Band 6.5 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 6.5 · Recent IELTS Exams (Canada & India) · 2026-09-16

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, fewer students are choosing to study science at university, which can create serious challenges for society. This trend is caused by several factors, including the difficulty of science subjects and the attraction of other career options. It can have significant effects on technological development, healthcare, and the economy.

One major reason is that science subjects are often considered difficult and demanding. Students have to spend many hours studying mathematics, experiments, and complex theories, while subjects such as business, media, or humanities may seem easier or more flexible. In addition, some students believe that science careers require many years of education before they can earn a high salary. For example, becoming a doctor, researcher, or engineer usually involves extensive university training. As a result, young people may prefer careers in business or technology-related fields that appear to offer quicker financial rewards.

Another cause is that students may not receive enough encouragement to develop an interest in science. If schools have limited laboratory facilities or teachers who focus mainly on examinations, science can become a theoretical subject rather than an exciting area of discovery. Furthermore, the media often presents careers in entertainment, business, and social media more prominently than careers in scientific research. Consequently, students may have less awareness of the opportunities available in science.

This decline can have several negative effects on society. First, there may be a shortage of qualified scientists and researchers, which could slow progress in areas such as medicine, renewable energy, and environmental protection. For instance, developing new vaccines or cleaner energy technologies requires large numbers of highly trained scientists. Secondly, countries that lack scientific expertise may become increasingly dependent on other nations for important technologies and medical innovations. Finally, a shortage of science graduates can affect economic growth because modern industries often depend.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 7.0

The response fully addresses all parts of the task by clearly identifying both the causes behind students avoiding science degrees at university and the subsequent effects these trends have on society. In the introduction, the writer outlines both areas directly. The second and third paragraphs elaborate on the causes, such as the perceived difficulty of science subjects, the long duration of study before earning a high salary, limited school laboratory facilities, and the prominence of other careers in the media. The final body paragraph details the negative effects on society, including potential shortages of qualified scientists, slower technological progress, and increased dependence on other nations. Ideas are well-extended and supported with appropriate explanations, meeting the Band 7 and bordering on Band 8 requirements for task achievement.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.5

The essay demonstrates a clear logical organisation and progression throughout. Each paragraph has a distinct central topic, starting with an introduction, moving to causes in paragraphs two and three, and concluding with effects in paragraph four. Cohesive devices are used effectively and flexibly, such as 'One major reason', 'In addition', 'As a result', and 'Furthermore'. Paragraphing is used sufficiently and appropriately to separate distinct themes. The referencing and substitution throughout the text are well managed, ensuring the reader can easily follow the progression of arguments. However, the final sentence of the essay trails off abruptly ('depend'), which slightly disrupts the flow at the very end.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.5

The student demonstrates an adequate to sufficient range of vocabulary appropriate for an academic task. Less common lexical items and phrases are used with some awareness of style and collocation, such as 'technological development', 'extensive university training', 'theoretical subject', and 'environmental protection'. There are occasional attempts at sophisticated vocabulary, though some phrasing remains somewhat standard. Word choice and spelling are generally accurate throughout the essay, with only minor lexical slips. The vocabulary is sufficient to allow flexible and relatively precise discussion of the prompt topic, fulfilling the requirements for Band 7.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 6.5

The writer uses a good mix of simple and complex sentence structures with frequent error-free sentences. Complex sentences are constructed successfully, employing relative clauses, participial phrases, and conditional-like structures, such as 'In many countries, fewer students are choosing to study science at university, which can create serious challenges for society' and 'If schools have limited laboratory facilities or teachers who focus mainly on examinations, science can become a theoretical subject'. Control of grammar and punctuation is generally strong, although there is a minor grammatical truncation at the very end of the essay ('modern industries often depend'). Overall, the grammatical range and accuracy comfortably support a Band 7 score.

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