Band 7.5 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 7.5 · Cambridge IELTS 16 · 2026-09-14

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)

In the future, it is likely that cars, buses and trucks will operate without human drivers, meaning that all occupants will simply be passengers. Although this development may create certain risks, I believe that the advantages of driverless vehicles outweigh their disadvantages.

One major advantage of autonomous vehicles is improved road safety. Human error, such as speeding, distracted driving, fatigue and drunk driving, is responsible for a significant proportion of road accidents. Driverless vehicles, in contrast, can use sensors and artificial intelligence to monitor their surroundings and respond quickly to potential dangers. Consequently, the number of accidents could be reduced considerably. In addition, autonomous vehicles could provide greater independence for elderly people and individuals with disabilities who may find it difficult to drive conventional vehicles.

Another benefit is greater efficiency and convenience. Driverless cars could communicate with each other and adjust their speed or routes according to traffic conditions. This could reduce traffic congestion and shorten journey times. Furthermore, passengers would be able to use their travelling time for work, reading or relaxation instead of concentrating on driving. Driverless buses and trucks could also operate for longer periods, potentially improving the efficiency of public transport and goods delivery.

However, there are some disadvantages to consider. The most serious concern is the possibility of technical failures or cyberattacks. If the software or sensors of an autonomous vehicle malfunctioned, the consequences could be severe because there might be no human driver capable of taking immediate control. Another potential problem is unemployment. Millions of people work as taxi drivers, truck drivers and bus drivers, and widespread automation could reduce employment opportunities in these sectors.

Despite these drawbacks, I believe that the benefits are greater. As the technology becomes more advanced and reliable, technical problems are likely to decrease, while governments can introduce regulations and training programmes to address issues such as cybersecurity and job displacement.

In conclusion, although driverless vehicles may cause technological and employment-related problems, their potential to improve road safety, reduce congestion and provide greater convenience means that I believe their advantages outweigh their disadvantages.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 7.5

The response fully addresses all parts of the task by clearly discussing both the advantages and disadvantages of driverless vehicles and taking a well-developed, consistent position. The introduction clearly states the writer's view that the advantages outweigh the disadvantages. Body paragraphs 2 and 3 thoroughly explore the advantages, such as improved road safety and greater efficiency, while body paragraph 4 balances the discussion by examining potential drawbacks like technical failures, cyberattacks, and unemployment. The ideas are extended and supported with relevant examples and logical reasoning. Overall, the task response meets the requirements of a Band 8 level.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 7.5

The essay demonstrates a clear, logical organization and progression throughout. Each paragraph has a distinct central topic, starting with a well-formulated introduction, moving smoothly through well-structured body paragraphs, and concluding with a concise summary. Cohesive devices such as 'In addition', 'Furthermore', 'However', and 'Despite these drawbacks' are used naturally and effectively to guide the reader through the argument. Paragraphing is managed skilfully, ensuring that each main idea is grouped appropriately. Overall, the coherence and cohesion of the response easily satisfy Band 8 criteria.

Lexical Resource — Band 7.5

The student exhibits a wide, fluent, and flexible range of vocabulary appropriate for an academic discussion on technology and transport. Phrases such as 'human error', 'artificial intelligence', 'traffic congestion', and 'job displacement' are used naturally and with a strong understanding of collocation. There is also an effective use of less common items like 'autonomous vehicles', 'widespread automation', and 'conventional vehicles'. Word choice and spelling are consistently accurate throughout the essay, demonstrating a high level of lexical control that aligns with a Band 8 descriptor.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 7.5

The essay displays a wide range of structures, combining complex and compound sentences seamlessly with simple sentences. The majority of sentences are completely error-free, showcasing a high degree of grammatical control. Examples of complex structures include conditional and concessive clauses, such as 'Although this development may create certain risks, I believe that...' and 'If the software or sensors of an autonomous vehicle malfunctioned, the consequences could be severe...'. Punctuation is accurate, and any minor slips are extremely rare and non-systematic. This level of accuracy and range warrants a Band 8 score.

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