Band 7.5 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 7.5 · Recent IELTS Exams (Canada & India) · 2026-08-20

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 7.5)

In many countries, fewer students are choosing to study science at university, despite the important role that scientific knowledge plays in modern society. This trend can be explained by several factors, including the difficulty of science subjects and the attraction of other career paths. It can also have serious consequences for economic development and technological progress.

One major reason is that science subjects are often considered difficult and demanding. Students usually need strong skills in mathematics, problem-solving and critical thinking, and science degrees can involve a heavy workload. As a result, some young people prefer subjects that they believe will be easier to study or will allow them to achieve higher grades. In addition, students may be discouraged by the amount of time required to complete scientific degrees, particularly when compared with careers that can lead to employment more quickly.

Another important factor is the perception that other professions offer better financial rewards. Fields such as business, finance, law and information technology can appear more attractive because they are often associated with high salaries and rapid career progression. Furthermore, some students may have limited knowledge of the wide range of careers available in science. If schools do not provide enough information about careers in areas such as biotechnology, environmental science or medical research, students may not recognise the opportunities that a science degree can provide.

A decline in the number of science graduates can have significant effects on society. First, it may lead to shortages of qualified scientists, engineers and researchers. This can reduce a country's ability to develop new technologies, medicines and environmentally sustainable solutions. For example, countries that invest heavily in scientific research are generally better positioned to compete in areas such as renewable energy, biotechnology and artificial intelligence.

There can also be wider economic consequences. Modern industries depend on workers with scientific and technical expertise, so a shortage of graduates may make it harder for businesses to innovate and remain competitive internationally. In the long term, this could reduce economic growth and increase a country's dependence on foreign technology and expertise. Society may also become less capable of responding to major challenges such as climate change, disease outbreaks and food security.

In conclusion, the declining popularity of science at university is mainly caused by the perceived difficulty of these subjects, competition from more financially attractive careers and insufficient awareness of scientific career opportunities. If this trend continues, societies may face shortages of skilled professionals, slower technological development and difficulties in dealing with major global challenges. Therefore, schools and governments should encourage students to consider science as a rewarding and valuable career choice.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 7.5

The response fully addresses all parts of the prompt. You have clearly identified multiple causes, such as the perceived difficulty of science subjects and the allure of more lucrative career paths, and provided a comprehensive analysis of the societal effects, including economic stagnation and the inability to address global challenges. The position is clear throughout, and the ideas are well-developed and supported with relevant examples, such as the mention of renewable energy and biotechnology. The structure is logical, and the conclusion effectively synthesizes the main points, ensuring the response is balanced and thorough.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 7.5

The essay is logically organized with a clear progression of ideas. Each paragraph focuses on a specific aspect of the prompt, and the transition between the causes and the effects is seamless. You have used a variety of cohesive devices effectively, such as 'In addition,' 'Furthermore,' and 'In the long term,' which help guide the reader through your argument. Paragraphing is used appropriately to separate distinct themes. The flow of information is natural, and the relationship between sentences is consistently clear, demonstrating a high level of control over the structure of the essay.

Lexical Resource — Band 7.0

You demonstrate a wide and flexible range of vocabulary that is appropriate for an academic context. Phrases such as 'rapid career progression,' 'environmentally sustainable solutions,' and 'disease outbreaks' show a good command of topic-specific language. You use less common lexical items with precision, and there is a clear awareness of style and collocation. While the vocabulary is consistently accurate and sophisticated, it stops just short of the 'very natural, sophisticated control' required for a band 9, as some phrasing remains standard rather than idiomatic or highly nuanced. Nevertheless, it is a strong performance.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 7.5

The essay displays a wide range of grammatical structures, including complex sentences with subordinate clauses and conditional structures. The majority of your sentences are error-free, and your control over punctuation and tense usage is excellent. There are no significant grammatical errors that impede communication. You successfully combine simple and complex forms to maintain a formal tone throughout. The writing is consistently accurate, and the few minor slips that might occur are non-systematic and do not detract from the overall clarity or sophistication of the argument.

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