Band 8.5 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 8.5 · Cambridge IELTS 18 · 2026-09-18

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 8.5)

Absolutely. Here is a **Band 9-style IELTS Writing Task 2 answer** with a clear position, strong development, and natural vocabulary.

### Band 9 Sample Answer

The movement of rural populations to cities is a growing trend in many countries, resulting in the gradual decline of populations in the countryside. Although urban migration can provide individuals with better employment and educational opportunities, I believe that the overall decline of rural populations is a **negative development**, particularly because it can undermine rural economies and place excessive pressure on cities.

One major disadvantage is the effect on the agricultural sector. When large numbers of working-age people leave rural areas, there may be fewer people available to cultivate farmland and maintain agricultural production. This can reduce domestic food supplies and increase a country's dependence on imported products. In addition, rural communities may gradually lose essential services such as small businesses, schools and healthcare facilities because there are fewer residents to support them. For example, in parts of Nepal, young people often move to Kathmandu or abroad in search of better opportunities, leaving many villages with predominantly older populations and fewer people engaged in farming.

Another concern is that rapid urban migration can create serious problems in cities. If urban areas cannot accommodate the growing population, they may experience housing shortages, traffic congestion, unemployment and increased pressure on public services. In contrast, a more balanced distribution of the population would allow countries to develop both urban and rural areas rather than concentrating economic activity in a few major cities.

Admittedly, migration to cities can have significant benefits. Urban areas generally offer greater access to universities, specialized healthcare and higher-paying jobs, which can improve people's living standards. However, these individual benefits do not necessarily outweigh the wider social and economic consequences of rural depopulation.

In conclusion, although moving to cities can offer people better opportunities, I consider the continuing decline of rural populations to be a negative development overall. Governments should therefore encourage balanced regional development by improving rural infrastructure, education, healthcare and employment opportunities so that people are not compelled to leave their communities in search of a better future.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 8.5

The response fully addresses all parts of the task. The writer takes a clear and well-developed position right from the introductory paragraph, stating that the decline of rural populations is a negative development. This stance is maintained consistently throughout the essay. Main ideas are extended and supported with relevant explanations and examples, such as the discussion on the agricultural sector and the specific reference to Nepal where young people migrate to Kathmandu. Counterarguments are also acknowledged and addressed in the fourth paragraph, which adds depth to the discussion and satisfies the requirements for a fully developed response at the highest level.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 8.5

The essay demonstrates logical organization and progression throughout. Each paragraph has a clear central topic, moving smoothly from the introduction to the impacts on agriculture, urban pressures, counterarguments, and a concluding summary. Cohesive devices such as 'Although urban migration', 'One major disadvantage', 'In addition', 'Another concern', 'In contrast', and 'Admittedly' are used naturally and effectively without being obtrusive. Paragraphing is managed skilfully and appropriately, with each paragraph contributing logically to the overall argument.

Lexical Resource — Band 8.5

The student uses a wide, fluent, and flexible range of vocabulary appropriate for an academic essay. Less common lexical items are employed skilfully and naturally, such as 'rural depopulation', 'agricultural sector', 'cultivate farmland', 'predominantly older populations', and 'balanced regional development'. Word choice and collocations are accurate throughout, and there are no noticeable spelling or word-choice errors, demonstrating sophisticated control of the language.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 8.5

A wide range of structures is used with full flexibility and accuracy. The essay features a seamless mix of complex and compound sentences, such as 'When large numbers of working-age people leave rural areas, there may be fewer people available to cultivate farmland and maintain agricultural production.' Grammar and punctuation are handled expertly, with only rare minor slips if any. The majority of sentences are completely error-free, reflecting a high level of grammatical control.

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