emergencies. The response is well-structured and directly answers the question regarding the extent of your agreement.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 7.5

The essay demonstrates a clear logical progression of ideas. Each paragraph has a central theme, and the transition between paragraphs is smooth. You use a variety of cohesive devices effectively, such as 'The primary reason', 'Furthermore', and 'Admittedly', which help guide the reader through your argument. Paragraphing is used appropriately to separate distinct points. The flow of information is natural, and the relationship between ideas is always clear, meeting the requirements for a high band score in this criterion.

Lexical Resource — Band 7.5

You demonstrate a wide and flexible range of vocabulary that is well-suited to the topic. You use precise collocations and academic phrasing, such as 'pose a significant risk', 'avoidable accidents', and 'devastating consequences'. The vocabulary is used naturally and accurately throughout the text. There are no noticeable errors in word choice or spelling, and you successfully incorporate less common lexical items to enhance the sophistication of your argument. This reflects a strong command of English vocabulary.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 7.5

Your writing displays a wide range of grammatical structures, including complex sentences with conditional clauses ('If using a phone... were illegal... motorists would be...') and participial phrases. The majority of your sentences are error-free, and your control over punctuation and syntax is excellent. There are no significant grammatical errors that impede communication. The use of modal verbs and varied sentence beginnings contributes to a fluent and professional tone. The accuracy is consistent throughout the entire response.

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