Band 7.5 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 7.5 · Recent IELTS Exams (Canada & India) · 2026-09-05

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, fewer students are choosing to study science at university, despite the important role that scientific knowledge plays in modern society. This trend can be attributed to several factors, including the difficulty of science subjects and the greater financial appeal of other careers. It can have serious consequences, particularly a shortage of skilled professionals and slower technological development.

One major reason why students avoid science is that subjects such as physics, chemistry and biology are often considered difficult and demanding. They require students to have strong mathematical and analytical skills, as well as a considerable amount of time for study and practical work. As a result, many young people prefer subjects that they perceive as easier or more enjoyable. Another important factor is the availability of highly paid careers outside science. For example, students may choose business, finance, information technology or law because these fields are often associated with attractive salaries and faster career progression. In addition, some schools do not have sufficient laboratories or well-trained science teachers, which can make science less interesting to students from an early age.

The decline in science graduates can have significant effects on society. First, it may lead to a shortage of doctors, engineers, researchers and other specialists whose work is essential for a country's development. If fewer people enter scientific professions, governments and companies may struggle to find qualified workers. Second, a lack of scientific talent can reduce a country's ability to innovate. Scientific research contributes to advances in areas such as medicine, renewable energy and environmental protection. For instance, countries with strong scientific communities are generally better positioned to develop new technologies and respond to challenges such as climate change and emerging diseases.

In conclusion, the declining popularity of science at university is mainly caused by the difficulty of these subjects, limited educational resources and the greater financial attractiveness of alternative careers. If this trend continues, societies may face shortages of skilled professionals and reduced technological progress. Governments and educational institutions should therefore encourage young people to study science by improving science education and providing better career incentives.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 7.5

The response fully addresses all parts of the prompt. You have clearly identified the causes (perceived difficulty, financial appeal, and lack of resources) and the effects (shortage of professionals and reduced innovation). Each point is well-supported with relevant examples, such as mentioning specific fields like business and law, and the impact on climate change and medicine. The position is clear throughout the essay, and the ideas are well-developed, meeting the requirements for a high band score.

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 paragraphs is smooth. You have used a variety of cohesive devices effectively, such as 'In addition', 'For instance', and 'As a result', which help guide the reader through your argument. The paragraphing is appropriate, and the overall structure is coherent, making the essay easy to follow from the introduction to the conclusion.

Lexical Resource — Band 7.0

You demonstrate a good range of vocabulary that is appropriate for an academic context. Phrases like 'greater financial appeal', 'faster career progression', and 'scientific communities' are used accurately. While the vocabulary is precise and fits the topic well, it could be elevated further by incorporating more sophisticated collocations or less common academic terms to reach the highest band. However, the current usage is natural and error-free, effectively conveying your ideas.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 7.5

The essay displays a wide range of grammatical structures, including complex sentences and conditional forms. The majority of your sentences are error-free, and your control over punctuation and syntax is strong. There are no significant grammatical errors that impede communication. The use of varied sentence lengths and structures contributes to the overall fluency of the writing, reflecting a high level of grammatical competence.

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