Band 6.0 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 6.0 · 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 6.0)

In many countries, fewer students are choosing to persue science-related sunjects at university. This essay will discuss the effects on the society.

One main reason is that science subjects are often considered difficult. Students need to understand many complex topics and spend a lot of time studying and doing practical work. Because of this, some students may choose other subjects that they find more interesting or easier. Another reason is that students may think that other fields provide better job opportunities and higher salaries. For example, many young people are interested in business, technology and media because they believe these areas offer more career choices. Poor career guidance at school can also be a reason, as students may not know enough about the jobs available to science graduates.

This trend can have several negative effects on society. Firstly, there may be a shortage of skilled workers in areas such as medicine, healthcare and scientific research. This could make it more difficult for countries to deal with problems such as new diseases and climate change. Secondly, fewer science students may lead to slower progress in research and technology. Scientists are important for developing new medicines, improving technology and finding solutions to environmental problems. Therefore, a lack of science graduates could affect the development of society and the economy.

In conclusion, fewer students may choose science because they find it difficult, prefer other career options and do not receive enough career guidance. If this continues, countries may face a shortage of skilled professionals and slower scientific progress.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 6.0

The response addresses all parts of the prompt by discussing both the causes and the effects of fewer students choosing science, which earns a solid performance at this level. The introduction correctly identifies the trend, though it misses mentioning the causes in its overview. The body paragraphs present relevant ideas for both parts of the prompt. For instance, the causes are outlined as difficulty, perceived better salaries elsewhere, and poor career guidance, while the effects focus on shortages in medicine and slower technological progress. However, some ideas are more fully developed than others; the causes section touches on multiple points briefly rather than extending each argument thoroughly. To reach a higher level, the writer needs to extend and fully develop all main ideas with more detailed explanations and concrete examples.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 5.5

The essay displays a coherent overall arrangement with a clear logical progression from causes to effects, supported by an introduction and conclusion. Paragraphing is used appropriately to separate different thematic areas, such as separating causes into one paragraph and effects into another. However, the cohesion can feel slightly mechanical and basic. The writer relies on straightforward cohesive markers like 'One main reason', 'Another reason', 'Firstly', and 'Secondly'. Referencing is generally clear, but the connection between sentences within paragraphs could flow more naturally without depending on repetitive transitional phrases. To achieve a higher standard, the writer should employ a wider range of cohesive devices more flexibly and ensure that referencing is smoother and less formulaic.

Lexical Resource: Band 6.0

The vocabulary used is adequate for the task, successfully communicating the main points regarding education and society. The writer attempts some less common vocabulary, such as 'scientific research', 'career choices', and 'skilled workers'. However, there are notable spelling slips and minor word-choice inaccuracies, such as 'persue' instead of 'pursue' and 'sunjects' instead of 'subjects' in the opening sentence. Other phrases like 'slower progress in research' function adequately but lack the precision and variety seen in higher band levels. To reach the next tier, the writer must expand their lexical range with more sophisticated phrasing and precise collocations while eliminating basic spelling errors.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 6.5

The response demonstrates a reliable mix of simple and complex sentence forms, showcasing a competent grasp of sentence structures. The writer successfully employs complex sentences with subordinate clauses, such as 'Because of this, some students may choose other subjects that they find more interesting or easier.' There are some errors in grammar and punctuation, but they are relatively infrequent and rarely impede communication, allowing the reader to follow the arguments easily. The control over verb tenses and modals is generally sound throughout. To push into higher bands, the writer should incorporate a wider variety of more complex grammatical structures with frequent error-free sentences and refined punctuation.

See this exact question answered at other band scores. The same prompt compared across bands.

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