Band 7.5 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 7.5 · Cambridge IELTS 16 · 2026-09-12

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 emergence of autonomous vehicles marks a significant transformation in modern transportation, indicating a shift towards a system where cars, buses, and trucks operate without human drivers. I firmly believe that the advantages of driverless vehicles far outweigh the disadvantages, as they have the potential to enhance safety, reduce traffic congestion, and improve overall efficiency in transport systems.

Firstly, safety is paramount in transportation, and autonomous vehicles are designed to minimize risks associated with human error. Statistics suggest that approximately 90% of road accidents are attributed to human mistakes, which can lead to devastating consequences. For instance, in the United States, traffic accidents resulted in approximately 780 fatalities in 2018 alone. By employing sophisticated sensors and artificial intelligence, driverless vehicles can react more rapidly to hazards and adhere strictly to traffic regulations. Consequently, these vehicles promise to significantly reduce the occurrence of accidents and save countless lives.

Moreover, driverless vehicles can contribute positively to environmental sustainability. With the optimization of route planning and driving patterns, these vehicles are likely to reduce fuel consumption and, consequently, carbon emissions. For example, autonomous public transport systems could facilitate a more efficient allocation of buses and trains, thereby decreasing traffic congestion. In turn, this would encourage the use of public transport as a viable alternative to personal vehicles, further alleviating environmental strain.

In conclusion, while it is important to acknowledge the potential drawbacks of autonomous vehicles, such as technical malfunctions or ethical dilemmas in decision-making algorithms, we should not allow these challenges to hinder progress. The numerous benefits offered by driverless technology - enhanced safety, reduced accidents, and positive environmental impact - present compelling reasons to embrace this innovative advancement in transportation.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 7.5

The response fully addresses all parts of the task by discussing both the advantages and disadvantages of driverless vehicles while maintaining a clear and well-developed position throughout. Your introduction clearly states your stance that the advantages outweigh the disadvantages, focusing on safety, traffic congestion, and efficiency. Body paragraphs are well-supported with logical arguments and specific examples, such as reference to accident statistics. The conclusion briefly acknowledges potential drawbacks like technical malfunctions or ethical dilemmas, ensuring a balanced perspective while reaffirming your position. Ideas are well-developed and effectively extended, meeting all requirements of the task prompt successfully without any omissions or weaknesses.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 7.5

The essay displays a very clear logical organization and progression throughout. Ideas are logically sequenced, beginning with a strong introduction, moving through well-structured body paragraphs focusing on safety and environmental sustainability, and culminating in a balanced conclusion. Cohesive devices such as 'Firstly', 'Moreover', and 'In conclusion' are used naturally and effectively to guide the reader through your arguments. Paragraphing is used sufficiently and appropriately, with each paragraph focusing on a distinct central theme. Referencing and substitution are managed well, ensuring that the relationships between ideas are clear and easy to follow without any mechanical or awkward transitions.

Lexical Resource — Band 7.0

The writing demonstrates a wide, fluent, and flexible range of vocabulary appropriate for an academic task. You make skilful use of less common lexical items and collocations, such as 'autonomous vehicles', 'environmental sustainability', 'optimization of route planning', and 'ethical dilemmas'. Word choice is generally precise and natural, contributing significantly to the academic tone of the essay. There are only occasional minor inaccuracies in word choice or collocation, but these do not impede communication in any way. Spelling and word formation are accurate throughout the response.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 7.5

You demonstrate a wide range of complex sentence structures used with a high degree of flexibility and accuracy. The majority of your sentences are error-free, showcasing excellent control of grammar and punctuation. Examples of advanced structures include participial phrases ('By employing sophisticated sensors and artificial intelligence...') and concessive clauses ('while it is important to acknowledge the potential drawbacks...'). Punctuation is handled correctly to structure complex thoughts, and verb tenses are managed consistently across paragraphs. Errors are extremely rare and non-systematic, representing only occasional slips rather than a lack of control.

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