Band 8.5 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 8.5 · Cambridge IELTS 11 · 2026-07-24

IELTS Writing Task 2 question

Nowadays, many medical research projects are funded by private companies. In your opinion, do you think that research should be carried by private companies, individuals or government?

Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience.

Student answer (Band 8.5)

Nowadays, many medical research projects are financed by private companies instead of public institutions. Although private organisations play an important role in developing new treatments, I believe that governments should take primary responsibility for funding and supervising medical research because it serves the interests of society as a whole.

To begin with, governments are better positioned to ensure that medical research focuses on public health rather than financial gain. Diseases that affect only a small number of people, such as rare genetic disorders, often receive little attention from private firms because they generate limited profit. However, governments can allocate public funds to these areas and ensure that life-saving treatments are developed for all citizens. Furthermore, government-funded research is generally subject to strict ethical standards, making it more transparent and reliable.

On the other hand, private companies also make valuable contributions to medical research. They often possess advanced technology, experienced scientists, and substantial financial resources, enabling them to develop medicines and vaccines more quickly. For example, many pharmaceutical companies played a crucial role in producing COVID-19 vaccines within a remarkably short period. Nevertheless, because private businesses naturally aim to maximise profits, there is a risk that essential medicines may become too expensive for many patients. Therefore, governments should regulate these companies to ensure that new treatments remain accessible and affordable.

In conclusion, while private companies are essential for accelerating medical innovation, I strongly believe that governments should lead medical research and provide appropriate oversight. This approach would promote both scientific progress and the well-being of society.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 8.5

The response fully addresses all parts of the task. You have taken a clear position from the introduction and maintained it throughout the essay. The arguments are well-developed, particularly the distinction between public health priorities and the profit-driven nature of private firms. You provided a relevant example regarding COVID-19 vaccines to support your balanced view. The conclusion effectively synthesises your main points, reinforcing your stance that government oversight is necessary. The ideas are extended logically, and the response is well-focused on the prompt throughout.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 8.5

The essay is logically organised with a clear progression of ideas. Each paragraph has a central theme, starting with the government's role, moving to the benefits of private research, and concluding with a balanced summary. Cohesive devices such as 'To begin with', 'Furthermore', 'On the other hand', and 'Nevertheless' are used effectively to guide the reader through your argument. Paragraphing is used appropriately, and the relationship between sentences is clear and natural. There is no evidence of mechanical or repetitive use of linking words.

Lexical Resource — Band 8.0

You demonstrate a sufficient range of vocabulary to discuss the topic with precision. Phrases such as 'public institutions', 'rare genetic disorders', 'maximise profits', and 'scientific progress' are used accurately. You show an awareness of collocation and style appropriate for an academic task. While the vocabulary is consistently accurate and natural, it does not consistently reach the level of 'uncommon' or 'sophisticated' lexical items required for the highest band, but it is certainly strong and precise enough for a high score.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 8.5

The essay displays a good variety of complex structures, such as the use of concessive clauses ('Although private organisations play...', 'while private companies are essential...') and conditional-like reasoning. The majority of your sentences are error-free, and your control over punctuation and tense is excellent. There are no significant grammatical errors that impede communication. The writing is fluent and demonstrates a high level of accuracy, fitting the criteria for a strong performance where complex structures are used with good control.

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