Band 7.5 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 7.5 · Barron's Writing · 2026-10-01

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 7.5)

The use of mobile phones while driving has become a serious safety concern because it can distract drivers and increase the risk of accidents. I strongly agree that using a hand-held phone while driving should be illegal because it reduces concentration and can endanger other road users.

The main reason why mobile phone use should be prohibited while driving is that is significantly reduces a driver's concentration. When drivers read messages, make calls or check social media, their atttention is divided between the road and their phones. As a result, they may react too slowly to sudden traffic changes in traffic. For example, a distracted driver may fail to notice a pedestrian crossing the road or a vehicle stopping unexpectedly. Therefore, restricting phone use can help prevent avoidable accidents.

Another important reason is that distracted driving puts not only the driver but also other people at risk. Although individuals may believe that they can safely use their phones while driving, even a few seconds of distraction can have serious consequences. Pedestrians, cyclists and other motorists could be injured because of one driver's irresponsible behaviour. For this reason, making hand-held phone use illegal can encourage drivers to develop safer habits. However, hands-free technology could be permitted when it can be used without taking the driver's attention away from the road.

In conclusion, I strongly agree that hand-held mobile phone use while driving should be illegal. It reduces drivers' concentration and creates unnecessary risks for everyone on the road. Appropriate restrictions can therefore contribute to safer roads.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 7.5

The response clearly addresses all parts of the task, presenting a well-developed position throughout the essay. The writer takes a clear stance supporting the prohibition of hand-held phones while driving and extends this position logically across multiple paragraphs. Ideas are well-supported with relevant examples, such as a distracted driver failing to notice a pedestrian crossing the road. While there is a slight tendency to over-generalise regarding the dangers of mobile phones, the arguments are fully articulated and logically connected to the prompt. To reach a higher level, the writer could provide even deeper analysis or incorporate more nuanced real-world examples examining specific safety statistics or regulatory challenges.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 7.5

The essay demonstrates a clear logical organisation and progression throughout. Information and ideas are coherently sequenced, beginning with a strong introduction, moving through two body paragraphs with distinct central topics, and ending with a concise conclusion. Cohesive devices such as 'The main reason why', 'As a result', and 'Another important reason' are used flexibly and appropriately to guide the reader through the argument. Paragraphing is managed effectively, with each paragraph focusing on a single, clear theme. To move further up the scale, the writer could incorporate more advanced, subtle referencing and ensure that cohesive transitions feel entirely natural and unobtrusive at all times.

Lexical Resource: Band 7.0

The vocabulary used is of a sufficient range to allow for some precision and flexibility in discussing the topic of road safety. The writer successfully incorporates less common and topic-appropriate items such as 'prohibited', 'divided between', 'unexpectdly', and 'irresponsible behaviour'. There is a general awareness of style and collocation, although a minor typographical error appears with 'atttention'. Word choices generally communicate the intended meaning clearly without impeding the reader. To achieve a higher band, the student should aim to use a wider variety of sophisticated, less common lexical items with greater precision and master more advanced idiomatic phrasing.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 7.5

The writing exhibits a good variety of complex structures alongside simple sentence forms, resulting in frequent error-free sentences. Good control of grammar and punctuation is evident throughout, particularly in multi-clause sentences such as 'Although individuals may believe that they can safely use their phones while driving, even a few seconds of distraction can have serious consequences.' While a minor slip occurs in the phrase 'changes in traffic' immediately following 'sudden traffic changes', grammatical accuracy remains strong. To push into higher scoring territory, the writer needs to maintain an even wider range of sophisticated structures consistently across the entire text with absolute precision.

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