Band 6.5 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 6.5 · Recent IELTS Exams (Canada & India) · 2026-08-03

IELTS Writing Task 2 question

In many countries not enough students are choosing to study science at university. What are the causes of this? What effects does it have on society?

Give reasons for your answer and include relevant examples from your knowledge or experience.

Student answer (Band 6.5)

The declining interest in pursuing science disciplines among university students is a trend that has raised concerns and warrants careful examination. This phenomenon can be attributed to several underlying factors, and its potential ramifications could impact various aspects of society.

One primary reason for the reduced attraction towards science studies is the perceived complexity of these subjects. Students may find science subjects challenging and demanding, requiring rigorous analytical thinking and problem-solving skills. As a result, some individuals may opt for fields perceived as less daunting, leading to a decline in science enrolment. Moreover, societal perceptions of career prospects also play a role. Students might believe that non-science fields offer more lucrative and accessible job opportunities, leading them to opt for other disciplines. For instance, a recent survey conducted by an education research institute in the USA found that more than 70% of the participant believe that BBA and MBA are better career paths than pure science majors.

The repercussions of this trend could extend beyond individual career choices. A diminished interest in science could lead to a shortage of skilled professionals in critical areas such as medicine, engineering, and environmental sciences. This shortage could hinder scientific advancements, technological innovations, and solutions to global challenges. For instance, many developing countries already have a shortage of skilled scientists, researchers and doctors, and the trend coupled with brain drain is expected to make things worse for them. Additionally, a lack of scientifically literate individuals in society may hamper public understanding of scientific issues and hinder informed decision-making on matters such as climate change and public health.

In conclusion, declining interest in science disciplines among university students can be attributed to factors such as perceived complexity and career prospects. The potential consequences of this trend extend beyond individual career paths to impact scientific advancements and informed societal decision-making. To counteract this trend, concerted efforts are needed to promote the value of science education and its role in addressing global challenges.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 6.5

The response addresses both parts of the prompt—causes and effects—thoroughly. The causes, specifically the perceived difficulty of science subjects and the allure of business-related careers, are well-articulated. The effects are also clearly identified, focusing on the shortage of skilled professionals and the broader societal impact on informed decision-making. The ideas are extended and supported with relevant examples, such as the reference to the USA survey and the mention of brain drain in developing countries. The position is clear throughout, and the response maintains a consistent focus on the topic, fulfilling all requirements of the task effectively.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.5

The essay is logically organized with a clear progression of ideas. Each paragraph has a central theme, and the transition between the causes and the effects is smooth. Cohesive devices such as 'Moreover', 'For instance', and 'Additionally' are used effectively to link sentences and ideas. The paragraphing is appropriate, with a clear introduction, two body paragraphs, and a concise conclusion. The referencing is accurate, and the flow of the argument is easy to follow, demonstrating a high level of control over the structure of the essay.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.0

The vocabulary is precise and appropriate for an academic context. The student uses a sufficient range of vocabulary to convey complex ideas, such as 'ramifications', 'analytical thinking', 'scientifically literate', and 'concerted efforts'. There is a good awareness of collocation, and the word choices are generally accurate. While the range is sufficient for a high band, there is room to incorporate even more sophisticated or idiomatic academic collocations to reach the highest level. Overall, the lexical resource is strong and supports the clear communication of the student's arguments.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 6.0

The essay demonstrates a good variety of complex sentence structures, including conditional clauses and relative clauses. The grammar is generally accurate, with the majority of sentences being error-free. There is a minor slip in the sentence 'more than 70% of the participant believe', where 'participant' should be plural ('participants'). However, this is a rare, non-systematic error that does not impede communication. The punctuation is used correctly throughout, and the control over complex structures is consistent, reflecting a high level of grammatical competence.

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