Band 8.0 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 8.0 · Barron's Writing · 2026-09-06

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)

The use of mobile phones while operating a vehicle has become a major road safety concern because it diverts the driver’s attention. I completely agree that this behaviour should be prohibited by law, as it leads to serious accidents and can be effectively controlled through legislation.

Firstly, using a phone while driving reduces a driver’s ability to react quickly to changes on the road. When people text, call, or check social media, their eyes and minds are not fully on the traffic around them. Research shows that even a few seconds of distraction can cause a driver to miss important signals, such as a red light or a pedestrian crossing. For example, studies in the United States indicate that thousands of people are killed every year in crashes involving mobile phone use. This clearly demonstrates that phone-related distraction is not a minor issue but a life-threatening one.

Secondly, making cell phone use illegal while driving can significantly reduce accidents by changing driver behaviour. When a strict law is in place, along with fines or penalties, people are more likely to avoid using their phones in the car. Many countries that have introduced such bans have reported a drop in phone-related crashes. For instance, in places where hands-free devices are allowed but handheld phones are not, drivers have adapted by using safer alternatives. Therefore, legislation acts as both a deterrent and a guide towards safer driving habits.

In conclusion, I firmly believe that using a cell phone while driving should be made illegal because it causes dangerous distractions and increases the likelihood of accidents. Implementing and enforcing such laws can protect lives and encourage responsible behaviour on the roads.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 8.0

The response fully addresses all parts of the prompt. You have taken a clear position from the introduction and maintained it throughout the essay. The ideas are well-developed, with each paragraph focusing on a distinct argument: the danger of distraction and the effectiveness of legislation. You support your points with relevant examples, such as the mention of US studies and the comparison between handheld and hands-free devices. The response is balanced and logically structured, meeting all the requirements of the task effectively.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 8.0

The essay is logically organized with a clear progression of ideas. Each paragraph has a central topic sentence, and the transition between paragraphs is smooth, using cohesive devices like 'Firstly', 'Secondly', and 'In conclusion'. You use referencing effectively, such as 'this behaviour' and 'such bans', to link ideas back to previous sentences. The paragraphing is appropriate and contributes to the overall clarity of the argument. The flow of information is natural and easy to follow throughout the text.

Lexical Resource — Band 7.0

You demonstrate a good range of vocabulary appropriate for the topic. Phrases like 'major road safety concern', 'prohibited by law', 'significantly reduce', and 'deterrent' show a level of precision and flexibility. While the vocabulary is accurate and fits the context well, it stays within a standard range. To reach a higher band, you could incorporate more sophisticated collocations or less common idiomatic expressions, though the current usage is entirely sufficient for clear and professional communication.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 8.0

The essay displays a high level of grammatical accuracy. You use a variety of complex structures, such as conditional clauses ('When people text... their eyes are not...') and relative clauses ('...crashes involving mobile phone use'). The majority of your sentences are error-free, and your punctuation is used correctly to support the meaning. There are no significant grammatical errors that impede communication. The control over sentence structure is consistent, reflecting a strong command of English grammar.

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