Band 8.0 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 8.0 · Barron's Writing · 2026-09-04

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)

It is often argued that the use of mobile phones while driving should be prohibited because it distracts drivers and can lead to serious road accidents. I completely agree with this view because using a phone reduces a driver’s concentration and puts the lives of both drivers and other road users at risk.

The primary reason why mobile phone use should be illegal while driving is that it significantly reduces a driver’s attention. Driving requires constant concentration because road conditions can change within seconds. If drivers are texting, checking social media or making phone calls, they may fail to notice traffic lights, pedestrians or vehicles stopping in front of them. Even a few seconds of distraction can have serious consequences. For example, a driver who looks at a text message may not notice a pedestrian crossing the road and may be unable to stop the vehicle in time. Therefore, banning phone use can encourage motorists to remain focused on the road.

Another important reason is that strict laws can help prevent accidents and promote responsible driving habits. If using a mobile phone while driving results in substantial fines or other penalties, people are more likely to avoid this behaviour. This not only protects the driver but also passengers, cyclists and pedestrians. Moreover, drivers who need to make an urgent call can safely pull over before using their phones. Hands-free technology can also be used when necessary, although drivers should still minimize unnecessary conversations.

In conclusion, I strongly agree that handheld mobile phone use while driving should be illegal because it causes distraction and increases the likelihood of accidents. Strict laws and penalties can make roads safer and encourage people to become more responsible drivers.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 8.0

You have fully addressed all parts of the prompt. Your position is clear from the introduction and is maintained consistently throughout the essay. The ideas are well-developed, with logical reasoning provided for why mobile phone use is dangerous and how legislation can mitigate these risks. You provided relevant examples, such as the scenario of a driver failing to notice a pedestrian, which effectively supports your argument. The response is well-structured and directly answers the 'to what extent' question by expressing a clear, strong agreement. There are no omissions, and the content is entirely relevant to the task.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 8.0

The essay is logically organized with a clear progression of ideas. Each paragraph has a central theme, starting with a clear topic sentence. You have used a range of cohesive devices effectively, such as 'The primary reason', 'Another important reason', and 'Moreover', which help guide the reader through your argument. Paragraphing is used appropriately to separate distinct points. The flow between sentences is smooth, and the relationship between ideas is always clear. There is no evidence of mechanical or repetitive use of linking words, and the overall structure is very coherent.

Lexical Resource — Band 7.5

You demonstrate a good range of vocabulary that is appropriate for an IELTS essay. You use topic-specific terms such as 'prohibited', 'concentration', 'consequences', 'substantial fines', and 'hands-free technology' accurately. The language is natural and precise, allowing you to convey your points without ambiguity. While the vocabulary is effective and fits the context well, it could be pushed further towards a more sophisticated level to reach the highest band, perhaps by incorporating more nuanced collocations or idiomatic expressions related to road safety or public policy. However, the current range is sufficient and accurate.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 8.0

Your grammar is highly accurate, and you demonstrate a good command of complex sentence structures. For example, your use of conditional sentences ('If drivers are texting... they may fail to notice...') and relative clauses is handled correctly. The majority of your sentences are error-free, and punctuation is used correctly throughout. There are no significant grammatical slips that impede communication. To move to a higher band, you could experiment with a wider variety of complex structures, such as passive voice constructions or inverted conditionals, to show even greater flexibility, but your current control is very strong.

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