Band 7.0 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 7.0 · Cambridge IELTS 16 · 2026-08-18

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 7.0)

Nowadays, public transport is developing rapidly around the world. It is believed that, in the future, all cars, buses and trucks will be driverless, with only passengers travelling inside these vehicles. I believe that the advantages of this development outweigh the disadvantages.

To commence with, driverless vehicles could make transportation more convenient and reliable. Passengers would not need to drive themselves, so they could use their travelling time to relax, work or communicate with others. In addition, automated public transport could help reduce traffic congestion and accidents caused by human error. For example, driverless buses could operate on fixed routes and provide transportation for people without requiring a professional driver. This could make journeys more efficient and allow people to spend their time on other useful activities.

On the other hand, there are some disadvantages to this development. Some people may feel uncomfortable or less confident about travelling in a vehicle controlled by technology. Furthermore, technical problems or system failures could create safety risks for passengers. Another concern is that professional drivers could lose their jobs if driverless vehicles become common. For instance, taxi drivers, truck drivers and bus drivers might have fewer employment opportunities as companies increasingly use automated vehicles. However, these problems could be reduced through strict safety regulations, regular maintenance and improved technology.

In conclusion, although driverless vehicles may create some concerns, I believe their advantages are greater than their disadvantages. They can provide greater convenience, reduce human error and potentially make transportation more efficient and reliable in the future.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 6.5

The response addresses all parts of the prompt, clearly stating a position that the advantages outweigh the disadvantages. The ideas are relevant and logically developed. For instance, the discussion on convenience and safety in the second paragraph and the counter-argument regarding job losses in the third paragraph show a balanced approach. However, the development of these ideas is somewhat brief. To reach a higher band, you could provide more specific real-world examples or elaborate further on the implications of the technology, such as the environmental impact or the specific nature of the 'technical problems' mentioned. Overall, the response is well-focused and maintains a clear position throughout.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 7.0

The essay is logically organized with a clear introduction, body paragraphs, and a conclusion. Each paragraph has a central topic, such as the benefits of convenience in the second paragraph and the drawbacks regarding employment in the third. Cohesive devices like 'To commence with', 'In addition', 'On the other hand', and 'In conclusion' are used effectively to guide the reader through the argument. The progression of ideas is smooth and easy to follow. The paragraphing is appropriate, and the relationship between ideas is clear throughout the text.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.5

You demonstrate a sufficient range of vocabulary to discuss the topic with precision. Phrases like 'traffic congestion', 'human error', 'strict safety regulations', and 'employment opportunities' are used accurately. While the vocabulary is functional and appropriate for the task, it lacks a degree of sophistication or 'less common' lexical items that would elevate the score to the 8.0+ range. The word choice is generally natural, and there are no significant errors in spelling or collocation that impede communication.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 7.0

The essay displays a good control of grammatical structures. You successfully use a mix of simple and complex sentences, such as 'Passengers would not need to drive themselves, so they could use their travelling time to relax, work or communicate with others.' Punctuation is generally accurate, and the sentence structures are varied enough to maintain interest. There are very few grammatical errors, and those that exist do not interfere with the clarity of your message. The writing is consistently accurate, reflecting a high level of control.

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