Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 5.5 · Cambridge IELTS 18 · 2026-10-12

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)

As far as this topic is concerned, I would like to say that the movement of rural people moving to cities has always been debatable and now has become more controversial with many people claiming that it is beneficial while others reject this notion. The substantial influence of this trend has sparked the controversy over the potential impact in the recent years. From my perspective, the former proposition appears to be more rational. This essay will further elaborate my views for favoring the positive and negative impacts of this trend and thus will lead to a logical conclusion.

Analyzing the statement further, the primary reason behind this is that most of the people move from rural areas to cities due to lack of employment opportunities and educational facilities. People believe that urban areas offer better jobs, quality education and modern healthcare services. Categorically discussing, it cannot be ignored that the main reason behind this is that especially in our country, it has far-reaching consequences. This trend can lead to unemployment, overcrowding and a shortage of basic facilities because a large number of people move to cities in search of better opportunities while rural areas lose their workforce and remain underdeveloped.

Moving further, it is pertinent to mention that it is the basic duty of the government to provide a safe and stable society for the betterment of the public. It is imperative for the authorities concerned to look into the factor behind this issue and take a drastic action against the concerned persons.

To encapsulate, I would like to appeal to the learned figures to come forward, focus their gaze at this issue and launch a vigorous campaign to reform it across the society.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 4.5

The response identifies a positive position in the introduction, but it does not maintain or explain that position consistently. The phrase “the former proposition” is unclear because the task presents no explicit two-sided proposition, and the essay then promises to discuss “positive and negative impacts” without reaching a clear judgement. Most of the body describes reasons people move and possible negative effects, such as overcrowding and rural areas losing workers; the benefits of migration are only briefly listed as better jobs, education and healthcare. The final paragraph calls for government action but does not connect this recommendation to a developed answer about whether the trend is positive or negative. To strengthen the response, state one clear view and support it with specific explanations or examples.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 4.5

There is a recognisable introduction, body paragraphs and conclusion, and linking expressions such as “Analyzing the statement further,” “Moving further” and “To encapsulate” signal stages of the essay. However, progression between ideas is weak: the first body paragraph moves from reasons for migration to its negative consequences without explaining how these points support the stated positive view. The second body paragraph shifts to general government duties and action against “concerned persons,” which is not clearly linked to the argument. Some transitions sound formulaic, and the conclusion introduces a campaign rather than summarising the essay’s reasoning. Organise the body around a small number of connected points, use clear references to the central position, and make the conclusion follow directly from the discussion.

Lexical Resource: Band 6.0

The response shows an adequate range and attempts less common or formal vocabulary, including “substantial influence,” “far-reaching consequences,” “overcrowding” and “underdeveloped.” These choices help communicate the topic, and the meaning is generally understandable. However, some expressions are imprecise or unnatural in context, such as “the former proposition,” “drastic action against the concerned persons” and “focus their gaze at this issue.” The repeated use of formal framing phrases also makes the language sound less direct. Aim for precise topic vocabulary and natural collocations rather than adding formality for its own sake; for example, identify the specific policies or groups involved instead of referring vaguely to “concerned persons.”

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 6.0

The essay uses a mix of simple and complex sentence forms, including a subordinate clause in “because a large number of people move to cities” and a relative clause in “which has far-reaching consequences.” Most sentences remain understandable, and grammatical errors rarely prevent the reader from following the main point. Some constructions are awkward or unclear, however. In the opening, “the movement of rural people moving to cities” repeats the same grammatical idea, while “the former proposition” lacks a clear grammatical reference. The sentence beginning “Categorically discussing” is also difficult to follow because its clauses do not connect clearly. Work on concise sentence construction and clear pronoun/reference links, while continuing to use varied sentence patterns.

See this exact question answered at other band scores. The same prompt compared across bands.

Browse more IELTS Writing model answers or get your own writing scored by the same AI examiner.