Band 7.5 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 7.5 · Recent IELTS Exams (Canada & India) · 2026-09-04

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, an increasing number of students are choosing subjects other than science at university. This essay will discuss the main reasons for this trend and examine its effects on society.

One major reason why students avoid science-related degrees is that they are often considered difficult and demanding. Subjects such as physics, chemistry and biology require strong analytical skills, regular study and practical work, which can discourage students who prefer less technical fields. Another reason is that many students believe that other degrees offer better career opportunities. For example, students may choose business, management or information technology because they expect these fields to provide higher salaries and faster career progression. In addition, schools and families sometimes place greater emphasis on subjects that are perceived to lead directly to well-paid jobs, rather than encouraging students to develop an interest in scientific research.

This decline can have several negative effects on society. The most significant consequence is a shortage of qualified scientists, engineers and medical researchers. These professionals are essential for developing new medicines, improving technology and solving environmental problems. For instance, a shortage of researchers could slow down the development of treatments for serious diseases or limit a country's ability to respond to future health crises. Furthermore, fewer science graduates may reduce innovation and make countries more dependent on foreign technology and scientific expertise. This could weaken economic growth and international competitiveness in the long term.

In conclusion, the shortage of students studying science is mainly caused by the demanding nature of these subjects and the perception that other careers provide better financial opportunities. If this trend continues, societies may face a lack of skilled professionals, slower technological progress and reduced capacity to deal with major global challenges. Therefore, governments and educational institutions should encourage more young people to consider careers in science.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 7.5

The response fully addresses both parts of the prompt: the causes for the decline in science students and the subsequent effects on society. The ideas are well-developed and supported with relevant examples, such as the mention of career progression in business and the impact on medical research. The position is clear throughout the essay, and the arguments are logically extended. The response demonstrates a good understanding of the task requirements, providing a balanced view that covers the causes and effects comprehensively. No parts of the prompt are neglected, and the conclusion effectively synthesizes the main points discussed in the body paragraphs.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 7.5

The essay is logically organized with a clear progression of ideas. Each paragraph has a central theme, starting with an introduction, followed by two distinct body paragraphs—one for causes and one for effects—and a concise conclusion. Cohesive devices such as 'One major reason', 'Another reason', 'In addition', and 'The most significant consequence' are used effectively to guide the reader through the argument. Paragraphing is used appropriately, and the relationship between ideas is clear. The flow is smooth, and the transition between the causes and the effects is handled naturally.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.5

The vocabulary is sufficient and appropriate for an academic task. The student uses a range of topic-specific terms such as 'analytical skills', 'career progression', 'scientific research', and 'international competitiveness'. The word choice is generally precise and fits the context well. While the vocabulary is functional and accurate, it could be further enhanced by incorporating more sophisticated or less common collocations to reach the highest band. However, the current range is more than adequate to convey complex ideas clearly, and there are no significant errors in word choice or spelling.

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 'Subjects such as physics, chemistry and biology require strong analytical skills... which can discourage students who prefer less technical fields.' The majority of sentences are error-free, and the punctuation is used correctly. There are no major grammatical slips that impede communication. The control over complex structures is consistent, and the overall accuracy is high, reflecting a strong grasp of English grammar suitable for this level.

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