Band 8.0 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 8.0 · Cambridge IELTS 18 · 2026-09-17

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 8.0)

It is becoming increasingly common for people in rural areas to move to cities in search of better opportunities, causing the population of the countryside to decline. Although this trend can benefit individuals by giving them access to improved employment and services, I believe it is largely a negative development because it can weaken rural communities and place additional pressure on urban areas.

One reason why people move to cities is that urban centres usually offer better job prospects, education and healthcare. Young adults, in particular, may leave villages because there are fewer career opportunities in agriculture or small local businesses. By relocating to cities, they may be able to earn higher salaries and improve their standard of living. In this sense, rural-to-urban migration can contribute to personal and economic development.

However, the decline of rural populations can create serious long-term problems. As younger and more skilled residents leave, rural communities may suffer from labour shortages, an ageing population and the closure of local schools, shops and medical services. This can make life increasingly difficult for those who remain. In addition, cities receiving large numbers of migrants may face overcrowding, traffic congestion, housing shortages and greater pressure on public services. For example, rapidly growing urban populations can increase demand for affordable housing and transport faster than governments are able to provide them.

In conclusion, while migration to cities can offer individuals better employment and access to essential services, I consider the overall trend to be negative. The loss of population can damage the social and economic sustainability of rural areas, while excessive urban growth can create new problems in cities.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 8.0

The response fully addresses all parts of the prompt by discussing the movement of rural people to cities and clearly stating a position that this is largely a negative development. In the introduction, you outline both the perceived personal benefits and the broader negative consequences. Body paragraph one explores the economic drivers behind migration, such as better job prospects, education, and healthcare. Body paragraph two effectively contrasts this by detailing the long-term problems in rural areas, including labour shortages and an ageing population, alongside urban pressures like overcrowding and housing shortages. Your ideas are well-developed and supported with logical explanations and examples, satisfying the requirements for a high band score under Task Achievement.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 8.0

Your essay demonstrates a clear logical organisation and progression throughout. Each paragraph has a distinct focus, beginning with a well-structured introduction that presents your thesis statement. Transitional phrases and cohesive devices, such as 'One reason why', 'However', and 'In addition', are used naturally to link ideas together without being obtrusive. Paragraphing is handled skilfully and appropriately, separating the causes of migration from its consequences and leading smoothly into a concise concluding summary. Referencing is clear throughout the text, ensuring that the reader can easily follow your line of argument from start to finish.

Lexical Resource — Band 7.0

You display a sufficient and flexible range of vocabulary suited to an academic discussion. Phrases like 'rural-to-urban migration', 'labour shortages', 'ageing population', and 'economic sustainability' demonstrate a good command of less common items and correct collocations. Word choice is generally precise, allowing you to convey complex socio-economic arguments effectively. While there are a few standard lexical collocations rather than highly sophisticated or rare academic idioms, the vocabulary is more than adequate to allow fluid communication and meets the criteria for Band 7.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 8.0

Your writing exhibits a good variety of complex structures alongside simple sentences, such as concessive clauses ('Although this trend can benefit...') and conditional ideas. The majority of your sentences are grammatically accurate, and punctuation is well-controlled throughout the essay. You demonstrate good control over verb tenses, subject-verb agreement, and modal verbs (e.g., 'may face overcrowding', 'can contribute to'). Errors are extremely rare and do not impede communication in any way, reflecting the high level of accuracy expected at Band 8.

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