Band 7.5 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 7.5 · Cambridge IELTS 16 · 2026-09-18

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)

With the rapid development of technology, driverless vehicles are becoming a reality, and within the coming decades, cars, buses, and trucks may operate without human drivers. Although some people are concerned about the possible risks of this development, I personally believe that driverless vehicles will bring far more benefits than disadvantages.

One major concern about driverless vehicles is the possibility of technical failures. Since these vehicles depend heavily on software, sensors, and automated systems, a malfunction could cause the vehicle to behave unexpectedly and potentially lead to a traffic accident. In addition, hackers could exploit weaknesses in the system to deliberately cause accidents, which might appear to be ordinary traffic accidents and make it difficult to identify the real cause. This could create a new form of crime that is particularly difficult to detect. However, these risks could be reduced by introducing several backup mechanisms and strict cybersecurity measures. For example, vehicles could be equipped with emergency braking systems that automatically stop the vehicle when a serious malfunction is detected. They could also have a manual override or alternative control system that allows human intervention when the automated system cannot operate safely. With these safety measures, the consequences of technical failures and cyberattacks could be significantly reduced.

Despite these concerns, driverless vehicles could provide greater benefits, particularly in terms of road safety. Human error is one of the major causes of traffic accidents, as drivers can become tired, distracted, or drive under the influence of alcohol. In contrast, driverless vehicles are equipped with sophisticated algorithms, sensors, and automated systems that are designed to operate with a high level of precision and reduce human mistakes. Although technical failures may still occur, these systems can be continuously improved to identify weaknesses and minimise the possibility of malfunction. This is an important advantage of advanced technology, as improvements in software and safety systems can make automated vehicles increasingly reliable over time. Therefore, while a technical error in a driverless vehicle may still cause an accident, reducing the much more common problem of human error could lead to a significant overall improvement in road safety.

Another important benefit is that driverless vehicles could provide greater independence for elderly people and individuals with disabilities who may no longer be able to drive safely. They could travel to hospitals, workplaces, shops, or social activities without depending entirely on family members or other people for transportation. This could improve their mobility and quality of life, while also making transportation more accessible to a wider range of people.

In conclusion, driverless vehicles may create risks related to technical failures and cybersecurity, including the possibility of new forms of crime. Nevertheless, these problems can be reduced through backup systems, strict safety measures, and continuous technological improvements. Given their potential to reduce human error on the roads and provide greater mobility for people who cannot drive, I believe that the advantages of driverless vehicles outweigh their disadvantages.

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 and clearly stating a position that the advantages outweigh the disadvantages from the introduction. Ideas are well developed and extended with relevant explanations, such as the discussion on technical failures, cybersecurity risks, road safety improvements via the reduction of human error, and enhanced mobility for elderly and disabled individuals. The arguments are supported logically without significant digressions. The response matches the Band 8 descriptor as it covers all parts well and develops ideas fully and appropriately throughout the essay.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 7.5

The essay displays clear logical organisation and progression throughout. Each paragraph has a distinct central topic, starting with the introduction, moving to disadvantages and countermeasures, exploring road safety, discussing accessibility benefits, and concluding effectively. Cohesive devices such as 'In addition', 'However', 'Despite these concerns', and 'In contrast' are used flexibly and appropriately to connect ideas and paragraphs. Paragraphing is skilfully managed, ensuring the reader can follow the writer's line of reasoning easily. This performance satisfies the Band 8 criteria for logical sequencing and well-managed cohesion.

Lexical Resource — Band 7.0

The student demonstrates a wide and flexible vocabulary range suited to an academic discussion. Less common and precise items are used effectively throughout the text, such as 'sophisticated algorithms', 'manual override', 'cybersecurity measures', and 'accessibility'. Word choice and collocation are generally accurate, with only occasional minor stylistic imperfections. Spelling and word formation are completely correct. The appropriate integration of topic-specific terminology and varied phrasing supports a strong Band 7.5 to 8.0 lexical profile, solidly warranting a Band 7.5.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 7.5

A wide range of complex grammatical structures is employed accurately and fluently. The writer expertly utilises conditional and participial constructions, relative clauses, and multi-clause sentences, such as 'Since these vehicles depend heavily on software, sensors, and automated systems, a malfunction could cause the vehicle to behave unexpectedly...' The majority of sentences are completely error-free, with only very occasional, minor lapses that never impede communication. Punctuation is controlled and precise. This level of syntactic variety and accuracy comfortably meets the requirements for a Band 8.

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