Band 9.0 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 9.0 · Cambridge IELTS 11 · 2026-07-30

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 9.0)

In recent years, the funding and execution of medical research have increasingly shifted toward the private sector. While individual researchers and private corporations contribute significantly to scientific breakthroughs, I firmly believe that the primary responsibility for conducting and funding medical research should lie with the government to ensure ethical standards and public welfare.

On the one hand, private companies play a vital role in accelerating medical advancements. They possess vast financial resources and cutting-edge infrastructure that governments often lack. Driven by market competition, pharmaceutical corporations can develop and test new life-saving drugs rapidly. For instance, during global health crises like the COVID-19 pandemic, partnerships with private firms allowed for the unprecedentedly fast development of vaccines. However, the fundamental flaw with private sector research is the profit motive. When corporations fund research, they tend to prioritize highly profitable lifestyle drugs over rare diseases or affordable treatments, which can compromise scientific objectivity.

On the other hand, relying on independent individuals for medical research is highly impractical. Modern medical science requires sophisticated laboratories, expensive clinical trials, and massive teams of specialists. An individual scientist simply does not have the capital or the regulatory authority to bring a new medical treatment to market safely. Therefore, individual efforts are best channeled through established institutions rather than acting independently.

Consequently, government-led research remains the most ethical and reliable approach. Governments are driven by public interest rather than commercial gain, meaning their research is more likely to focus on fundamental health crises, preventative medicine, and affordable healthcare for all socioeconomic classes. Furthermore, public funding ensures stricter adherence to safety regulations and unbiased peer reviews. For example, major institutions like the National Institutes of Health (NIH) in the US fund research that benefits the general public, focusing on widespread diseases rather than just profitable ones.

In conclusion, while private companies offer speed and innovation, and individuals provide creative intellect, they cannot replace the accountability of public institutions. A balanced approach, where the government leads and heavily regulates medical research while utilizing private sector efficiency, is the ideal way to safeguard public health.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 9.0

The response fully addresses all parts of the prompt. You clearly state your position in the introduction and maintain it consistently throughout the essay. Each paragraph is well-developed with relevant arguments and supporting examples, such as the mention of the COVID-19 pandemic and the National Institutes of Health (NIH). The ideas are extended logically, and the conclusion effectively synthesizes your main points while offering a nuanced final perspective. The response demonstrates a sophisticated understanding of the topic, meeting all requirements for a high band score.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 8.5

The essay is logically organized with a clear progression of ideas. Each paragraph has a central theme, and the transition between paragraphs is smooth, using effective cohesive devices such as 'On the one hand', 'On the other hand', and 'Consequently'. Referencing is clear, and the paragraphing is used appropriately to separate distinct viewpoints. The flow of the argument is natural, and the use of linking words is neither mechanical nor excessive, contributing to a very coherent piece of writing.

Lexical Resource — Band 9.0

You demonstrate a wide and flexible range of vocabulary, which is used with precision. Phrases like 'unprecedentedly fast development', 'fundamental flaw', 'commercial gain', and 'socioeconomic classes' show a high level of lexical control. The vocabulary is not only accurate but also appropriate for an academic context. There are no noticeable errors in word choice or collocation, and the language used is sophisticated and natural throughout the response.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 9.0

The essay displays a wide range of grammatical structures, including complex sentences and varied clause types, used with high accuracy. The majority of sentences are error-free, and the punctuation is handled correctly. You demonstrate excellent control over tense usage and modal verbs, which helps in expressing nuanced opinions. There are no significant grammatical slips that impede communication, and the overall control of syntax is highly commendable, reflecting a strong command of English grammar.

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