Band 7.5 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 7.5 · Recent IELTS Exams (Canada & India) · 2026-08-24

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, universities are experiencing a decline in the number of students choosing science-related subjects. This trend can be attributed to several factors, and it may have serious consequences for society if it continues.

One major reason is that science subjects are often perceived as difficult and demanding. Students may therefore prefer fields such as business, law or the humanities, which they believe offer more manageable courses and attractive career prospects. In addition, some science graduates face lengthy periods of education and training before securing well-paid employment. This can discourage young people who want to become financially independent as soon as possible. Another factor is the way science is taught in some schools. Excessive emphasis on theoretical knowledge, examinations and memorisation can make these subjects appear uninteresting, particularly when students have limited opportunities to conduct experiments or see practical applications.

The decline in science graduates can have significant effects on society. Most importantly, it may lead to a shortage of skilled professionals such as engineers, researchers, doctors and scientists. This could slow technological innovation and make countries increasingly dependent on foreign expertise. Furthermore, fewer researchers could mean slower progress in areas such as renewable energy, medicine and environmental protection. For example, countries with insufficient numbers of scientists may struggle to develop effective solutions to emerging challenges such as climate change and new diseases.

In conclusion, the declining popularity of university science courses is largely caused by their perceived difficulty, limited immediate financial rewards and uninspiring teaching methods. If this trend persists, societies may face serious shortages of scientific expertise and slower technological and medical progress.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 7.5

The response fully addresses both parts of the prompt: the causes (perceived difficulty, financial concerns, and teaching methods) and the effects (shortage of professionals and slower innovation). The ideas are well-developed and supported with logical explanations. For instance, the link between the lack of practical experiments and student disinterest is a clear, relevant point. The position is consistent throughout, and the conclusion effectively synthesises the main arguments. The response meets all requirements of the task, providing a balanced and comprehensive discussion.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 7.5

The essay is logically organised 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 'In addition', 'Another factor', 'Most importantly', and 'Furthermore' are used effectively to guide the reader. Paragraphing is used appropriately to separate the introduction, body paragraphs, and conclusion. The flow of information is natural, and the referencing is clear throughout the text, making the argument easy to follow.

Lexical Resource — Band 7.0

The vocabulary is precise and appropriate for an academic context. The student uses a range of topic-specific terms such as 'technological innovation', 'financial independence', and 'theoretical knowledge'. The word choice is generally accurate and natural, demonstrating a good level of control. While the range is sufficient to convey complex ideas clearly, it could be further enhanced by incorporating more sophisticated collocations or idiomatic academic expressions to reach the highest band. Overall, the lexical resource is strong and supports the clarity of the argument.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 7.5

The essay demonstrates a high level of grammatical control. There is a good mix of simple and complex sentence structures, such as the use of conditional clauses ('If this trend persists...') and relative clauses ('...which they believe offer...'). The majority of sentences are error-free, and punctuation is used correctly. The grammar is sophisticated enough to allow for clear communication of complex ideas without any noticeable errors that impede understanding. The control over tense and subject-verb agreement is consistent throughout the response.

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