Band 6.0 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 6.0 · Cambridge IELTS 16 · 2026-08-27

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 6.0)

While fully autonomous transportation promises unprecedented safety gains and travel efficiency, the loss of professional driving livelihoods and potential cybersecurity vulnerabilities present significant challenges. However, the long-term benefits of driverless vehicles outweigh the drawbacks.

Advantages of Driverless Vehicles

Increased Road Safety: Human error—such as fatigue, speeding, and distracted driving—causes the vast majority of traffic accidents. Autonomous systems use real-time sensors to follow traffic rules consistently, drastically reducing collisions.

Enhanced Efficiency & Traffic Flow: AI-driven vehicles communicate with each other to optimize routes, maintain steady speeds, and reduce traffic congestion, leading to lower fuel consumption and emissions.

Accessibility for Non-Drivers: Automated transport provides independent mobility to elderly individuals, young children, and people with disabilities who cannot operate a traditional car.

Disadvantages of Driverless Vehicles

Widespread Job Displacement: Transitioning completely to autonomous buses, trucks, and taxis will displace millions of commercial drivers, creating significant economic disruption and structural unemployment.

Cybersecurity & Technical Risks: Connected vehicle networks are vulnerable to software glitches, sensor failures in extreme weather, or malicious cyberattacks targeting public transit infrastructure.

The societal transition will undoubtedly bring economic disruption for transport workers and require strict cybersecurity frameworks. Nevertheless, eliminating human-driven accidents and expanding mobility access represent far greater, transformative benefits for society overall.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 5.0

The response addresses the prompt by discussing both advantages and disadvantages and clearly states a position. However, the essay is significantly under the 250-word minimum, containing only 203 words. This lack of length prevents the development of ideas to the level required for a higher band. While the points made are relevant, they are presented in a list-like format rather than fully developed paragraphs with detailed supporting evidence or examples. To improve, you must expand on your arguments by providing specific scenarios or deeper analysis to meet the word count requirement and demonstrate a more thorough exploration of the topic.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.0

The essay uses a clear structure with headings, which is generally discouraged in formal IELTS essays; it is better to use cohesive devices and paragraph transitions to guide the reader. The logical progression is present, but the reliance on bullet points makes the text feel like a summary rather than a cohesive essay. Cohesive devices are used, but the overall flow is somewhat mechanical due to the fragmented structure. To improve, integrate your points into full, flowing paragraphs using transition words like 'furthermore', 'consequently', and 'on the other hand' to connect your ideas more naturally.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.5

You demonstrate a good range of vocabulary, using terms such as 'unprecedented', 'vulnerabilities', 'displace', and 'transformative' appropriately. The language is precise and fits the academic context well. There are no significant spelling or word-choice errors. To reach a higher band, focus on incorporating more sophisticated collocations and idiomatic expressions. While your current vocabulary is effective, expanding your range to include more nuanced academic phrasing would further enhance the quality of your writing.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 6.5

The grammar is generally accurate, with a good mix of simple and complex sentence structures. You use punctuation correctly and maintain a formal tone throughout. There are very few grammatical errors, which indicates a strong command of English syntax. To achieve a higher band, try to incorporate a wider variety of complex structures, such as conditional sentences or more advanced passive constructions, to demonstrate greater flexibility. However, the current level of accuracy is quite high and supports clear communication.

See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.

Browse more IELTS Writing model answers or get your own writing scored by the same AI examiner.