Band 6.5 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 6.5 · Cambridge IELTS 16 · 2026-09-22

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 6.5)

Introduction

In the future, it is possible that all cars, buses and trucks will operate without human drivers, meaning that people inside them will only be passengers. Although this development may have some disadvantages, I believe that the advantages of driverless vehicles will outweigh the drawbacks.

Body Paragraph 1

One major advantage of driverless vehicles is improved road safety. A large number of traffic accidents are caused by human mistakes, such as tiredness, distraction or careless driving. Driverless vehicles can use sensors and computer systems to follow traffic rules, maintain a safe distance and react quickly to obstacles. As a result, the number of road accidents could be reduced significantly. For example, a self-driving car can automatically slow down when another vehicle suddenly stops in front of it.

Another benefit is greater convenience for passengers. People will be able to use their travelling time for other activities instead of concentrating on driving. This could be particularly useful for elderly people and those who cannot drive. For instance, passengers could read, work or relax during a long journey.

Body Paragraph 2

However, driverless vehicles could also have some disadvantages. One important concern is the loss of jobs for professional drivers. Taxi, bus and truck drivers may no longer be needed if companies replace them with automated vehicles. This could increase unemployment in the transport sector. In addition, technical failures in sensors or software could create serious safety problems.

Nevertheless, these disadvantages could be reduced through proper regulations, regular safety checks and training programmes that help affected workers find new jobs.

Conclusion

In conclusion, driverless vehicles may cause job losses and technical risks, but they can also improve road safety and make travelling more convenient. Therefore, I believe that the advantages of this technology outweigh its disadvantages.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 6.5

The student fully addresses all parts of the task by discussing both advantages and disadvantages of driverless vehicles, while maintaining a clear and consistent position throughout the response. The introduction clearly states the writer's view that the advantages outweigh the drawbacks. In Body Paragraph 1, the advantages of road safety and passenger convenience are well-developed with relevant examples, such as a self-driving car slowing down for obstacles. Body Paragraph 2 covers disadvantages such as job losses and technical failures, and briefly suggests solutions. The ideas are extended and supported effectively, satisfying the criteria for a Band 7.0.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.5

The essay presents a clear logical organisation and progression throughout. The response is divided into logical paragraphs, including an introduction, two body paragraphs (though Body Paragraph 2's structure could be slightly more balanced), and a conclusion. Cohesive devices are used effectively and flexibly, such as 'Although this development', 'As a result', 'Another benefit', and 'Nevertheless'. Referencing and substitution are clear, and paragraphing is used appropriately to separate distinct themes. This meets the criteria for Band 7.0.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.0

The student demonstrates a sufficient range of vocabulary for the task with some flexibility and precision. Phrases such as 'human mistakes', 'road safety', 'automated vehicles', and 'technical failures' show an appropriate command of topic-specific vocabulary. There are also attempts at less common items, such as 'concentration on driving' and 'proper regulations'. Word choice is generally natural, though vocabulary remains somewhat standard rather than sophisticated, placing this firmly at a Band 6.5 to 7.0 level.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 6.5

The writer displays a good mix of simple and complex sentence structures. Complex structures are handled quite well, for example in sentences like 'Although this development may have some disadvantages, I believe that...' and 'People will be able to use their travelling time... instead of concentrating on driving.' There is a high frequency of error-free sentences, and punctuation is managed accurately throughout. While the range of grammar is not overly complex or expansive, the control shown over the structures attempted justifies a Band 7.0.

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