Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 5.5 · Barron's Writing · 2026-08-22

IELTS Writing Task 2 question

In some educational systems, children are required to study one or more foreign languages. In others, foreign language study is not a requirement. What are the potential benefits of foreign language study? 

Do you think foreign language study is an important part of education?

Give reasons for your answer, and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience.

Student answer (Band 5.5)

It is true that in some educational systems children are required to study one or more foreign languages while in others it is not mandatory .First of all, I would like to say that education plays a vital role in everyone's life .I m of the view that education in foreign languages is a need of hour as we are living in a world which is moving at quiet a rapid pace in terms of technology .In this essay, we will discuss how foreign languages plays a vital role in education on the basis of my own experience. First of all, learning foreign languages in educational institutes enables us to broaden our horizon and look at the things from different perspective. Moreover, it helps the students in understanding the culture, values, and beliefs of people from different parts of the world. In todays day and age, foreign language is a need of hour in terms of personal and professional growth .In the long run, It will help the students to communicate efficiently. For instance, I was quiet below par in English so I wasn't able to read the novels, and watch any series in English. My access to the technology was limited. I wasn't able to communicate with my friends on social sites who belongs to other countries. I am all in for educational institutes teaching local languages. However, we should strike a balance between local and foreign languages education so that students will be able to excel in all fields of life. Ultimately, it comes down to one's own preference and choices. In a nutshell, I would say that foreign language is a essential comodity which one should possess as it will help them in the long run.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 5.5

The response addresses both parts of the prompt: the benefits of foreign language study and the opinion on its importance in education. However, the development of ideas is somewhat limited. While you mention broadening horizons and cultural understanding, these points are not fully extended with detailed examples. The personal anecdote about English proficiency is relevant but could have been linked more explicitly to the broader educational context. The position is clear, but the argument lacks depth and sophistication. To reach a higher band, ensure that each main point is supported by a clear explanation and a concrete, well-developed example.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.0

The essay is organised into logical paragraphs, and there is a clear progression of ideas. You use some cohesive devices such as 'First of all', 'Moreover', and 'In a nutshell' to link your thoughts. However, some transitions feel a bit mechanical, and the referencing is occasionally slightly awkward, such as the sudden shift to discussing local languages in the final body paragraph. Paragraphing is used, but the structure could be more balanced to ensure each paragraph has a distinct focus. Overall, the flow is sufficient to follow your argument without difficulty.

Lexical Resource — Band 5.5

You demonstrate an adequate range of vocabulary for the task, using phrases like 'broaden our horizon' and 'professional growth'. However, there are some inaccuracies in word choice and collocation, such as 'need of hour' (should be 'need of the hour') and 'essential comodity' (spelling error: 'commodity'). You also repeat 'vital role' twice in the introduction. To improve, try to incorporate more precise academic vocabulary and ensure correct spelling. The range is sufficient to convey your meaning clearly, but it lacks the flexibility and sophistication required for higher bands.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.5

You use a mix of simple and complex sentence structures, though the control over complex sentences is inconsistent. There are several grammatical errors, such as 'foreign languages plays' (subject-verb agreement), 'quiet a rapid pace' (spelling: 'quite'), and 'who belongs to other countries' (subject-verb agreement). Punctuation is also inconsistent, particularly with spacing around periods and commas. While these errors do not impede communication, they occur frequently enough to prevent a higher score. Focus on subject-verb agreement and proofreading for minor slips to improve your accuracy.

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

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