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)

In many countries, fewer students are choosing science subjects at university. This has become a serious concern because science plays an important role in the development of society. There are several reasons for this trend, and it can have negative effects on the future.

One of the main causes is that many students believe science subjects are difficult. They require a lot of hard work, strong mathematical skills, and long hours of study. As a result, many young people prefer subjects such as business or social sciences, which they consider easier. Another reason is that some science-related jobs do not offer high salaries at the beginning of a career. For example, a graduate working in a research laboratory may earn less than someone working in finance or information technology.

This trend can have several negative effects on society. Firstly, there may not be enough scientists, engineers, and researchers to solve important problems such as climate change, diseases, and energy shortages. Without skilled professionals, scientific progress could slow down. Secondly, countries may become less competitive in technology and innovation. For instance, nations with fewer science graduates may depend on other countries for new inventions and medical discoveries, which can affect their economic growth.

In conclusion, the main reasons why students avoid science are its difficulty and limited financial rewards in some careers. This situation may reduce scientific development and weaken a country's economy. Therefore, governments and universities should encourage more students to study science by providing scholarships, career guidance, and better job opportunities.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 7.0

The response fully addresses both parts of the prompt: the causes (perceived difficulty and salary concerns) and the effects (lack of innovation and economic impact). The position is clear throughout, and the ideas are well-developed with relevant examples, such as comparing science graduates to those in finance. The structure is logical, and the conclusion provides a concise summary and a relevant suggestion. The response meets all requirements of the task effectively, demonstrating a clear understanding of the prompt and providing a balanced, well-supported argument.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 7.0

The essay is logically organized with a clear progression of ideas. Each paragraph has a central theme, and the transition between the causes and effects is smooth. Cohesive devices such as 'As a result,' 'For instance,' and 'Firstly' are used effectively to link ideas. Paragraphing is used appropriately to separate the different aspects of the argument. The flow of information is natural, and the reader can easily follow the writer's line of reasoning from the introduction to the conclusion.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.0

The vocabulary is sufficient and appropriate for the task. The writer uses a range of topic-specific terms such as 'scientific progress,' 'innovation,' 'medical discoveries,' and 'economic growth.' While the vocabulary is accurate and clear, it lacks a high degree of sophistication or 'less common' lexical items that would push the score into the 8.0+ range. However, there are no errors in word choice or collocation that impede meaning, and the language is used with good control throughout.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 6.5

The essay demonstrates a good mix of simple and complex sentence structures. The grammar is generally accurate, with very few errors. For example, the use of conditional structures and complex noun phrases is handled well. Punctuation is used correctly to support the clarity of the text. While the range of structures is solid, it does not consistently display the 'full flexibility' or 'wide range' required for a band 8 or 9, but the high level of accuracy makes the writing very easy to read.

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