Band 6.5 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 6.5 · Recent IELTS Exams (Canada & India) · 2026-09-14

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 6.5)

In many countries, an increasing number of students are choosing subjects other than science at university. This is mainly because science subjects are considered difficult and require considerable effort. This trend can have negative effects on society, particularly by reducing scientific research and slowing technological development.

One major reason why students are not choosing science is the difficulty of these subjects. Science courses often require students to have strong knowledge of mathematics, problem-solving and analytical skills. As a result, many students may prefer subjects that they consider easier or less demanding. In addition, some students may believe that other fields, such as business, marketing or social sciences, offer better career opportunities. For example, a student who finds physics and mathematics difficult may choose business studies because they believe it will be easier to complete and may provide more career options.

This decline in science students can have several negative effects on society. Firstly, fewer science graduates can lead to a shortage of scientists, engineers and researchers. This can reduce the amount of scientific research and make technological advancement slower. Scientists and engineers play an important role in developing new medicines, renewable energy systems, computer technologies and other innovations. If fewer young people enter these fields, countries may become dependent on other nations for scientific knowledge and advanced technologies. For instance, a country with a shortage of technology researchers may have to import advanced technological products instead of developing them domestically.

In conclusion, the main reason for the declining interest in science is the difficulty of scientific subjects and the perception that other fields provide better opportunities. This trend can negatively affect society by reducing scientific research, creating a shortage of skilled professionals and slowing technological progress.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 6.5

The response fully addresses all parts of the prompt by discussing both the causes behind students avoiding science subjects at university and the subsequent effects on society. The writer takes a clear, consistent position from the introduction through to the conclusion. Ideas are well developed and supported with relevant explanations and examples, such as the mention of students choosing business studies and the societal risk of relying on imported technology. The arguments are logical, appropriate, and directly answer the two-part question without any irrelevant tangents. Based on the official descriptors, this performance easily meets the requirements for a Band 7.0, as all parts of the task are addressed and supported thoroughly.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.5

The essay demonstrates a clear logical organisation and progression throughout. Each paragraph has a distinct focus, beginning with an introduction, moving to causes in the second paragraph, exploring effects in the third paragraph, and finishing with a concise conclusion. Cohesive devices such as 'In addition', 'As a result', 'Firstly', and 'For instance' are used appropriately to guide the reader through the arguments. Paragraphing is handled logically and sufficiently. While the cohesive devices are used effectively, the overall linking sometimes follows a standard formulaic pattern, which prevents it from reaching the higher flexibility of a Band 8.0. Therefore, a solid Band 7.0 is awarded for clear logical progression and management of paragraphing.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.5

The student uses a sufficient range of vocabulary with adequate flexibility and precision to discuss academic and societal issues. Less common lexical items and collocations are successfully integrated, including phrases like 'technological advancement', 'shortage of scientists', 'renewable energy systems', and 'domestically'. Word choices are generally appropriate for an academic context, such as 'perception', 'demand', and 'innovations'. Although there are occasional slightly standard word choices rather than highly sophisticated or nuanced expressions, there are no notable spelling or word-choice errors that impede communication. The lexical range is comfortable for this level, fully satisfying the Band 7.0 descriptors.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 6.5

The writer demonstrates a good control of grammar and punctuation throughout the response. A variety of complex sentence structures are utilised successfully, such as 'One major reason why students are not choosing science is the difficulty of these subjects' and 'If fewer young people enter these fields, countries may become dependent on other nations...'. There are frequent error-free sentences, and complex forms are attempted and controlled well. Minor slips do occasionally occur, but they do not cause any difficulty for the reader or impede communication. The grammatical control matches the Band 7.0 profile well, reflecting a strong mix of complex structures and general accuracy.

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