Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 5.5 · Cambridge IELTS 21 · 2026-08-03
IELTS Writing Task 2 question
All university undergraduate courses should include a period of time spent studying abroad or doing a work placement.
Do you think the advantages of this would outweigh the disadvantages?
Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience.
Student answer (Band 5.5)
Over the past few decades, air pollution has become one of the most serious environmental issues affecting people’s health and quality of life. To address this problem, some people suggest that governments should introduce a weekly vehicle-free day, during which private vehicles are banned while public transport remains available. Although this policy may cause some inconvenience, I believe that its advantages far outweigh its disadvantages.
On the one hand, a vehicle-free day offers several significant benefits. The most important advantage is that it would reduce air pollution by lowering the number of private vehicles on the roads. As a result, carbon emissions would decrease, leading to cleaner air and a healthier environment. Furthermore, fewer vehicles would mean less traffic congestion, allowing emergency services such as ambulances and fire engines to reach their destinations more quickly. Another major benefit is that such a policy would encourage people to use public transport, walk, or cycle. Over time, this could reduce fuel consumption and promote healthier lifestyles while also encouraging governments to invest more in public transportation infrastructure.
On the other hand, this proposal has a few drawbacks. Some people, particularly those living in rural areas where public transport is limited, may find it difficult to travel to work or school. In addition, buses and trains could become overcrowded on vehicle-free days, causing inconvenience for commuters. Certain businesses that depend on private transportation might also experience temporary disruptions. However, these problems can be minimised if governments improve the availability and reliability of public transport and make exceptions for emergency situations.
In conclusion, although introducing a weekly vehicle-free day may create some practical difficulties, I firmly believe that its positive effects on the environment, public health, and traffic management make it a worthwhile policy. Therefore, the advantages clearly outweigh the disadvantages.
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 2.0 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 6.5 |
| Lexical Resource | 6.0 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 6.5 |
| Overall | 5.5 |
Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 2.0
The response is completely off-topic. The prompt asks for a discussion on whether university undergraduate courses should include a period of time spent studying abroad or doing a work placement. However, the essay discusses the implementation of a weekly vehicle-free day to combat air pollution. Because the student failed to address the actual task prompt, the response cannot be assessed for task achievement in relation to the specific question asked. While the essay itself is well-structured and coherent, it does not fulfill the requirements of the task instructions provided.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.5
The essay is well-organized with a clear introduction, body paragraphs, and a conclusion. The use of cohesive devices such as 'On the one hand', 'Furthermore', and 'In conclusion' is effective and creates a logical flow of ideas. Each paragraph has a clear central topic, and the progression of arguments is easy to follow. The paragraphing is appropriate, and the transition between the benefits and drawbacks is smooth. Despite the essay being off-topic, the internal structure and logical sequencing of the arguments are of a high standard.
Lexical Resource — Band 6.0
The vocabulary is varied and used with precision. The student employs a range of topic-specific vocabulary related to environmental issues, such as 'carbon emissions', 'traffic congestion', 'infrastructure', and 'disruptions'. The language is natural and demonstrates a good command of collocations. There are no significant errors in word choice or spelling that impede communication. The lexical range is sufficient to express complex ideas clearly and fluently, showing a level of sophistication that is appropriate for an academic response.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 6.5
The essay demonstrates a wide range of grammatical structures, including complex sentences with subordinate clauses ('Although this policy may cause some inconvenience, I believe that...') and conditional structures. The majority of the sentences are error-free, and the control over punctuation and syntax is strong. There are no major grammatical errors that affect the clarity of the writing. The student shows a high level of accuracy and flexibility, which is consistent with a strong command of English grammar.
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