Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 5.5 · Cambridge IELTS 18 · 2026-10-08

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 5.5)

Nowadays it is prevalent that people from the rural side shifting to urban areas. As a result of this, it is notable that population in the countryside is considerably declining. In would argue that it is neither a postive nor a negative development. The major disadvantage is the tremendous increase in urban population which is a pressing issue. However, rural people get so many advantages like education and medical facilities from shifting to urban cities.

To begin with, when a huge number of people start relocating to urban areas from countryside, it will adversely affect the population in the cities. This will demands the requirement of basic facilities like shelter, food and other basic facilities to be newly constructed. It is seen that, the goverment should have to invest a significant amount for providing such facilities to this increased population.Furthermore, this leads to scarcity of resources in cities. In addition,rise in population cause a profound impact on the environment.

On th other hand, it is exceptionally good for the rural people to relocate to cities. The major factor which contributes is the easy accessability to facilities like hospitals and schools. It is seen that, rural students from under developed sschools get better education fter moving from rural areas to urban cities. Additionally, exceptionally modern facilities like water supply, recreatin activities will definitely improve their standard of living. Moreover, transportation is the other key benefit which noticeably improve the live of rural people.

In conclusion, the shifting of people from rural to urban areas is neither considered as a postive nor a nrgative development as it contributes to some exceeptional and detrimental affects to rural areas and

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 6.0

You address the question and state a clear, balanced position: you consider the pressure on cities alongside the benefits rural migrants may gain. The two body paragraphs give relevant reasons, including demand for housing and resources, environmental effects, and improved access to schools, hospitals, and transport. However, the position is not fully sustained: the conclusion is unfinished and refers to effects “to rural areas,” although most disadvantages discussed concern cities. Several points, such as environmental impact and improved living standards, are asserted rather than explained with a specific example or clear cause-and-effect detail. Develop the comparison more fully and finish with a concise conclusion that directly answers whether the overall development is positive or negative.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 6.0

The response has a recognisable structure, with an introduction, two contrasting body paragraphs, and an attempted conclusion. Transitions such as “To begin with,” “On the other hand,” and “In conclusion” help signal the direction of the argument. However, some linking is mechanical, and connections between claims are not always clear. For example, the first body paragraph moves from demand for facilities to government investment, resource scarcity, and environmental effects without explaining how these points relate. The final sentence breaks off, so the argument does not reach a complete ending. Use clearer progression within each paragraph, connect each supporting detail to its main point, and ensure the conclusion is complete and consistent with the essay’s position.

Lexical Resource: Band 5.5

You use a reasonable range of topic vocabulary, including “relocating,” “scarcity of resources,” “standard of living,” and “access to facilities.” These choices show an attempt to discuss the issue beyond basic terms. However, inaccurate word forms, spelling, and collocations reduce precision: examples include “postive,” “accessability,” “recreatin,” and “detrimental affects.” Some phrases are also awkward or repetitive, such as “basic facilities” appearing twice in one sentence and “urban cities.” Aim for accurate, natural combinations and check spelling carefully. More precise terms for the effects on cities and rural migrants would make the argument clearer and more fluent.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 5.0

You attempt both simple and complex sentence forms, including clauses beginning “when” and “which,” and most ideas remain understandable. However, errors in verb forms, agreement, articles, and sentence construction occur across the response. For instance, “This will demands” should use a consistent verb form, while “rise in population cause” needs subject–verb agreement and an article. The opening phrase “people from the rural side shifting” also lacks a correctly formed verb construction. Punctuation and spacing are inconsistent, and the final sentence is incomplete. Review agreement and verb patterns, then proofread each sentence for a complete grammatical structure. Greater accuracy in these areas would make your varied sentence attempts more effective.

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