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, an increasing number of students are choosing not to pursue science-related subjects at university. This trend can be attributed to several factors, including the demanding nature of scientific disciplines and the growing appeal of alternative career paths. It may also have significant consequences for technological development and the economy.

One major reason for the declining interest in science is that these subjects are often perceived as academically challenging. Degrees such as physics, chemistry and biology generally involve considerable amounts of theoretical study, mathematics and practical work, which may discourage students who prefer less demanding fields. Another important factor is the availability of attractive alternatives. Subjects such as business, management and information technology can appear to offer lucrative salaries and quicker career progression, encouraging young people to select them instead of traditional science degrees. In addition, inadequate practical exposure at school may prevent students from developing an interest in scientific subjects. If science is taught mainly through textbooks and examinations rather than experiments and real-world applications, students may find it uninteresting.

This decline could have several detrimental effects on society. First, it may lead to a shortage of qualified scientists, researchers and engineers. These professionals are essential for advancing fields such as medicine, renewable energy, biotechnology and environmental protection. Consequently, countries with an insufficient scientific workforce may become increasingly dependent on foreign expertise. Second, fewer science graduates could hinder technological innovation. Scientific research is fundamental to the development of new medicines, energy-efficient technologies and other solutions to global challenges. For example, a country experiencing a shortage of researchers may struggle to develop innovative technologies and remain competitive in the global economy.

In conclusion, the declining number of university students choosing science is mainly caused by the demanding nature of these subjects, the attractiveness of alternative careers and limited practical exposure. If this trend continues, societies could face shortages of skilled professionals and slower scientific and technological progress.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 7.5

The response fully addresses both parts of the prompt: the causes (academic difficulty, alternative career paths, and poor school exposure) and the effects (shortage of experts and hindered innovation). The position is clear throughout, and the ideas are well-developed with relevant examples, such as mentioning specific fields like medicine and renewable energy. The structure is logical, and the response maintains a consistent focus on the topic. The arguments are well-supported, providing a comprehensive answer that meets all requirements of the task effectively.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 7.5

The essay is logically organized with a clear progression of ideas. Each paragraph has a central theme, and the transition between the causes and effects is smooth. Cohesive devices such as 'In addition', 'Consequently', and 'First/Second' are used effectively to guide the reader. Paragraphing is used appropriately, with a clear introduction, body paragraphs for each prompt component, and a concise conclusion. The flow of information is natural, and the relationship between ideas is always clear, demonstrating a high level of control over the structure of the argument.

Lexical Resource — Band 7.5

The vocabulary is precise and appropriate for an academic context. The student uses a good range of topic-specific terminology, such as 'scientific disciplines', 'lucrative salaries', 'technological innovation', and 'detrimental effects'. The word choice is accurate, and there is evidence of a flexible range of vocabulary that allows for clear expression of complex ideas. There are no significant errors in word choice or collocation, and the language used is sophisticated enough to convey the intended meaning effectively without being repetitive.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 7.5

The essay demonstrates a high level of grammatical control. A variety of complex structures are used, such as conditional sentences ('If science is taught...', 'If this trend continues...') and relative clauses. The majority of sentences are error-free, and the punctuation is accurate throughout. The control over tense and subject-verb agreement is consistent. While the structures are not overly experimental, they are used with high accuracy and flexibility, which is sufficient for a high band score. The writing is clear, professional, and free from distracting errors.

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