Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 5.5 · Recent IELTS Exams (Canada & India) · 2026-11-04

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 5.5)

In many countries, fewer students are choosing to study science at university. This essay will discuss the causes of this trend, its effects on society, and suggest some solutions to the problem.

There are two main reasons why students avoid science. Firstly, science degrees are perceived as difficult and demanding. Subjects such as physics, chemistry and mathematics require long hours of study, laboratory work and complex problem-solving, while many students prefer subjects like business or media studies, which they believe offer easier grades and a more enjoyable university life. Secondly, many young people do not have access and money to afford this subject as this course demand heavier amount, so student choose subject they afford. In Pakistan, parents encourage their children to choose subject they can afford without putting any pressure.

This decline has serious effects on society. The most obvious effect is a shortage of skilled scientists and researchers. Without enough graduates in science, countries cannot develop new technologies, improve healthcare or tackle major problems such as climate change. For instance, during the COVID-19 pandemic, countries with strong scientific research were able to develop vaccines quickly, while others had to depend on them. Another effect is increased dependence on foreign expertise. If a country cannot produce its own scientists, it must hire experts from abroad, which is expensive.

There are several solutions to this problem. Firstly, government and universities should give awareness about science, students do not choose science because they do not see clear future. They should run campaigns through social media. Secondly, universities offer scholarships to the students so they pay more attention to achieve this and choose science by their own will. They neglect science because they believe they require higher amount of money so they step back.

In conclusion, students are avoiding science because it is considered difficult and less rewarding financially, which leads to a shortage of scientists and dependence on foreign experts. However, this problem can be solved by providing financial support, improving science teaching in schools, and by providing scholarships.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 5.5

You address both causes and societal effects, and the examples about COVID-19 vaccines and reliance on overseas experts make the effects relevant. However, the causes are only partly explained: the claim that science is difficult is supported with examples, while the point about affordability is less clear, particularly the sentence about parents in Pakistan, which does not show how costs affect students. The response also introduces solutions, although the question asks for causes and effects; this takes space from developing those required points. To strengthen the response, explain the financial barrier more precisely and extend each main cause or effect with a clear consequence or specific example. The conclusion summarises the main points, but its reference to solutions reinforces the shift away from the task’s focus.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 5.5

The response has a recognisable structure, with an introduction, separate paragraphs for causes and effects, a solutions paragraph, and a conclusion. Sequencing within the effects paragraph is clear, and signposts such as “Firstly,” “Secondly,” and “Another effect” help readers follow the main points. However, the solutions paragraph interrupts the progression from the two requested parts, and the conclusion repeats solutions rather than drawing together the causes and effects. Some links between sentences are also unclear: “They neglect science because they believe they require higher amount of money” does not clearly identify who “they” refers to or connect smoothly to the preceding scholarship point. Use clearer referencing and organise the body around the task’s two questions.

Lexical Resource: Band 5.5

You use relevant topic vocabulary, including “laboratory work,” “complex problem-solving,” “skilled scientists and researchers,” and “foreign expertise.” These choices communicate the subject matter and allow you to discuss both education and society. However, the range is limited by repeated general words such as “subject,” “choose,” and “problem,” and several phrases are awkward or imprecise, including “give awareness about science,” “this course demand heavier amount,” and “achieve this.” These expressions can make the reader pause to interpret your meaning. Aim for more natural collocations and precise terms for costs, career prospects, and public information. For example, describe the financial barrier as tuition or study costs, and explain that outreach can raise awareness of science careers.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 5.5

You attempt both simple and complex sentence forms, including a relative clause in “subjects … which they believe offer easier grades” and a conditional structure in “If a country cannot produce its own scientists, it must hire experts from abroad.” These help convey comparisons and consequences. However, errors recur in sentence construction and agreement, and some longer sentences are difficult to follow. For example, “many young people do not have access and money to afford this subject as this course demand heavier amount” has faulty structure and agreement; “government and universities should give awareness …, students do not choose science” joins two clauses incorrectly. Practise building complete clauses, checking singular/plural agreement, and using punctuation to separate ideas. More accurate complex sentences would make your reasoning easier to follow.

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