Band 7.5 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 7.5 · Recent IELTS Exams (Canada & India) · 2026-09-28

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, fewer students are choosing to study science-related subjects at university. This trend is mainly caused by the difficulty of science courses and the perception that other fields offer better career opportunities. It can have several negative effects on society, particularly a shortage of skilled professionals and slower technological development.

One major reason why students avoid science is that subjects such as physics, chemistry and biology are often considered difficult and require considerable effort. Students may therefore prefer subjects that they believe are easier to study or provide a more flexible university experience. Another important factor is career prospects. Many young people are attracted to fields such as business, finance, information technology and management because they believe these careers can provide higher salaries and faster professional growth. In addition, inadequate science facilities and uninspiring teaching methods at schools can reduce students' interest in scientific subjects from an early age.

A decline in the number of science graduates can have serious consequences for society. First, it may lead to a shortage of qualified scientists, engineers, doctors, researchers and other specialists. This can make it difficult for countries to meet their future needs in areas such as healthcare, energy and environmental protection. For example, a country with too few scientific researchers may become dependent on foreign technologies and expertise. Second, fewer science graduates could slow innovation and technological progress. Scientific research is essential for developing new medicines, renewable-energy technologies and solutions to environmental problems. If there are not enough people entering these fields, important research projects may take longer to complete.

In conclusion, the declining popularity of science at university is largely due to the perceived difficulty of these subjects and the attraction of alternative careers. If this trend continues, societies may face shortages of skilled professionals and reduced scientific and technological progress. Governments and educational institutions should therefore make science education more engaging and demonstrate the wide range of career opportunities available to science graduates.

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 societal effects. The introduction sets a clear direction, and the body paragraphs elaborate on the causes, such as course difficulty and career prospects, as well as the effects, including specialist shortages and slower technological innovation. Ideas are well developed and supported with relevant examples like energy and environmental protection. The position is maintained throughout the essay. According to the Band 8 descriptors, the response covers all parts well and presents well-developed ideas with only rare minor omissions. Therefore, a solid band score of 8.0 is awarded for this criterion.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 7.5

The essay is logically organized and presents a clear overall progression from introduction to causes, effects, and a concluding summary. Paragraphing is used sufficiently and appropriately, with each paragraph focusing on a distinct central theme. Cohesive devices are managed well without being intrusive, as seen in transition phrases like 'One major reason', 'Another important factor', and 'First'. Referencing is clear and accurate throughout the text. The organizational structure easily meets the requirements for a Band 7 or 8. However, because cohesive devices and progression are managed smoothly and logically without noticeable mechanical flaws, this response aligns closely with the Band 8 descriptors, earning a score of 8.0.

Lexical Resource: Band 6.5

The student demonstrates a sufficient and flexible range of vocabulary suited to an academic discussion. Words and phrases such as 'perception', 'professional growth', 'inadequate science facilities', and 'renewable-energy technologies' show an ability to use less common items with an awareness of style and collocation. There are only occasional minor limitations, but overall the lexical resource is accurate and allows the student to convey precise meanings. Communication is never impeded by lexical choices. This performance corresponds well to the Band 7 descriptors, where a sufficient range of vocabulary is used with occasional errors in collocation or word choice, justifying a band score of 7.0.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 7.5

The essay displays a wide range of complex structures used accurately throughout the text. The student successfully integrates subordinate clauses, conditional forms, and participial phrases, such as 'Many young people are attracted to fields such as business... because they believe these careers can provide higher salaries' and 'If there are not enough people entering these fields, important research projects may take longer to complete.' The majority of sentences are error-free, and grammatical control is strong with correct punctuation. The occasional minor slips do not impede communication. This level of grammatical variety and accuracy comfortably satisfies the Band 8 criteria, resulting in a well-deserved score of 8.0.

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