Band 7.5 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 7.5 · IELTS Summit Mastery · 2026-09-29

IELTS Writing Task 2 question

A huge number of students choose to study English independently on a self- study basis rather than attend a formal course. However, without the assistance of a teacher, students often find it difficult to manage their studies.

To what extent do you agree or disagree ?

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

Student answer (Band 7.5)

A huge number of students choose to study English independently rather than attend a formal course. Although self-study offers several advantages, I largely agree that learners often struggle to manage their studies effectively without the guidance of a teacher.

One major difficulty of studying English independently is the lack of structured learning. A teacher can design a suitable study plan, explain difficult concepts and ensure that students make steady progress. In contrast, self-learners may spend too much time on areas they already understand while neglecting important weaknesses. For example, a student who is preparing for an English proficiency examination may focus heavily on learning vocabulary through mobile applications but fail to practise speaking and writing regularly. As a result, their overall performance may remain unbalanced.

Another problem is that students may not be able to identify and correct their mistakes. This is particularly important in language learning because some errors can become habitual if they are not noticed. A teacher can provide immediate feedback on pronunciation, grammar, word choice and sentence structure. For instance, a student might repeatedly use an incorrect grammatical structure while speaking, but may continue doing so because they believe it is correct. Regular feedback from an experienced teacher can prevent such mistakes from becoming permanent.

Nevertheless, self-study can be highly effective when learners are motivated and have access to reliable resources. Nowadays, students can use online courses, educational videos, language-learning applications and discussion platforms to practise English at their own pace. Highly disciplined learners may therefore achieve considerable progress without attending a traditional course. However, these resources cannot always provide personalised feedback or accurately identify an individual's weaknesses.

In conclusion, while independent study can be convenient and effective for motivated learners, I believe that most students benefit from teacher guidance. A structured learning programme and regular personalised feedback can make the process more efficient and help learners overcome difficulties that are difficult to recognise on their own.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 7.5

The student has fully addressed all parts of the task prompt, adopting a clear and well-supported position ('I largely agree that learners often struggle...'). The introduction outlines the writer's stance immediately, and each body paragraph contributes directly to exploring the difficulties of self-study versus teacher-led learning, such as structured lesson planning and mistake correction. The ideas are well-developed with relevant examples, including the mention of language proficiency examinations and spoken grammatical errors. The conclusion successfully summarises the main arguments without introducing novel concepts. The response meets all criteria for a Band 7.5 or 8.0, and fits firmly into Band 8.0 for offering fully developed ideas with only minor omissions.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 7.5

The essay demonstrates a clear, logical organisation and progression throughout. Each paragraph has a distinct central topic, moving smoothly from the introduction to structured learning, error correction, opposing counterarguments, and a final conclusion. Cohesive devices are used naturally and effectively, such as 'In contrast', 'For instance', 'Nevertheless', and 'In conclusion'. Paragraphing is used sufficiently and appropriately, separating distinct ideas into coherent blocks. The referencing and substitution throughout the text are well managed, ensuring that the reader can easily follow the author's line of reasoning. There are no notable flaws in cohesion, justifying a solid Band 8.0 score.

Lexical Resource: Band 6.5

The student deploys an adequate to wide range of vocabulary appropriate for an academic essay. Less common lexical items are used with some awareness of style and collocation, such as 'unbalanced', 'habitual', 'personalised feedback', and 'disciplined learners'. Word choices are generally precise and precise meanings are conveyed without impediment to communication. While there are a few minor instances of slightly repetitive phrasing ('study', 'students', 'learners'), the vocabulary is sufficient for flexibility and precision. Spelling and word formation are entirely accurate throughout the response. This performance aligns comfortably with the Band 7.0 descriptors.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 7.5

The writer showcases a good variety of complex sentence structures, including conditional or concessive clauses ('Although self-study offers several advantages...', '...if they are not noticed', '...while speaking, but may continue doing so...'). The majority of sentences are error-free, and control over grammar and punctuation is strong throughout. Minor slips are virtually non-existent, and the grammar never impedes communication. The control over tense consistency and subordination indicates solid upper-intermediate to advanced proficiency, easily satisfying the criteria for Band 8.0.

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

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