Band 7.0 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 7.0 · Recent IELTS Exams (Canada & India) · 2026-09-12

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)

The declining number of students choosing science-related degrees has become a growing concern in many countries. This trend can be attributed to several factors, including students' preference for other career paths and the perceived difficulty of scientific subjects. It may also have significant consequences for society, particularly in terms of technological progress and the availability of skilled professionals.

There are several reasons why fewer students are opting to study science at university. One major factor is that many young people are attracted to careers that they perceive as more financially rewarding or less demanding. Subjects such as business, management and media may appear more accessible and offer attractive career opportunities, whereas science degrees often require considerable effort and involve complex theoretical concepts. Another reason is the lack of effective career guidance at school. If students are not properly informed about the diverse career opportunities available in scientific fields, they may be less likely to consider these subjects when choosing their university courses.

This trend can have several negative effects on society. The most significant consequence is a shortage of qualified professionals in areas such as medicine, engineering, environmental science and scientific research. As a result, countries may struggle to develop new technologies and find effective solutions to challenges such as climate change and emerging diseases. Furthermore, a decline in the number of science graduates could reduce a country's ability to compete in the global economy. Nations that lack a strong scientific workforce may become increasingly dependent on other countries for technological innovations and expertise.

In conclusion, the declining popularity of science at university can mainly be attributed to students' preference for alternative careers and insufficient awareness of opportunities in scientific fields. If this trend continues, it could lead to a shortage of skilled professionals and hinder technological and economic development. Therefore, greater efforts should be made to encourage young people to pursue science-related education.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 7.5

The response fully addresses all parts of the task by clearly identifying both the causes of the decline in science students and the resulting effects on society. In the introduction, the writer outlines the core themes, which are then extended and supported throughout the body paragraphs. For instance, the second paragraph thoroughly explores the causes, citing students' preferences for financially rewarding careers and the lack of career guidance. The third paragraph details the societal effects, such as a shortage of qualified professionals in medicine and engineering, and the impact on a country's ability to compete globally. The position is clear throughout, and the ideas are well-developed, matching the Band 8 descriptor.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 7.5

The essay demonstrates a clear logical organisation and progression throughout. Each paragraph has a distinct central topic, starting with an introductory overview, moving to causes, then to effects, and concluding with a concise summary. Cohesive devices are used effectively and flexibly without being intrusive, as seen through phrases like 'One major factor', 'Another reason', and 'As a result'. Paragraphing is used sufficiently and appropriately to separate the distinct ideas of causes and effects. Referencing is clear and contributes to the overall coherence of the response, easily earning a Band 8.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.5

The student uses a sufficient and generally appropriate range of vocabulary for the task. Less common lexical items are employed with some awareness of style and collocation, such as 'financial rewarding', 'theoretical concepts', 'global economy', and 'technological innovations'. There are very few lexical errors, and words are chosen precisely to convey meaning, such as 'shortage of qualified professionals' and 'emerging diseases'. The vocabulary is adequate for flexibility and precision, fitting comfortably into the Band 7 criteria.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 6.5

The essay displays a good variety of complex structures alongside simple sentence forms. The writer successfully uses conditional and subordinate clauses, such as 'If students are not properly informed about the diverse career opportunities...', and 'If this trend continues, it could lead to...'. The majority of sentences are error-free, with accurate punctuation and good control of grammar throughout. While it does not consistently display the wide-ranging, sophisticated flexibility of an 8.0, the grammatical control and frequency of error-free sentences strongly warrant a Band 7.

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