Band 7.5 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 7.5 · Recent IELTS Exams (Canada & India) · 2026-09-03

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)

Across many nations today, university enrolment in science-related subjects continues to fall short of what in needed, with fewer students choosing to pursue these fields compared to subjects such as business or the arts. This essay will examine the main reasons behind the trend before considering the effects it has on society as a whole.

There are several reasons why science struggles to attract sufficient students. Firstly, many young people perceive science degrees as considerably more demanding than other fields of study, requiring long hours of laboratory work, complex mathematics and a level of precision that other subjects do not always require. As a result, students who are uncertain about their academic strengths often choose subjects that feel more manageable, even if science might genuinely interest them. Secondly, the way science is taught in many schools tends to focus heavily on memorizing facts and formulas rather than encouraging curiosity or hands-on experimentation, which can make the subject feel dull rather than exciting. For instance, students who only ever copy diagrams from a textbook, without ever conducting real experiments themselves, are far less likely to develop a genuine passion for the subject. Finally, many students are influenced by the belief that certain other fields, such as business or law, offer clearer and faster paths to well-paid careers, making science appear to be a comparatively riskier long-term investment.

This shortage of science graduates, in turn, has several significant effects on society. Most notably, it can slow down a country's ability to innovate, since fewer trained scientists are available to conduct research or develop new technologies in fields such as medicine, renewable energy and engineering. Given that many of today's most pressing global challenges, from climate change to disease outbreaks, depend heavily on scientific expertise, a shrinking pool of science graduates could leave societies less prepared to respond effectively. Furthermore, a lack of science professionals can weaken a country's economic competitiveness, as industries that depend on scientific knowledge, such as pharmaceuticals and technology, may struggle to find enough qualified workers, potentially forcing them to recruit from abroad or relocate elsewhere entirely.

In conclusion, the decline in students choosing to study science can largely be attributed to the perceived difficulty of the subject, uninspiring teaching methods, and the appeal of more obviously lucrative careers elsewhere, and this shortage carries real consequences for a society's capacity to innovate and remain economically competitive.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 7.5

The response fully addresses all parts of the prompt. You have clearly identified multiple causes, such as the perceived difficulty of science and uninspiring teaching methods, and provided logical effects on society, including innovation stagnation and economic competitiveness. The position is consistent throughout, and the ideas are well-developed with relevant examples, such as the mention of pharmaceuticals and technology. The essay maintains a formal academic tone and effectively balances the two parts of the question, ensuring that both the 'causes' and 'effects' are explored with sufficient depth and clarity.

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. You use a variety of cohesive devices effectively, such as 'Most notably,' 'Furthermore,' and 'In turn,' which help guide the reader through your arguments. Paragraphing is used appropriately to separate the introduction, body paragraphs, and conclusion. The flow of information is natural, and there is no evidence of mechanical or repetitive linking, making the text easy to follow throughout.

Lexical Resource — Band 7.5

You demonstrate a wide and flexible range of vocabulary that is well-suited to the academic context. Phrases such as 'perceived difficulty,' 'economic competitiveness,' and 'scientific expertise' show a high level of precision. You successfully use less common lexical items, such as 'lucrative' and 'stagnate' (implied by the context of innovation), with natural control. There are no noticeable errors in word choice or collocation, and the vocabulary used is sophisticated enough to convey complex ideas clearly and effectively throughout the essay.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 7.5

The essay displays a wide range of grammatical structures, including complex sentences with subordinate clauses (e.g., 'Given that many of today's most pressing global challenges...'). The majority of your sentences are error-free, and your control over punctuation and tense usage is excellent. There are no significant grammatical slips that impede communication. The sentence variety—mixing simple, compound, and complex structures—contributes to a fluent and professional reading experience. Your command of grammar is consistent and accurate, meeting the requirements for a high band score.

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