Band 8.0 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 8.0 · Barron's Writing · 2026-09-18

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)

There has been a significant increase in the use of mobile phones in recent years. While some people argue that drivers should be permitted to use their phones, I strongly agree that this practice should be made illegal because it seriously reduces concentration and can put the lives of other road users at risk.

The primary reason for banning mobile phone use while driving is that it is a major source of distraction. When drivers make calls, send messages or check notifications, their attention is divided between the road and their phones. As a result, they may fail to notice important changes in traffic, such as a pedestrian crossing the road or a vehicle suddenly braking. For instance, a driver who spends only a few seconds reading a text message may travel a considerable distance without properly observing the road. This can result in serious collisions that could easily have been avoided.

Furthermore, allowing drivers to use mobile phones can have consequences not only for themselves but also for innocent people. A distracted driver may cause injuries or even fatalities to passengers, pedestrians and other motorists. Making phone use illegal would therefore create a stronger incentive for drivers to keep their full attention on driving. If they need to make an urgent call or respond to a message, they can simply pull over in a safe location before using their device. Although some people may consider such laws inconvenient, road safety should take priority over convenience.

In conclusion, I strongly agree that mobile phone use while driving should be illegal. Since phones significantly increase driver distraction and can endanger other road users, banning their use while a vehicle is in motion is a reasonable measure to improve road safety.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 8.0

The response fully addresses all parts of the prompt, taking a clear and well-developed stance that cell phone use while driving should be made illegal. The student supports this position with strong, logical arguments, such as cognitive distraction leading to delayed reaction times, and the broader risks posed to innocent road users. Ideas are well-extended throughout the body paragraphs with relevant examples, such as the mention of a driver reading a text message and traveling a considerable distance without observing the road. The conclusion neatly summarizes the main points without introducing new information, maintaining a consistent position from start to finish. This meets the criteria for Band 8.0.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 8.0

Ideas are logically sequenced, guiding the reader smoothly from the introduction through the well-supported body paragraphs to the final conclusion. Each paragraph has a clear central topic, such as distraction in the second paragraph and broader public safety consequences in the third. Cohesive devices are used naturally and effectively, including transition markers like 'Furthermore', 'As a result', and 'Although some people may consider'. Paragraphing is used sufficiently and appropriately, with distinct breaks for each major idea. Referencing is clear throughout the text, ensuring that cohesive relationships between sentences are well managed. This performance aligns comfortably with Band 8.0 descriptors.

Lexical Resource — Band 8.0

The student demonstrates a wide, fluent, and flexible range of vocabulary appropriate for an IELTS essay. Less common lexical items are used skillfully and naturally, such as 'significant increase', 'cognitive distraction', 'considerable distance', and 'road safety should take priority'. Word choices and collocations are generally precise, with only very occasional minor awkwardness. Spelling and word formation are entirely accurate throughout the text. The writer's ability to manipulate vocabulary to convey precise meaning without strain allows this response to achieve a strong Band 8.0 for lexical resource.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 8.0

The essay displays a wide range of complex grammatical structures used with a high degree of control. The majority of sentences are error-free, and complex constructions—such as concessive clauses ('Although some people may consider such laws inconvenient...') and conditional structures ('If they need to make an urgent call...')—are handled accurately. Punctuation is used correctly to demarcate clauses and phrases, and there are no noticeable grammatical errors that disrupt the flow of reading or impede communication. This high level of structural variety and accuracy fully warrants a Band 8.0 score.

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