Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 5.5 · Cambridge IELTS 18 · 2026-08-16

IELTS Writing Task 2 question

In many countries around the world, rural people are moving to cities, so the population in the countryside is decreasing.

Do you think this is a positive or a negative development?

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

 

Student answer (Band 5.5)

Nowadays, several nations across the globe, village residents are travelling to developed areas, consequently the population in rural areas are reducing. The development has a both the advantages and the disadvantages. However, I firmly believe that the negative aspects of this situation surpass the positive ones. My stance will be discussed in the upcoming paragraphs with relevant reasons and appropriate examples.

To begin with, as opposed to the merits there are several drawbacks that cannot be overlooked. The primary and most significant demerit is that urban areas become overcrowded. This is because, increasing number of residents are moving to cities, thus the environmental pollution rate is inclining in the developed cities. For example, according to the research, some rural communities are migrated at Delhi, hence people increase air pollution and as well as noise pollution by utilized higher amount of own vehicle. Additionally, another contributing factor is that, agriculture and farming can suffer, due to that food productivities are declined.

Furthermore, there are numerous benefits, First and foremost, it increases country's economy. Large number of people working in many company as a result to incline finish products and finance. Moreover, another major element is that the rural population can experienced modern technology in their life such as higher education, excellent healthcare systems, better job opportunities and good transportation.

To sum up, although People who living in rural areas are moving away in cities due to they can experienced modern technology and increases country's economy, according to my perspective, it has major pitfalls compare to the merits such as metropolitan areas become overpopulated then it creates pollution and also agriculture and farming can suffer.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 6.0

The response addresses the prompt by discussing both the positive and negative aspects of rural-to-urban migration, ultimately taking a clear position. However, the development of ideas is somewhat limited. While you mention overcrowding and agricultural decline, these points are not fully explored with sufficient depth or specific, well-integrated examples. The mention of Delhi is a good attempt at an example, but the explanation of how it relates to the broader argument is slightly disjointed. To improve, ensure that each body paragraph provides a more detailed explanation of the 'why' and 'how' behind your claims, rather than simply listing them.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.0

The essay is organised into clear paragraphs, and there is a logical progression of ideas. You use some cohesive devices such as 'To begin with', 'Furthermore', and 'To sum up' to guide the reader. However, the use of these devices is sometimes mechanical or slightly inaccurate, such as the transition 'as opposed to the merits there are several drawbacks' which feels a bit forced. Additionally, some sentences lack smooth internal flow, making the connection between ideas feel abrupt. Improving the variety of linking words and ensuring that referencing (e.g., 'this situation', 'these factors') is precise will help elevate your score.

Lexical Resource — Band 5.5

You demonstrate an adequate range of vocabulary for the task, including terms like 'metropolitan', 'overcrowded', and 'infrastructure-related' concepts. However, there are frequent errors in word choice and collocation that occasionally impede clarity, such as 'food productivities are declined' (should be 'food production declines') and 'inclining' used incorrectly for 'increasing'. Some phrases are also repetitive or awkward, such as 'utilised higher amount of own vehicle'. To reach a higher band, focus on using collocations correctly and expanding your range of academic vocabulary to express complex ideas more naturally.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.0

The essay contains a mix of simple and complex sentence structures, but there is a high frequency of grammatical errors throughout. Common issues include subject-verb agreement ('the population... are reducing'), incorrect verb forms ('are migrated', 'can experienced'), and missing articles or prepositions. These errors are persistent and sometimes make the meaning difficult to follow. While you attempt complex sentences, the lack of control over basic grammar rules prevents the essay from reaching a higher band. Focus on proofreading for subject-verb agreement and ensuring consistent verb tense usage.

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