Band 7.5 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 7.5 · Cambridge IELTS 11 · 2026-08-10

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 7.5)

Nowadays, an increasing amount of medical research is funded by private companies. While private organisations and individuals can make valuable contributions to scientific research, I believe that governments should take primary responsibility for funding and conducting medical research because public health should be prioritised over commercial interests.

The main reason governments should play the leading role is that medical research often requires substantial financial investment and many years of development. Governments have access to significant public funds and can support research that may not generate immediate financial returns. For example, research into rare diseases, vaccines, and treatments for widespread illnesses may be expensive but essential for society. Moreover, government-funded research can focus on the needs of the population rather than the potential profitability of a particular treatment.

Nevertheless, private companies also have an important role in medical research. Pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies often possess advanced technology, highly qualified researchers, and substantial financial resources. Their involvement can accelerate the development of new medicines and innovative treatments. However, because private organisations generally operate for profit, they may prioritise diseases and treatments that have a large commercial market. As a result, less profitable areas of medical research could receive insufficient funding.

Individuals can also contribute through donations and charitable organisations, particularly in relation to specific diseases or medical causes. However, their financial resources are generally limited compared with those available to governments and large corporations. Therefore, individual contributions should be viewed as complementary rather than as the main source of funding.

In conclusion, although private companies and individuals can make valuable contributions to medical research, I believe governments should remain the primary funders and coordinators. This would ensure that medical research focuses on improving public health and addressing important medical needs rather than being driven mainly by commercial profitability.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 7.5

The response fully addresses all parts of the prompt. You have taken a clear position from the introduction and maintained it throughout the essay. Each paragraph is well-developed, providing logical reasons for why governments should lead, while also acknowledging the roles of private companies and individuals. The arguments are supported by relevant examples, such as the mention of rare diseases and vaccines, which demonstrates a good understanding of the complexities involved in medical research funding. The conclusion effectively synthesizes your position, ensuring the response is balanced and comprehensive.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 7.5

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 'The main reason', 'Nevertheless', and 'In conclusion'. The use of referencing is precise, and the flow of information is natural. The paragraphing is used appropriately to separate the different perspectives on funding, which makes the argument easy to follow. There is no evidence of mechanical or repetitive use of linking words; the structure supports the argument well.

Lexical Resource — Band 7.0

You demonstrate a good range of vocabulary appropriate for an academic essay. Phrases such as 'substantial financial investment', 'commercial interests', and 'complementary rather than as the main source' show a high level of precision. The vocabulary is used naturally and accurately throughout the text. While the range is sufficient and effective, incorporating a few more sophisticated, topic-specific collocations or idiomatic academic expressions could elevate the response further. However, the current level is strong and conveys your meaning clearly without any errors in word choice.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 7.5

The essay displays a wide range of grammatical structures, including complex sentences and varied clause types. The control over grammar is excellent, with the majority of sentences being error-free. Punctuation is used correctly to enhance clarity. There are no significant grammatical slips that impede communication. The use of modal verbs and conditional structures is accurate, contributing to the formal tone of the writing. The consistency in maintaining tense and subject-verb agreement is commendable, reflecting a high level of grammatical competence.

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