Band 7.5 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 7.5 · Cambridge IELTS 16 · 2026-08-31

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 prospect of completely driverless cars, buses and trucks is becoming increasingly realistic as advances in artificial intelligence and autonomous technology continue to transform the transport sector. Although this development could create certain challenges, I strongly believe that the advantages of driverless vehicles would outweigh their disadvantages, particularly in terms of road safety, efficiency and accessibility.

One of the most significant advantages is the potential to reduce traffic accidents. At present, a substantial proportion of collisions are caused by human error, including speeding, fatigue, distraction and impaired judgement. Autonomous vehicles, by contrast, can continuously monitor their surroundings using cameras, sensors and sophisticated computer systems, allowing them to react rapidly to potential hazards. For instance, a driverless car could detect a pedestrian or an abruptly braking vehicle considerably faster than a tired human driver. Consequently, widespread adoption of this technology could make roads substantially safer.

Another major benefit is greater efficiency and convenience. Driverless vehicles could communicate with one another and adjust their speed and routes according to real-time traffic conditions. This could alleviate congestion, reduce unnecessary fuel consumption and shorten commuting times. Moreover, people who are currently unable to drive, such as elderly individuals and some people with disabilities, would gain greater independence because they could travel without relying on family members or public transport. Furthermore, passengers could use their travelling time productively by working, studying or relaxing rather than concentrating on the road.

Nevertheless, there are legitimate disadvantages. The most obvious concern is unemployment, as millions of professional drivers could eventually become redundant. In addition, autonomous systems may malfunction because of software errors, sensor failures or unforeseen situations, potentially resulting in serious accidents. There are also concerns about cybersecurity, since sophisticated vehicles could theoretically be targeted by hackers.

Despite these drawbacks, I believe that the long-term benefits are considerably greater. Governments and manufacturers can mitigate the risks through rigorous safety testing, strict regulation, cybersecurity measures and programs designed to retrain displaced workers. Therefore, while the transition to fully autonomous transport will undoubtedly be challenging, driverless vehicles are likely to create a safer, more efficient and more inclusive transport system, making their advantages outweigh their disadvantages.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 7.5

The response fully addresses all parts of the task. You clearly state your position in the introduction and maintain it throughout the essay. The advantages (safety, efficiency, accessibility) and disadvantages (unemployment, technical failure, cybersecurity) are well-developed with relevant examples, such as the mention of elderly individuals and the specific risks of software errors. The ideas are extended logically, and the conclusion effectively synthesises the arguments presented. The response is balanced and demonstrates a strong understanding of the prompt requirements.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 7.5

The essay is logically organised with a clear progression of ideas. Each paragraph has a central theme, and the transition between the advantages and disadvantages is smooth, using appropriate cohesive devices such as 'Nevertheless' and 'Furthermore'. Referencing is clear, and the use of linking words like 'consequently' and 'in addition' helps to guide the reader through the argument. Paragraphing is used effectively to separate distinct points, ensuring the structure is coherent and easy to follow throughout the entire piece.

Lexical Resource — Band 7.5

You demonstrate a wide and flexible range of vocabulary, which is used with precision. Phrases such as 'prospect of', 'mitigate the risks', and 'displaced workers' show a sophisticated command of language. Collocations are generally natural, and there is an awareness of style appropriate for an academic essay. There are no significant errors in word choice or spelling, and the vocabulary used is more than sufficient to convey complex ideas clearly and effectively.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 8.0

The essay displays a wide range of grammatical structures, including complex sentences with subordinate clauses and conditional structures. The majority of sentences are error-free, and the control over punctuation and tense is excellent. You use modal verbs effectively to discuss future possibilities, such as 'could eventually become' and 'are likely to create'. There are no noticeable grammatical errors that impede communication, and the overall accuracy is very high, consistent with a high-level performance.

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