Band 7.0 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 7.0 · Recent IELTS Exams (Canada & India) · 2026-09-02

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 choose to study science at university. This problem has several causes, including the difficulty of science subjects and a lack of interest among young people. It can also have serious effects on society, particularly on economic development and technological progress.

One major reason why students do not choose science subjects is that they are often considered difficult and demanding. Subjects such as physics, chemistry, and mathematics require a great deal of hard work, problem-solving, and regular practice. As a result, many students prefer subjects that they believe are easier to study and in which they can achieve higher grades. Another reason is that some young people are more interested in fields such as business, media, law, and the arts. They may also believe that these subjects offer better or faster career opportunities.

This lack of science students can have several negative effects on society. Firstly, there may be a shortage of qualified scientists, researchers, engineers, and other skilled professionals. These people play an important role in developing new technology, improving healthcare, and solving environmental problems. Secondly, a shortage of science graduates may slow down a country's economic and technological development. Without enough skilled workers in scientific fields, a country may become dependent on other nations for innovation and advanced technology.

In conclusion, the main reasons for the declining number of science students are the difficulty of scientific subjects and the growing popularity of other fields. This situation can negatively affect society by creating a shortage of skilled professionals and slowing scientific, technological, and economic progress. Therefore, governments and educational institutions should encourage more students to develop an interest in science.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 6.5

The response addresses all parts of the prompt, identifying both the causes (difficulty, lack of interest) and the effects (shortage of professionals, economic impact) of the decline in science students. The position is clear throughout, and the ideas are relevant and logically extended. To reach a higher band, the essay could benefit from more specific, concrete examples rather than general statements. For instance, mentioning a specific country or a particular industry that has suffered from a lack of engineers would strengthen the development of the ideas. Overall, the response is well-focused and meets the requirements of the task effectively.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 7.5

The essay is logically organized with a clear introduction, body paragraphs, and a conclusion. Each paragraph has a central topic sentence, and the progression of ideas is smooth. Cohesive devices such as 'Firstly', 'Secondly', 'As a result', and 'In conclusion' are used effectively to link ideas. The paragraphing is appropriate and contributes to the overall clarity of the argument. The flow of information is consistent, and the reader can easily follow the writer's line of reasoning throughout the text.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.5

The vocabulary is sufficient and appropriate for the task. The writer uses topic-specific terms like 'technological progress', 'qualified scientists', and 'innovation' accurately. While the range is adequate, it lacks a high degree of sophistication or 'less common' lexical items that would elevate the score to an 8 or 9. The word choices are precise and natural, and there are no spelling or word-formation errors that impede communication. The language is functional and fits the academic context well.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 7.0

The essay demonstrates a good control of grammatical structures. There is a mix of simple and complex sentences, such as 'Without enough skilled workers in scientific fields, a country may become dependent on other nations for innovation and advanced technology.' The grammar is generally accurate, with very few errors. Punctuation is used correctly throughout. To achieve a higher band, the writer could incorporate a wider variety of complex grammatical structures, such as more frequent use of passive voice or conditional clauses, to demonstrate greater flexibility.

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