Band 7.5 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 7.5 · Cambridge IELTS 16 · 2026-08-15

IELTS Writing Task 2 question

In the future all cars, buses and trucks will be driverless. The only people travelling inside these vehicles will be passengers.

Do you think the advantages of driverless vehicles outweigh the disadvantages?

Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience.

Student answer (Band 7.5)

The development of autonomous vehicles is expected to transform the way people travel in the future. Although driverless cars, buses and trucks may create certain concerns, particularly regarding safety and employment, I believe that their advantages outweigh their disadvantages because they can significantly reduce road accidents, improve transportation efficiency and provide greater mobility for many people.

One of the main advantages of driverless vehicles is that they could make roads considerably safer. A large proportion of road accidents are caused by human errors, such as speeding, distracted driving, fatigue and driving under the influence of alcohol. Autonomous vehicles, in contrast, can continuously monitor their surroundings and respond to hazards without becoming tired or distracted. If this technology becomes sufficiently reliable, the number of traffic accidents and associated deaths could fall substantially. This would not only save lives but also reduce the financial burden placed on healthcare and emergency services.

Another significant benefit is greater efficiency and convenience. Driverless vehicles could communicate with one another and use sophisticated navigation systems to select the most efficient routes, potentially reducing traffic congestion and fuel consumption. Passengers would also be able to use their travelling time for other activities, such as working, reading or resting, rather than concentrating on the road. In addition, autonomous transport could greatly benefit elderly people and individuals with disabilities who may be unable to drive conventional vehicles independently.

However, there are some notable disadvantages. The most serious concern is the possibility of technological failures or accidents caused by errors in autonomous systems. Even highly advanced software may malfunction or face unexpected situations that are difficult to predict. Determining who should be held responsible when a driverless vehicle causes an accident could also create complex legal and ethical problems. Furthermore, the widespread adoption of autonomous vehicles could lead to significant job losses among professional drivers, including taxi drivers, truck drivers and bus operators.

Despite these drawbacks, I believe that the long-term benefits of driverless vehicles are greater. Technological problems can potentially be reduced through rigorous testing, improved artificial intelligence and strict government regulations, while workers affected by automation can be supported through retraining programs and the creation of new employment opportunities.

In conclusion, although driverless vehicles may pose risks related to technological reliability and unemployment, their potential to make roads safer, improve transportation efficiency and increase mobility makes them a highly beneficial development. Therefore, I believe that the advantages of autonomous vehicles outweigh their disadvantages.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 8.0

The response fully addresses all parts of the prompt. You clearly state your position in the introduction and maintain it consistently throughout the essay. Each main body paragraph provides relevant, well-developed arguments. For instance, you effectively balance the discussion by detailing the safety and efficiency benefits before acknowledging the drawbacks of technological failure and job displacement. The ideas are extended with logical reasoning, such as linking the reduction of human error to lower healthcare costs. The conclusion effectively synthesizes your arguments and reaffirms your stance, demonstrating a high level of task fulfillment.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 7.5

The essay is logically organized with a clear progression of ideas. Each paragraph has a central theme, and the transition between the advantages and disadvantages is smooth, using appropriate signposting language like 'However' and 'Despite these drawbacks'. Cohesive devices are used effectively and naturally, such as 'In addition', 'Furthermore', and 'In contrast', which help guide the reader through your argument. Paragraphing is used skillfully, with each paragraph serving a distinct purpose in the overall structure of the essay. The flow of information is coherent and easy to follow throughout.

Lexical Resource — Band 7.5

You demonstrate a wide and flexible range of vocabulary, which allows for precise expression. Phrases such as 'significantly reduce', 'financial burden', 'sophisticated navigation systems', and 'widespread adoption' are used accurately and in appropriate contexts. You also show an awareness of collocation and style, avoiding repetitive language. While the vocabulary is strong and natural, there is room for a few more highly sophisticated or idiomatic expressions to reach the highest band, but the current range is more than sufficient to convey complex ideas with precision and clarity.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 7.5

The essay displays a wide range of grammatical structures with a high degree of accuracy. You successfully use complex sentences, such as conditional structures ('If this technology becomes sufficiently reliable...') and subordinate clauses ('...who may be unable to drive...'). Punctuation is used correctly to manage sentence flow. The majority of your sentences are error-free, and the few minor slips do not impede communication or detract from the professional tone of the writing. Your control over tense and subject-verb agreement is consistent throughout the piece.

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