Band 6.0 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 6.0 · Cambridge IELTS 16 · 2026-09-30

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 6.0)

Technology and innovation have enabled man to achieve desirable and unimaginable results. A few years ago, who could have imagined that technology and artificial intelligence would let a man travel in a driverless vehicle? Although driverless cars are not common around us, they have been developed in some countries. There are some merits and demerits of this innovation. In my opinion, they would be beneficial financially and legally, but there are disadvantages of this technology as well.

Many countries are planning and introducing driverless cars and public transport buses. Driverless buses don't have a driver; they won't make mistakes or be distracted like humans. Also, they don't need to get paid and strictly abide by traffic rules. So it is beneficial in terms of cost and rules. They can work better than humans, such as driving at a constant speed and understanding the routes better. Their use is being appreciated in developed countries where infrastructure is already better. For instance, China has introduced a few driverless trucks in mountainous regions where drivers' safety couldn't be ensured. They are providing safety and benefits for humans.

On the contrary, there are many problems with this technology. Machines and equipment can't be trusted blindly. Precision and errors can prove brutal for passengers if they occur. Moreover, it can curb many jobs in the transport sector. Although technology has been tested widely and proved safe, there still exist some glitches and problems. Before starting production on a large scale, all concerns must be considered. For example, robots and AI have been found to make mistakes in experiments. In underdeveloped countries, required infrastructure must be developed. The safety of passengers also needs to be ensured.

Overall, it is a positive development, but some concerns remain. Its benefits are more than the demerits.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 6.0

The response addresses all parts of the task by discussing both advantages and disadvantages of driverless vehicles and presents a clear position that the benefits outweigh the demerits. Ideas are generally well-supported with relevant examples, such as the use of driverless trucks in China and the potential economic and safety benefits. However, some arguments, particularly regarding the disadvantages, tend to be slightly generalised and could be extended further for a higher band. Overall, the task is successfully fulfilled, meeting the requirements of a Band 6.5 or 7.0 descriptor.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 6.5

The essay is logically organised with a clear introduction, body paragraphs addressing merits and demerits, and a concluding summary. Cohesive devices are used adequately to connect ideas, such as 'Although', 'Moreover', and 'On the contrary'. Paragraphing is used appropriately to separate different aspects of the topic. However, referencing and transitions between sentences are occasionally a bit mechanical, preventing the flow from reaching a more natural, sophisticated level. Progression is clear throughout, aligning well with the Band 7 descriptors.

Lexical Resource: Band 6.0

The student demonstrates an adequate and generally appropriate range of vocabulary for the task, successfully using terms like 'artificial intelligence', 'infrastructure', and 'glitches'. There are some attempts at less common lexical items, though occasional inaccuracies in word choice or collocation occur, such as 'curb many jobs' instead of 'eliminate' or 'cost many jobs'. Spelling and word choice are generally accurate enough that communication is never impeded, fitting comfortably into the Band 6.0 to 6.5 range.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 6.0

The essay displays a mix of simple and complex sentence structures, including conditional and concessive clauses like 'Although driverless cars are not common...' and 'If they occur'. There are several error-free sentences, but a few grammatical and punctuation slips persist, such as 'Precision and errors can prove brutal' and minor preposition or article issues. These errors do not impede communication, and the control shown is typical of a solid Band 6.5 performance.

See this exact question answered at other band scores. The same prompt compared across bands.

Browse more IELTS Writing model answers or get your own writing scored by the same AI examiner.