Band 7.5 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 7.5 · Cambridge IELTS 16 · 2026-09-11

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)

Recent studies have shown that in the coming years, autonomous vehicles will dominate the transportation sector without any human intervention. It is often predicted that individuals journeying inside these vehicles will operate solely as passengers. On balance, I firmly believe that the benefits of autonomous vehicles significantly outweigh their potential drawbacks. On the one hand, driverless technology offers profound advantages, primarily regarding safety and efficiency. Human error remains the leading cause of road accidents globally, often exacerbated by reckless driving, fatigue, or driving under the influence of substances. In contrast, autonomous systems rely on advanced sensors and algorithms that monitor traffic conditions constantly. Consequently, switching to self-driving cars would drastically minimize road casualties. Furthermore, technology leaders like China, Singapore, and Japan are already cultivating smart city infrastructures where autonomous fleets optimize route planning and reduce traffic congestion, thereby enhancing daily commutes. On the other hand, this transition does introduce certain drawbacks, particularly economic disruption and security risks. Firstly, widespread automation will impact the labor market, potentially making professional driving jobs obsolete in established nations. Secondly, since these vehicles rely on sophisticated software, they are susceptible to cyber-attacks. If unauthorized hackers breach a vehicle's network—such as a school transport system—they could compromise passenger safety or exploit software control to blackmail authorities. In conclusion, while autonomous vehicles present challenges regarding job displacement and cybersecurity, these can be mitigated through enhanced digital security frameworks. Ultimately, the conveniences of improved road safety, diminished traffic congestion, and reliable transportation ensure that the advantages heavily outweigh the disadvantages.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 7.5

The response fully addresses all parts of the prompt. You have clearly stated your position that the advantages outweigh the disadvantages and maintained this stance throughout the essay. The ideas are well-developed, with specific arguments provided for both sides of the debate. For instance, you effectively contrast the safety benefits of autonomous systems against the economic and security risks. The inclusion of examples, such as mentioning specific countries like China and Japan, adds depth to your argument. The response is balanced and logically structured, meeting all the requirements of the task effectively.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 7.5

The essay is logically organized with a clear progression of ideas. Each paragraph has a central focus, and the transition between the benefits and the drawbacks is handled smoothly using appropriate cohesive devices such as 'On the one hand', 'In contrast', and 'Furthermore'. The use of referencing is precise, and the paragraphing is used effectively to separate distinct points. The flow of the argument is natural, and the reader is guided clearly through your reasoning without any confusion. The structure is coherent and professional throughout.

Lexical Resource — Band 7.5

You demonstrate a wide and flexible range of vocabulary, which is used with precision and natural control. Phrases such as 'without any human intervention', 'profound advantages', 'cultivating smart city infrastructures', and 'mitigated through enhanced digital security frameworks' show a high level of lexical sophistication. There are no noticeable errors in word choice or collocation. You successfully use topic-specific vocabulary related to technology and transportation, which enhances the quality of your writing and contributes to a very strong performance in this criterion.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 7.5

The response exhibits a wide range of grammatical structures, including complex sentences and varied clause types. The majority of your sentences are error-free, and your control over punctuation and syntax is excellent. You use a mix of simple and complex forms effectively to convey your ideas. There are no significant grammatical errors that impede communication or distract the reader. The accuracy is consistent throughout the text, reflecting a high level of proficiency in English grammar and sentence construction.

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