Band 7.0 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 7.0 · Cambridge IELTS 18 · 2026-08-30

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)

In many countries, an increasing number of people are leaving rural areas in search of better opportunities in cities, resulting in a decline in the countryside's population. Although this trend can provide individuals with greater access to employment and public services, I believe the overall impact is negative because it can weaken rural communities and place additional pressure on urban areas.

One major advantage of rural to urban migration is that cities generally offer a wide range of employment opportunities and better access to essential services. Urban areas tend to have more developed healthcare and educational facilities, as well as job in diverse industries. Consequently, people who move to cities may enjoy higher income and improved living standards. For example, a young individual from a remote village may have very limited career prospects locally but could find employment in the technology or service sector after shifting to a major city.

However, I believe the disadvantages of this trend are more significant. When large number of youths and economically active people leave rural communities, the remaining population becomes increasing elderly, while local businesses and essential services may decline due to reduced demand. This can create a vicious cycle of depopulation, as deteriorating facilities encourage even more residents to leave. At the same time, rapid urbanisation can place considerable strain on cities by increasing demand for housing, transport, healthcare and other public services. In developing countries, for instance, uncontrollable migration to major cities can contribute to overcrowding and the growth of informal settlements.

In conclusion, although moving to cities can improve individual's access to jobs and services, I consider the decline of rural population to be a negative development overall. Government should therefore invest in rural infrastructure, education and employment opportunities to make remaining in the countryside a more viable option possible.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 7.5

The response fully addresses all parts of the prompt. You have clearly stated your position in the introduction and maintained it throughout the essay. The ideas are well-developed, with a balanced discussion of the advantages of urban migration followed by a more detailed analysis of the negative consequences for both rural and urban areas. The arguments are supported by relevant examples, such as the mention of technology sector opportunities and the growth of informal settlements in developing countries. The conclusion effectively summarises your stance and offers a logical suggestion for government intervention, ensuring the task requirements are met with a high level of clarity and focus.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 7.5

The essay is logically organised with a clear progression of ideas. Each paragraph has a central theme, and the transition between the advantages and disadvantages is handled smoothly using the cohesive device 'However'. You make effective use of linking words such as 'Consequently', 'For example', and 'At the same time' to guide the reader through your arguments. Paragraphing is used appropriately to separate distinct points. The flow of information is natural, and the relationship between ideas is consistently clear, which meets the criteria for a high band score in this category.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.5

You demonstrate a good range of vocabulary that is appropriate for an academic task. Phrases like 'economically active', 'vicious cycle of depopulation', and 'informal settlements' show a strong command of topic-specific language. There are occasional minor inaccuracies, such as 'shifting to a major city' (where 'moving' or 'migrating' would be more standard) and 'increasing elderly' (which should be 'increasingly elderly'). However, these do not impede communication. The vocabulary is sufficiently flexible to convey precise meanings, and you successfully avoid repetitive language throughout the essay.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 7.0

The essay displays a good variety of complex sentence structures, such as the use of conditional and concessive clauses (e.g., 'Although this trend can provide...', 'When large number of youths... leave...'). While the majority of sentences are error-free, there are a few minor grammatical slips, such as 'large number of youths' (should be 'a large number') and 'individual's access' (should be 'individuals' access'). Punctuation is generally accurate, and the errors present are non-systematic and do not interfere with the reader's understanding of your arguments. You have shown good control over complex grammar.

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