Band 5.0 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 5.0 · Cambridge IELTS 18 · 2026-09-03
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 5.0)
Seeing the global debate on the issue of declined population at the countryside is common. Believing this is a favourable shift moving to the urban cities, I will explain my perspective with examples.
Beginning with my position on moving to cities is an ideal decision as the world is growing. Since there are better options in the urban areas as compared to the rural areas. Although, rural areas do have job opportunities like farming and crop handling etc. However, not as high paying as the city jobs, Although city jobs require more qualification and hard work.
Another justification is schooling is way better in cities as compared to the countryside, there is more competition, activities and more socialization. Moreover there are more facliaties in urban areas in the comparison of rural areas. Such as the accommodation level are better in cities then in rural areas because there is more modernization and give more of an updated look.
In conclusion, although some might consider countryside areas over the cities and town, I am of the opinion that cities are way better then countryside areas, due to better accommodation, job opportunities and a perfect way of life.
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 5.0 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 5.5 |
| Lexical Resource | 5.0 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 5.0 |
| Overall | 5.0 |
Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 5.0
The response fails to meet the minimum word count requirement of 250 words, reaching only 195 words. This significantly impacts the development of ideas, as the arguments regarding job opportunities and education remain superficial and lack specific examples or depth. While the position is clear, the under-length nature of the essay prevents a full exploration of the topic, leading to a fragmented discussion. To improve, you must expand on your points with concrete examples and ensure you meet the minimum length to allow for a more comprehensive response.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.5
The essay is organised into paragraphs, but the logical progression is hindered by the brevity of the content. Cohesive devices are used, such as 'Beginning with', 'Another justification', and 'In conclusion', but they are sometimes used mechanically or incorrectly (e.g., 'Although, rural areas...'). The referencing is occasionally unclear, and the flow between sentences feels disjointed due to the lack of supporting detail. Improving the use of linking words and ensuring each paragraph has a clear, well-developed central idea will help improve the overall coherence.
Lexical Resource — Band 5.0
The vocabulary is generally adequate for basic communication but lacks the range and precision required for higher bands. You rely on repetitive and simple phrasing, such as 'better options', 'way better', and 'more'. There are also some inaccuracies in word choice, such as 'declined population at the countryside' (should be 'in the countryside') and 'facliaties' (spelling error). To achieve a higher score, try to incorporate more sophisticated vocabulary related to urbanisation and socio-economic development, and focus on using words in their correct collocations.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.0
The essay contains a mix of simple and complex sentence structures, but there are frequent grammatical errors that occasionally impede clarity. Examples include sentence fragments like 'Since there are better options in the urban areas as compared to the rural areas' and incorrect comparative structures like 'better then' (should be 'better than'). Punctuation is also inconsistent, particularly with comma usage. To improve, focus on mastering basic sentence construction and proofreading for common errors such as subject-verb agreement and the correct use of comparative adjectives.
See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.
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