Band 7.0 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 7.0 · Recent IELTS Exams (Canada & India) · 2026-08-30

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)

In many countries, an insufficient number of students are choosing to study science at university. This trend can be caused by several factors, and it may have serious consequences for society.

One major reason is that science subjects are often considered difficult. Students usually need strong knowledge of mathematics and must spend many hours studying complex topics. As a result, some young people prefer subjects that they believe are easier or less stressful. Another reason is that students may be more interested in careers such as business, technology, law, or media. These fields are often seen as offering faster career growth and higher salaries.

This shortage of science students can have several negative effects on society. Firstly, there may not be enough qualified scientists, researchers, doctors, and engineers in the future. These professionals play an important role in solving problems related to health, climate change, energy, and technology. Without enough science graduates, scientific progress may become slower.

Secondly, a lack of scientists could affect a country's economic development. Modern industries depend heavily on innovation and new technologies. For example, countries need skilled researchers to develop medicines, renewable energy, and advanced technologies. If there are too few people with scientific knowledge, a country may become dependent on other nations for important discoveries and technological products.

In conclusion, students may avoid science because they find it difficult or believe that other subjects provide better career opportunities. However, this trend could negatively affect scientific development and economic growth. Therefore, governments and universities should encourage more students to study science by making it more interesting and providing better career 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 career prospects) and the effects (shortage of professionals and economic impact). The position is clear throughout, and the ideas are well-developed with relevant examples, such as the mention of specific professions like doctors and engineers. The structure is logical, moving from causes to consequences in a balanced manner. To reach a higher band, the student could provide more specific, real-world examples or data to further substantiate the claims, rather than relying on general statements.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 7.5

The essay is well-organized with a clear introduction, body paragraphs, and a conclusion. Each paragraph has a central topic sentence, and the progression of ideas is logical. Cohesive devices such as 'One major reason', 'Another reason', 'Firstly', and 'Secondly' are used effectively to guide the reader. Paragraphing is used appropriately to separate distinct ideas. The flow is smooth, and the relationship between the causes and the subsequent effects is clearly articulated, making the text easy to follow.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.5

The vocabulary is sufficient and appropriate for the task. The student uses topic-specific terminology such as 'scientific progress', 'economic development', and 'innovation' accurately. While the range is adequate, it lacks some of the more sophisticated or idiomatic collocations that would characterize a higher band. The word choice is precise, and there are no spelling errors. To improve, the student should aim to incorporate more nuanced vocabulary to express complex ideas with greater precision.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 7.5

The essay demonstrates a good command of grammatical structures. There is a mix of simple and complex sentences, such as 'If there are too few people with scientific knowledge, a country may become dependent on other nations'. The grammar is generally accurate, with very few errors. Punctuation is used correctly throughout. The writing is clear and error-free for the most part, which allows the reader to focus entirely on the content. The control over complex structures is consistent, supporting a high band score.

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

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