Band 8.0 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 8.0 · Barron's Writing · 2026-09-08

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 widely acknowledged that using a mobile phone while driving can distract motorists and increase the likelihood of accidents. I strongly agree that this behaviour should be made illegal because it poses a serious threat to road safety and can have severe consequences for other road users.

The primary reason for banning mobile phone use while driving is that it significantly reduces a driver's concentration. Driving requires constant attention to traffic signals, pedestrians and surrounding vehicles, whereas using a phone forces motorists to focus on another activity. Even a brief distraction can prevent a driver from reacting appropriately to an unexpected situation. For example, a motorist who looks at a text message while approaching a busy intersection may fail to notice a pedestrian crossing the road. Therefore, prohibiting phone use can help reduce avoidable accidents and protect lives.

Another important reason is that strict laws can discourage irresponsible driving behaviour. Although most drivers are aware of the dangers associated with mobile phones, some continue to use them because they believe they can control the vehicle safely. Imposing fines and penalty points can act as an effective deterrent and encourage motorists to put their phones away. For instance, drivers who know that using a handheld device could result in a significant penalty may be more likely to wait until they have reached their destination.

In conclusion, I strongly agree that using a mobile phone while driving should be illegal. The serious distraction it causes, together with the effectiveness of legal penalties in discouraging this behaviour, makes such a ban a reasonable and necessary measure for improving road safety.

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 consistently throughout the essay. The ideas are well-developed, with the first body paragraph focusing on the cognitive impact of distraction and the second on the role of legal deterrence. Each point is supported by relevant examples, such as the scenario of a driver approaching an intersection. The response is balanced and logically structured, meeting all the requirements of the task effectively. To reach a higher band, you could further extend the depth of your arguments by briefly considering potential counter-arguments, such as the use of hands-free technology, and then refuting them to strengthen your stance.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 8.0

The essay demonstrates a clear logical progression. Each paragraph has a central theme, and the transition between ideas is smooth. You have used a variety of cohesive devices effectively, such as 'The primary reason', 'Even a brief distraction', 'Another important reason', and 'In conclusion'. These markers guide the reader through your argument without being repetitive or mechanical. Paragraphing is used appropriately, with each paragraph serving a distinct purpose in the overall structure of the essay. The referencing is clear throughout, and the flow of information is natural and easy to follow.

Lexical Resource — Band 7.5

You have used a sufficient range of vocabulary to convey your ideas with precision. Phrases such as 'widely acknowledged', 'severe consequences', 'avoidable accidents', and 'effective deterrent' demonstrate a good command of topic-specific language. The vocabulary is natural and appropriate for an academic or formal context. While the range is solid, incorporating a few more sophisticated or less common collocations could elevate the response further. For instance, instead of 'make illegal', you could use 'criminalise' or 'prohibit'. Overall, the lexical choices are accurate and contribute to the clarity of your argument.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 8.0

The essay displays a good variety of complex sentence structures, such as the use of conditional and concessive clauses (e.g., 'Although most drivers are aware... some continue to use them'). The majority of your sentences are error-free, and your control over punctuation is excellent. There are no significant grammatical errors that impede communication. The use of modal verbs like 'should be made' and 'can act' is accurate and appropriate for expressing opinions and possibilities. To achieve a higher band, you could experiment with even more varied sentence patterns, such as inversion or more complex passive constructions, to demonstrate greater flexibility.

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