Band 7.0 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 7.0 · Recent IELTS Exams (Canada & India) · 2026-08-09

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 7.0)

The fact that in many parts of the world an increasing number of students are reluctant to opt for studying science is widely argued. In my opinion, students' reluctance mainly stems from not only the perceived complexity of the subject, but also many handicaps in conventional teaching methods. This case may leave the country behind the times of innovations in the foreseeable future.

First and foremost, science subjects seem challenging and complex, which can significantly influence on the students' academic choices. This perception is primarily due to the abstract and intricate nature of scientific concepts. The challenge of grasping abstract scientific principles and applying them to practical problem-solving procedures can be overwhelming for those who struggle with these cognitive tasks. Consequently, students may be discouraged from delving into science courses, hesitating that they will not excel at this field.

Often characterized by a reliance on lectures and rote memorization, traditional teaching methods can also be a factor contributing to the decline in students choosing science as a study subject. Classes where information is presented through only verbal lectures, with limited hands-on experiments may be monotonous and fail to captivate students. In a study conducted at Stanford, where students were asked to complete a questionnaire about their reasons for abandoning science subjects, nearly 90% expressed dissatisfaction with the teaching methods.

Looking ahead, fewer students pursuing science means falling behind in scientific developments. For example, a drop in science enrollments can lead to fewer skilled professionals entering fields like biotechnology and space engineering, which are crucial for developing new medical treatments and advancing space exploration. This trend has led to the current shortage of qualified workers in the US, which has been linked to delays in technological advancements. Similarly, in countries like Germany and Japan, where there is a strong emphasis on science education, higher student engagement has been associated with rapid technological progress and innovations. In contrast, a decline in science graduates may impede countries to progress in critical areas such as renewable energy technology or AI.

In conclusion, a reduction in students' engagement in science is primarily associated with its complexity, and outdated teaching methods. In my view, this emerging trend may leave a country behind scientific developments in the long run.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 7.0

The response addresses both parts of the prompt—causes and effects—thoroughly. You have clearly identified the perceived complexity of science and outdated teaching methods as primary causes, and you have linked the decline in students to broader societal impacts like technological stagnation. The position is clear throughout, and the ideas are well-supported with relevant examples, such as the reference to biotechnology and space engineering. To reach a higher band, ensure that every point is fully extended; for instance, the link between the Stanford study and the broader argument could be slightly more explicit to ensure the connection between cause and effect is seamless.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 7.0

The essay is logically organized with a clear progression of ideas. Each paragraph has a central theme, and you use cohesive devices such as 'First and foremost', 'Consequently', and 'In contrast' effectively to guide the reader. Paragraphing is used appropriately to separate the causes from the effects. While the flow is generally smooth, some transitions between sentences could be more sophisticated to avoid a slightly mechanical feel. Overall, the structure is logical, and the referencing is clear throughout the text.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.5

You demonstrate a good range of vocabulary, using terms like 'intricate', 'monotonous', 'captivate', and 'impede' appropriately. There is an awareness of style and collocation, which helps convey your ideas with precision. However, there are minor inaccuracies, such as 'influence on the students' academic choices' (should be 'influence the students' academic choices') and 'excel at this field' (should be 'excel in this field'). To improve, focus on refining these collocations and incorporating more idiomatic or less common academic phrases to demonstrate greater flexibility.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 6.5

You use a variety of complex structures, such as conditional-like constructions and participial phrases, which shows good control. The majority of your sentences are error-free, and your punctuation is generally accurate. There are occasional minor slips, such as 'impede countries to progress' (should be 'impede countries from progressing') and 'hesitating that they will not excel' (should be 'fearing that they will not excel'). These errors are infrequent and do not impede communication, placing your performance firmly in the band 7 range.

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

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