Band 6.5 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 6.5 · Barron's Writing · 2026-09-16

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 6.5)

It is often argued that using a mobile phone while driving is extremely dangerous as it distracts the driver, and therefore it should be banned by law. I completely agree with this view because it not only endangers the driver's life but also puts pedestrians and other drivers at serious risk.

The main reason why using a phone while driving is dangerous is that it reduces concentration. When a driver is talking or texting, he cannot focus on the road, traffic signals, or sudden obstacles. For instance, on the Warangal to Hyderabad highway, many accidents occur because drivers were using their phones and could not apply brakes in time. Even a two-second distraction can lead to a fatal accident. Moreover, using one hand for the phone makes it difficult to control the steering wheel properly.

Furthermore, making it illegal is the most effective way to control this behaviour. People often do not follow rules voluntarily, but strict laws and heavy fines create fear and discipline. For example, after the Telangana government increased the fine for not wearing a helmet to Rs.1000, almost everyone started wearing one. Similarly, if the police impose a heavy fine or cancel the driving licence for using a phone while driving, people will stop doing it. This law would not only protect the driver but also ensure the safety of other innocent people on the road.

In conclusion, I strongly believe that using a cell phone while driving should be made illegal because it causes serious distraction and leads to life-threatening accidents. Implementing strict laws is essential to ensure road safety for everyone.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 7.0

The response fully addresses all parts of the task prompt, presenting a clear and well-developed position in complete agreement with the statement. The writer immediately states their stance in the introduction and supports it throughout the body paragraphs with relevant and logical reasons, such as diminished concentration and the physical hazard of operating a steering wheel with only one hand. Furthermore, the argument is effectively extended by proposing that legal bans and heavy fines are necessary deterrents, supported by a clear, relatable local example involving helmet laws in Telangana. Ideas are well-extended and sustained, satisfying the requirements for a Band 7.0 or 8.0 descriptor. Because all parts of the task are covered thoroughly with strong, logically developed support, this performance comfortably achieves a Band 7.5.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.5

The response is logically organised with a clear progression from introduction to body paragraphs and conclusion. Each paragraph has a distinct central topic: the first body paragraph focuses on the cognitive and physical distractions caused by mobile phones, while the second explores the effectiveness of legal deterrents and fines. Cohesive devices are used appropriately and flexibly throughout the essay, including transition phrases like 'Moreover,' 'Furthermore,' and 'Similarly,' which help guide the reader smoothly through the arguments. Paragraphing is used sufficiently and appropriately, ensuring that each new idea receives its own distinct structural space. While cohesion is generally natural and effective, occasional minor mechanical elements keep it just shy of higher bands, making Band 7.0 an accurate and fair descriptor for this criterion.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.5

The student demonstrates a sufficient lexical range to allow for some flexibility and precision in discussing traffic safety and legal measures. Appropriate subject-specific vocabulary is used accurately, such as 'distraction,' 'fatal accident,' 'concentration,' 'deterrent,' and 'driving licence.' Furthermore, the writer attempts some less common lexical items and collocations, including 'sudden obstacles,' 'life-threatening accidents,' and 'heavy fines.' Word choice is generally natural, and spelling as well as word formation are completely accurate throughout the text. Although the vocabulary is adequate and allows the message to be communicated with clarity and precision, it lacks the broader stylistic flexibility and sophistication of uncommon idioms or figurative language required for higher bands. Thus, a Band 7.0 is well-deserved.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 6.5

The response exhibits a good mix of simple and complex sentence structures, demonstrating good overall control of grammar and punctuation. The writer successfully employs subordinate clauses and conditional structures, such as 'When a driver is talking or texting, he cannot focus...' and 'Similarly, if the police impose a heavy fine... people will stop doing it.' There is a high proportion of error-free sentences, and punctuation is handled correctly throughout the response. While complex structures are used with reasonable accuracy, the range of complex syntactic forms is somewhat standard rather than truly wide and ambitious. Minor slips do not impede communication in any way. Balancing the variety of structures with the high level of accuracy, this warrants a Band 7.0.

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