Band 7.5 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 7.5 · Recent IELTS Exams (Canada & India) · 2026-09-21

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, too few students choose to study science at university. This essay examines the main causes of this trend and its consequences for society.

One major cause is the widespread perception that science subjects are difficult, abstract and less rewarding than alternatives. Many secondary-school students find mathematics, physics and chemistry demanding, while subjects such as business, media studies or law appear more accessible and immediately relevant to everyday life. In addition, careers in pure science are often seen as poorly paid or insecure compared with roles in finance, technology management or entrepreneurship. In some education systems, limited laboratory facilities and shortages of enthusiastic, well-qualified science teachers further discourage students. Gender stereotypes also play a role: in certain cultures, girls are still steered away from STEM fields, reducing the overall pool of potential science undergraduates.

The effects on society are significant. A shortage of science graduates slows technological innovation and scientific research, leaving countries less competitive in areas such as renewable energy, medicine, artificial intelligence and climate solutions. Healthcare systems may struggle to recruit enough doctors, biomedical researchers and specialised technicians. Economies can become overly dependent on imported expertise or foreign-trained professionals, which raises costs and reduces self-reliance. In the longer term, fewer scientists also mean fewer teachers and role models for the next generation, creating a self-reinforcing cycle of declining interest and capability.

In conclusion, the reluctance of many students to study science stems largely from perceptions of difficulty and limited career rewards, compounded by educational and social factors. The resulting shortfall of scientific talent weakens innovation, healthcare and economic resilience. Addressing the problem requires better school science teaching, clearer information about career opportunities, and efforts to make science more appealing and inclusive.

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 why fewer students choose science at university and the societal effects of this trend. The introduction outlines the plan, while the body paragraphs provide well-developed, logical points such as perceptions of difficulty, career rewards, and gender stereotypes. The effects are thoroughly explored, touching upon technological innovation, healthcare, and economic reliance. Ideas are extended and supported with relevant examples and broad insights, easily meeting the requirements for a Band 8.0.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 7.5

The essay is logically sequenced with a clear, progressive structure. Each paragraph has a distinct central topic, moving smoothly from introduction to causes, to societal effects, and finally to a concluding summary. Cohesive devices such as 'One major cause', 'In addition', 'The effects on society', and 'In conclusion' are managed effectively without being obtrusive. Paragraphing is used appropriately to separate ideas clearly. The overall organization meets the criteria for Band 8.0.

Lexical Resource — Band 7.5

The student demonstrates a wide and flexible lexical range suitable for an academic context. Uncommon items and subject-specific vocabulary such as 'widespread perception', 'self-reinforcing cycle', 'technological innovation', and 'economic resilience' are used naturally and accurately. There are only occasional minor slips, but word choice and collocation are generally skillful. The vocabulary allows for precise communication, corresponding to a Band 7.5 to 8.0 level, comfortably fitting Band 8.0.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 7.5

The response displays a wide range of complex sentence structures, including conditional ideas, participial phrases, and varied subordinate clauses (e.g., 'While secondary-school students find...'). The majority of sentences are error-free, and punctuation is handled with a high degree of accuracy. Minor slips are extremely rare, and control over grammar is consistent throughout the essay. This performance clearly aligns with the Band 8.0 descriptor for grammatical range and accuracy.

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