Band 6.5 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 6.5 · Cambridge IELTS 18 · 2026-09-21

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 6.5)

In many countries, people are leaving rural areas and moving to cities, which has led to a decline in the countryside population. Although this trend can provide some benefits, I believe it is largely a negative development because it can create problems for both rural and urban areas.

One major advantage of people moving to cities is that they can have better employment and educational opportunities. Cities usually offer more jobs in different industries, as well as better universities and training centres. For example, many young people in India move from villages to cities such as Delhi and Mumbai to find better-paid jobs and continue their education. As a result, they may be able to build successful careers and improve their standard of living. Cities also often have better healthcare, public transport and other essential services.

However, the disadvantages of this trend are more significant. First, a large movement of people to cities can increase pressure on housing, transport and public services. This may lead to traffic congestion, expensive accommodation and overcrowded neighbourhoods. For instance, the rapid growth of Delhi has contributed to serious traffic and housing problems in some areas. In addition, rural areas may lose a large part of their young and working population. This can reduce the number of people available to work in agriculture. Consequently, food production and the local economy may suffer.

Another concern is that rapid urban growth can cause environmental problems. More people in cities generally means greater demand for energy, water and transportation, which can increase pollution and waste.

In conclusion, moving from rural areas to cities can give people better access to jobs and services, but the overall effects can be negative. Governments should improve employment, education and public services in rural areas to create a better balance between cities and the countryside.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 6.5

The response fully addresses all parts of the prompt by discussing both the positive and negative aspects of rural-to-urban migration and presenting a clear overall position that it is a negative development. The introduction clearly outlines the stance, and body paragraphs provide relevant ideas supported by appropriate examples, such as the migration patterns in India and the growth of Delhi. The ideas are well extended and supported, demonstrating a strong understanding of the socio-economic and environmental implications. The response meets all task requirements effectively, earning a solid band score for this criterion without any omissions.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.5

The essay presents a clear logical organisation and progression throughout. Each paragraph has a distinct central topic, starting with the benefits, moving to the disadvantages on infrastructure and agriculture, and finally addressing environmental concerns before concluding. Cohesive devices are used appropriately, such as 'Although this trend', 'For instance', 'In addition', and 'Another concern', guiding the reader smoothly through the argument. Paragraphing is used sufficiently and appropriately, and referencing throughout the text remains clear and logical, satisfying the descriptors for a band 7.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.5

The student demonstrates a sufficient range of vocabulary for flexibility and precision. Words and phrases such as 'socio-economic', 'infrastructure', 'traffic congestion', and 'standard of living' are used effectively. There are attempts at less common lexical items with a general awareness of style and collocation (e.g., 'working population', 'food production'). While the vocabulary is generally natural and appropriate for an academic task, it occasionally relies on standard, everyday collocations rather than truly sophisticated or uncommon phrasing, which places it firmly in the band 7 category.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 6.5

The writer displays a good variety of complex structures alongside simple sentences, maintaining frequent error-free sentences throughout the essay. Examples of complex structures include concessive clauses ('Although this trend can provide some benefits, I believe...') and conditional or participial structures. Control of grammar and punctuation is generally good, with only occasional minor slips that never impede communication. The overall grammatical accuracy and range align well with the expectations for a band 7 performance.

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