Band 7.0 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 7.0 · Cambridge IELTS 18 · 2026-08-19

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 7.0)

The global population has been steadily increasing, leading to a noticeable migration of rural inhabitants to urban centers and a subsequent decline in the population of rural areas. This phenomenon has sparked debates regarding its implications. In my view, this situation has both favorable and unfavorable aspects.

On the one hand, the influx of rural residents into metropolitan cities such as Istanbul, London, or NYC can significantly bolster the economic growth and development of these urban hubs. The migration of labor from rural areas can fill the gaps in the workforce of these cities, alleviating labor shortages and stimulating economic prosperity. For example, the German government recently initiated a program to attract skilled immigrants to mitigate labor shortages in major cities. This demonstrates how the migration of rural dwellers can address employment challenges and contribute to the economic vitality of urban centers.

On the other hand, the mass exodus of rural inhabitants to cities could lead to detrimental repercussions. It is imperative for individuals to remain in rural areas to ensure the sustainability of agriculture and the preservation of natural landscapes. The decline in rural populations may result in a scarcity of locally cultivated produce, which is essential for maintaining fertile soil and preserving the natural environment. Without a sustainable rural population, there is a risk of damaging the agricultural landscape, leading to a shortage of fresh produce and adverse environmental consequences.

In conclusion, while the migration of rural people to cities presents certain advantages, it also poses challenges. It is crucial for governments to recognize these population movements and implement measures to mitigate their negative impacts while harnessing their positive aspects. Balancing the interests of rural and urban areas is essential to ensure sustainable development and avoid adverse consequences for both regions.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 7.0

The response addresses all parts of the task, providing a balanced view by discussing both the economic benefits of urban migration and the environmental risks to rural areas. The position is clear from the introduction and maintained throughout. Ideas are well-developed, particularly the economic argument regarding labor shortages. However, the example provided about the German government is slightly tangential, as it focuses on international immigration rather than internal rural-to-urban migration. Despite this, the response is well-supported and meets the requirements of the prompt effectively.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 7.5

The essay is logically organized with a clear introduction, two body paragraphs, and a conclusion. Paragraphing is used effectively to separate the opposing viewpoints. Cohesive devices such as 'On the one hand', 'On the other hand', and 'In conclusion' are used appropriately to guide the reader through the argument. The progression of ideas is smooth, and referencing is clear throughout the text. The structure is coherent and follows a standard academic format, making the essay easy to follow.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.5

The vocabulary is sufficient and appropriate for the task. The student uses a range of topic-specific terms such as 'metropolitan cities', 'economic prosperity', 'detrimental repercussions', and 'sustainable development'. There is a good level of precision in word choice, and collocations are generally natural. While the vocabulary is effective, it does not consistently reach the level of 'sophisticated' or 'uncommon' lexical items that would characterize the highest band, but it is certainly more than adequate for a high-scoring response.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 7.5

The essay demonstrates a good command of complex sentence structures, such as the use of participial phrases ('leading to a noticeable migration') and conditional structures. The majority of sentences are error-free, and punctuation is handled correctly. There is a high level of grammatical control, with only very minor slips. The variety of structures used contributes to the overall fluency of the writing, and the grammar does not impede communication at any point.

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