Band 7.5 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 7.5 · Recent IELTS Exams (Canada & India) · 2026-09-30

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, an insufficient number of university students are choosing science-related subjects. This trend can be attributed to the difficulty of these courses and students' preference for fields that appear to offer more attractive career opportunities. If this continues, it could lead to a shortage of skilled professionals and negatively affect scientific and technological development.

One major reason for the lack of interest in science is that many students consider it academically demanding. Subjects such as chemistry, physics and biology often require a strong understanding of complex concepts, as well as considerable time spent on laboratory work and examinations. As a result, some students may choose courses that they perceive to be less challenging. Another factor is career prospects. Young people are increasingly attracted to fields such as business, information technology and digital media because they may associate these areas with higher salaries or more flexible employment. For example, a student who is interested in both biology and technology might eventually choose a computer-related degree if they believe it provides better job opportunities.

This trend can have serious consequences for society. Most importantly, a shortage of science graduates could result in fewer qualified researchers, laboratory professionals and specialists in science-based industries. This may become particularly problematic in areas such as healthcare, environmental protection and scientific research, where trained professionals are essential. Furthermore, countries with an insufficient scientific workforce may become increasingly dependent on foreign expertise and technology. In the long term, this could slow innovation and make it more difficult for societies to respond effectively to challenges such as climate change, emerging diseases and energy shortages.

In conclusion, fewer students are studying science mainly because of the perceived difficulty of these subjects and the attractiveness of alternative careers. This trend could create shortages of skilled professionals and hinder scientific progress, with potentially significant consequences for society.

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 students avoid studying science at university, such as academic difficulty and alternative career prospects, and the societal effects, including workforce shortages and hindered innovation. The position is well-developed throughout the essay, with relevant ideas logically presented and supported by appropriate examples, such as students weighing biology against computer-related degrees. The writer satisfies the Band 7 and Band 8 descriptors for task achievement by providing a clear position and well-developed arguments without minor omissions.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 7.5

Ideas are logically sequenced and progress naturally throughout the essay, moving seamlessly from the introduction to causes, then to effects, and finally to a concise conclusion. Paragraphing is used sufficiently and appropriately, with each body paragraph focusing on a distinct aspect of the prompt. Cohesive devices are managed well without feeling mechanical, using phrases such as 'One major reason', 'Another factor', and 'This trend can have serious consequences'. Referencing is clear throughout the text, meeting the requirements for a strong band 7 or 8 in this criterion.

Lexical Resource: Band 7.0

The student demonstrates a sufficient and appropriate range of vocabulary for the task. Less common lexical items are used effectively with good awareness of style and collocation, such as 'insufficient number', 'academically demanding', 'laboratories', and 'scientific workforce'. Word choices are precise, and there are virtually no spelling or word-choice errors that impede communication. The lexical range allows for flexible and precise expression of ideas, aligning well with the Band 7 descriptors.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 7.0

The writer displays a good variety of complex structures with frequent error-free sentences. Examples of complex clauses include 'Subjects such as chemistry, physics and biology often require a strong understanding of complex concepts, as well as considerable time spent...' and 'a student who is interested in both biology and technology might eventually choose...'. Control of grammar and punctuation is strong throughout, with only occasional minor slips that do not impede communication. This demonstrates the control characteristic of a Band 7 performance.

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.