Band 6.0 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 6.0 · 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 6.0)

It has been widely recognized that the problem of fewer students choosing to study science at university is escalating at an alarming rate. This issue has become one of the most serious challenges affecting people’s lives and the environment. It is also having a negative impact on society and the economy. There are several causes and effects of this problem, and possible solutions can also be suggested, which are discussed as follows.

To begin with, one of the main factors contributing to fewer students choosing science at university is the difficulty of science subjects. This is mainly because many students find subjects such as physics, chemistry and biology challenging and prefer easier fields of study. As a result, the number of science graduates can gradually decline. For example, some students may choose business or social sciences because they believe these subjects are easier to study. Another significant factor in this regard is the lack of attractive career opportunities in some science-related fields, which can further worsen the situation.

Considering the problem carefully, several effective measures can be taken to address this issue. One important step would be for the government to introduce appropriate policies and take effective measures to deal with the declining number of science students. This could be achieved by providing scholarships, financial support and better career opportunities for science graduates. As a result, the negative effects of this problem could be reduced. At the same time, schools and universities can also contribute by becoming more responsible and adopting appropriate measures in their daily lives. For instance, they can make science subjects more practical and interesting and provide students with information about successful careers in science. If these measures are implemented effectively, the situation can gradually improve.

To conclude, solving a global issue is not easy, but with the joint efforts of individuals, governments and society, the problem can be controlled through the aforementioned measures. Everyone should come forward and play their role in mitigating this problem.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 5.5

The response addresses the causes of the decline in science students, but it fails to adequately address the second part of the prompt: the effects on society. While you mention that the issue has a 'negative impact on society and the economy' in the introduction, this is not developed or explained with specific examples or reasoning. Furthermore, you included a section on 'possible solutions,' which was not requested by the prompt. This indicates a lack of focus on the specific requirements of the task. To improve, ensure you dedicate at least one full paragraph to explaining the consequences of this trend, such as a shortage of skilled professionals or a lack of innovation in critical sectors.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.0

The essay is logically organized with a clear introduction, body paragraphs, and a conclusion. You use cohesive devices such as 'To begin with,' 'For example,' and 'To conclude' to transition between ideas. However, the progression of ideas is somewhat mechanical. The paragraph regarding solutions is well-structured internally, but because it addresses a topic not asked for in the prompt, it disrupts the overall coherence of the argument. The referencing is generally clear, and the paragraphing is appropriate for an academic essay.

Lexical Resource — Band 5.5

The vocabulary is adequate for the task, allowing you to communicate your ideas clearly. You use some relevant academic terms like 'escalating,' 'contributing,' and 'mitigating.' However, the range is somewhat limited and repetitive. For instance, you use the phrase 'take effective measures' and 'appropriate measures' multiple times. To reach a higher band, try to incorporate more precise collocations and a wider variety of topic-specific vocabulary related to education and societal development, rather than relying on generic phrases.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 6.0

You demonstrate a good control of sentence structure, using a mix of simple and complex sentences. Most of your sentences are error-free, and your punctuation is generally accurate. There are no major grammatical errors that impede communication. To improve, try to incorporate more sophisticated grammatical structures, such as conditional sentences or passive voice constructions, to demonstrate a wider range. Currently, the sentence patterns are somewhat predictable, which keeps the score in the 6.5-7.0 range.

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

Browse more IELTS Writing model answers or get your own writing scored by the same AI examiner.