Band 7.5 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 7.5 · 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 7.5)

In many countries, universities are experiencing a decline in the number of students choosing to pursue scientific subjects. This trend can be attributed to both the perceived difficulty of science education and changing career preferences, and it may have serious consequences for economic development and society as a whole.

One important reason is that science subjects are often regarded as academically demanding. Courses such as physics, chemistry and mathematics require students to understand complex concepts and develop strong analytical skills. Consequently, many young people may choose subjects that they consider less challenging. Furthermore, students are increasingly attracted to fields such as business, finance and information technology, which are often perceived as offering more immediate employment opportunities and higher salaries. The length and intensity of scientific training may therefore discourage students who are primarily concerned with entering the workforce quickly.

A shortage of science graduates could have significant consequences. Firstly, scientific research and technological innovation may slow down because there would be fewer qualified researchers, engineers and specialists. This could affect a country's ability to develop new medicines, renewable energy technologies and solutions to environmental problems. For example, tackling global challenges such as climate change requires a large number of highly trained scientists and researchers.

Secondly, countries with insufficient scientific expertise may become increasingly dependent on other nations for advanced technology and innovation. This dependence could weaken their economic competitiveness and limit their ability to develop important industries independently. In the long term, a shortage of scientific professionals could therefore affect not only technological progress but also employment and national economic growth.

In conclusion, fewer students are choosing science because these subjects are demanding and because alternative career paths may appear more financially attractive. However, this trend could reduce scientific innovation and make countries more economically dependent on others. Governments and educational institutions should therefore encourage young people to pursue science by improving science education and creating attractive career opportunities.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 7.5

The response fully addresses both parts of the prompt: the causes (perceived difficulty and career preferences) and the effects (slower innovation and economic dependence). The position is clear from the introduction and is maintained throughout. Ideas are well-developed with relevant examples, such as the mention of climate change and the need for specialized researchers. The essay is balanced, providing a logical flow from the reasons for the decline to the subsequent societal impacts. The conclusion effectively summarizes the main points and offers a forward-looking suggestion, demonstrating a comprehensive approach to the task requirements.

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 the effects is smooth. Cohesive devices such as 'Consequently', 'Furthermore', 'Firstly', and 'In the long term' are used effectively to guide the reader. Paragraphing is used appropriately to separate the different aspects of the prompt. The referencing is clear, and the flow of information is natural, making the argument easy to follow from start to finish.

Lexical Resource — Band 7.0

The vocabulary is precise and appropriate for an academic context. The student uses a range of topic-specific terminology such as 'academically demanding', 'analytical skills', 'technological innovation', and 'economic competitiveness'. The word choice is accurate, and there is a good level of sophistication in the phrasing. While the vocabulary is consistently strong, it stops just short of the 'wide, fluent and flexible' range required for the highest band, as it relies on standard academic collocations rather than more nuanced or idiomatic expressions.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 7.5

The essay demonstrates a high level of grammatical control. There is a good mix of complex sentence structures, such as the use of conditional-like reasoning ('If... then' implied) and subordinate clauses ('which are often perceived as...'). The majority of sentences are error-free, and punctuation is handled correctly throughout. The writing is clear and professional, with no significant grammatical errors that impede communication. The control over tense and subject-verb agreement is consistent, reflecting a high level of proficiency.

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