Band 7.5 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 7.5 · Recent IELTS Exams (Canada & India) · 2026-09-19

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 recent years, many nations have witnessed a noticeable decline in the number of university students enrolling in science subjects. This trend is driven by several identifiable factors, and its consequences present significant challenges for the future of society.

The primary causes of this issue are related to academic difficulty and career perceptions. First, science disciplines like physics and chemistry require a high level of academic rigor and long hours of laboratory work, which often discourages students who prefer less demanding subjects. Second, the financial reward after graduation does not always match the effort required. For instance, a student pursuing a degree in computer science or business finance can often secure a high-paying job much faster than a biology graduate, who may need to complete a master's degree or a PhD just to enter the field. Consequently, many young individuals choose paths that offer quicker, more lucrative career prospects.

The effects of this trend on society are profound and far-reaching. The most critical consequence is a severe shortage of skilled professionals in vital sectors such as healthcare, engineering, and environmental science. Without enough scientists, a nation’s capacity for technological innovation slows down, leaving it reliant on importing technology from abroad. Furthermore, society faces a reduced ability to solve global crises. For example, during public health emergencies like pandemics or environmental issues like climate change, the lack of local scientific experts can severely hinder a country's ability to develop vaccines or green energy solutions.

In conclusion, the reluctance of students to pursue science degrees stems from the demanding nature of the coursework and a lack of immediate financial incentives. If left unaddressed, this shift will ultimately stall technological progress and leave societies vulnerable to critical global challenges

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 behind the decline in science students and the effects this trend has on society. The writer maintains a clear position throughout the essay. The ideas are well-developed and supported with relevant examples, such as comparing the career prospects of computer science graduates with biology graduates, and highlighting real-world issues like pandemics and climate change. The arguments are extended appropriately without over-generalising, meeting the criteria for a high band.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 7.5

Ideas are logically sequenced and progress naturally from the introduction to causes, effects, and a concluding summary. Paragraphing is used sufficiently and appropriately, with each body paragraph dedicated to a distinct aspect of the prompt (causes in paragraph two, effects in paragraph three). Cohesive devices such as 'First', 'Second', 'Consequently', and 'Furthermore' are managed well to guide the reader through the argument without being overly mechanical. Referencing and substitution are clear throughout.

Lexical Resource — Band 7.5

The student demonstrates a wide, flexible lexical range suitable for an academic task. Less common vocabulary items and collocations are used skilfully, including 'academic rigor', 'lucrative career prospects', 'technological innovation', and 'public health emergencies'. Word choice is precise, and there are virtually no spelling or word-choice errors that impede communication. The language feels natural and appropriate for an academic context, satisfying the requirements for a high band score.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 7.5

The writer uses a wide variety of complex structures with a high degree of flexibility and accuracy. Sentences such as 'science disciplines like physics and chemistry require a high level of academic rigor and long hours of laboratory work, which often discourages students who prefer less demanding subjects' demonstrate a strong command of subordinate clauses. The majority of sentences are entirely error-free, and punctuation is handled correctly throughout the response.

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.