Band 7.0 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 7.0 · 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 7.0)

It is increasingly common for fewer students to choose science-related subjects at university. This trend can be attributed to several factors, including the difficulty of science courses and the availability of more attractive career options. This essay will discuss the main causes of this situation and its effects on society.

One major reason why students avoid studying science is that these subjects are often considered difficult and require strong abilities in mathematics, problem-solving and analytical thinking. As a result, some students may prefer subjects such as business, media or social sciences, which they perceive as less demanding. Another factor is that students may believe that other degrees offer better career opportunities and higher salaries. For example, a student may choose business or computer science because they expect to find employment more easily after graduation.

This decline in science students can have several negative effects on society. Firstly, it may lead to a shortage of scientists, researchers and other professionals who are essential for technological and medical development. If fewer young people enter these fields, countries may struggle to develop new medicines, energy technologies and scientific innovations. Secondly, a shortage of science graduates could reduce a country's ability to compete in the global economy. For instance, countries that lack qualified researchers may become increasingly dependent on foreign technology and scientific expertise.

In conclusion, the declining interest in university science courses is mainly caused by the perceived difficulty of these subjects and the attraction of alternative careers. This trend can result in shortages of skilled professionals and may hinder scientific and technological progress, which can have long-term consequences for society.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 6.5

The response addresses all parts of the prompt by discussing both the causes of the decline in science students and the effects this has on society, fulfilling the requirements for the mid-band level. Your position is clear throughout the introduction and conclusion. Ideas are relevant, such as the perceived difficulty of courses and potential shortages of medical researchers. However, some ideas show a slight tendency to over-generalise and could be extended further with more specific, detailed examples. For instance, mentioning specific industries or technological sectors rather than just general innovation would lift the response toward higher development.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 7.5

The essay demonstrates a clear logical organisation and progression throughout. Each paragraph has a distinct focus: the introduction outlines the essay's scope, the second paragraph details the causes, the third paragraph explores the societal effects, and the final paragraph provides a neat summary. You use cohesive devices flexibly and appropriately, such as 'This trend', 'One major reason', and 'Firstly', without making them feel overly mechanical. Paragraphing is used sufficiently and contributes to the overall readability and coherent arrangement of ideas.

Lexical Resource: Band 7.0

You demonstrate a sufficient range of vocabulary to allow for some flexibility and precision, such as 'analytical thinking', 'perceive', and 'global economy'. You successfully attempt less common items like 'hindrance' or academic phrases like 'attracted by alternative careers' with a good awareness of style and collocation. There are only occasional limitations or minor word-choice choices, but meaning remains clear throughout. To move into higher bands, incorporating more sophisticated, nuanced academic collocations and rarer lexical items would be beneficial.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 7.5

The writing features a good variety of complex structures alongside simple forms, displaying frequent error-free sentences. You show good control of grammar and punctuation, successfully handling conditional or multi-clause sentences such as 'If fewer young people enter these fields, countries may struggle to develop...'. A few minor slips may persist, but overall control is strong, ensuring that communication is never impeded. Maintaining this high level of structural variety while eliminating minor slips will further cement this strong grammatical control.

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