Band 7.5 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 7.5 · Recent IELTS Exams (Canada & India) · 2026-10-01

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)

The trend of declining enrollment in science subjects among students is a pressing concern in many countries. Several factors contribute to this phenomenon, and the implications for society are significant. Firstly, one of the primary reasons students shy away from science is the perception that it requires a high level of intelligence and exceptional critical thinking skills. As the world becomes increasingly competitive, many students feel intimidated by the rigorous demands of science education. This fear is compounded by the extensive knowledge required, which can deter students who may not feel adequately prepared.

Moreover, societal values play a crucial role in shaping students' choices. In many cultures, there is a growing emphasis on careers perceived as more accessible or lucrative, such as business and arts, overshadowing the importance of scientific fields. This shift in focus can lead to a significant skills gap in essential areas such as healthcare, technology, and engineering. The consequences of this trend are far-reaching, as a lack of qualified science professionals can hinder innovation and progress, ultimately affecting the quality of life and economic growth.

In addition, the recent global challenges, such as the Covid-19 pandemic, have highlighted the critical role of science in society. The rapid development of vaccines and medical technologies underscores the necessity for a robust workforce in scientific disciplines. Without a sufficient number of skilled professionals, societies may struggle to respond effectively to future health crises and technological advancements.

In conclusion, the decline in students choosing to study science subjects is driven by various factors, including perceived challenges and shifting societal values. The resultant effects on society are profound, potentially leading to a shortage of skilled professionals in vital sectors. To address this issue, it is essential to promote the value of science education and inspire students to pursue careers in this field, ensuring a brighter future for society as a whole.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 6.5

The response addresses all parts of the task by identifying both the causes of declining science enrollment, such as perceived high difficulty and shifting societal values, and the effects on society, including innovation hindrance and workforce shortages. The position is clear throughout. While the main ideas are relevant and supported with explanations, certain points, like the societal emphasis on other careers, tend to generalize and lack concrete, real-world examples to fully stretch into the higher band. The development is solid enough to meet the lower threshold while showing glimpses of fully rounded argumentation, though further depth in exemplification is needed to reach the next tier.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 7.0

The essay presents a clear logical organization and progression throughout. Information and ideas are coherently sequenced, starting with causes in the first paragraph, moving to societal values and consequences in the second, and integrating recent global context in the third. Cohesive devices such as 'Firstly', 'Moreover', and 'In addition' are used effectively to guide the reader through the argument. Paragraphing is used sufficiently and appropriately, with each paragraph focusing on a distinct aspect of the prompt. Although cohesion is managed well, slightly more variety in referencing and substitution would be required to achieve a more seamless flow typical of the highest bands.

Lexical Resource: Band 7.5

The writer demonstrates a sufficient range of vocabulary to allow for flexibility and precision. Less common lexical items such as 'pressing concern', 'compounded by', 'far-reaching', and 'robust workforce' are used with good awareness of style and collocation. There are only occasional minor inaccuracies, but word choice generally remains apt and appropriate for an academic context. Spelling and word formation are accurate throughout. To move further up the scale, the student could incorporate even more sophisticated, idiomatic, or less common phrasing naturally, alongside a wider display of nuanced academic vocabulary.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 8.0

The response exhibits a wide range of complex structures used with a high degree of control. The majority of sentences are error-free, featuring well-constructed subordinate clauses, participial phrases ('As the world becomes increasingly competitive', 'The rapid development... underscores...'), and accurate relative clauses. Control of grammar and punctuation is strong, with only very occasional minor slips that do not impede communication. Verb tenses, agreement, and articles are handled with remarkable consistency. This high level of structural accuracy and variety places the grammatical performance firmly near the top of the scale.

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