Band 7.5 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 7.5 · IELTS Summit Mastery · 2026-09-01

IELTS Writing Task 2 question

Write about the following topic:

Many young people choose to take a year out between finishing school and starting university in order to gain work experience or to travel. The experience of non-academic life this offers benefits the individual when they return to education.

To what extent do you agree or disagree?

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

Student answer (Band 7.5)

Many young people decide to take a year off between completing their secondary education and beginning university, either to gain professional experience or to travel. Although some argue that this interrupts academic progress, I strongly agree that experiencing life outside the classroom can be highly beneficial when students eventually return to education.

To commence, a gap year allows young people to develop practical skills that are rarely acquired through formal education. Working in a professional environment, for instance, can teach students how to communicate effectively, manage responsibilities and collaborate with people from different backgrounds. Similarly, travelling can expose young people to unfamiliar cultures and ways of life, making them more independent and adaptable. These experiences can significantly improve their confidence and maturity, which can later help them cope with the demands of university life.

Furthermore, taking time away from academic study can help students make more informed decisions about their future. Many school graduates are uncertain about what they want to study at university or what career they wish to pursue. By working, volunteering or exploring different places during a gap year, they can discover their interests and strengths. Consequently, they may return to education with clearer goals and greater motivation. This is particularly important because choosing a university degree without understanding one's interests can result in dissatisfaction or even dropping out.

However, a gap year is not automatically beneficial. If young people spend the entire year without engaging in meaningful activities, they may lose their academic discipline and find it difficult to adjust to studying again. Therefore, the advantages of a gap year largely depend on how purposefully the time is spent.

In conclusion, I strongly agree that taking a year away from formal education can benefit young people when they return to university. Work experience, travel and other meaningful activities can develop independence, practical skills and self-awareness, while also helping students make better-informed academic and career decisions.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 7.5

The response fully addresses all parts of the prompt. You have taken a clear position from the introduction and maintained it throughout the essay. The ideas are well-developed, with each paragraph focusing on a distinct benefit—practical skill acquisition and informed decision-making—supported by relevant examples like professional communication and volunteering. You also demonstrate a balanced approach by acknowledging a potential drawback, which adds depth to your argument. The conclusion effectively synthesizes your main points, ensuring the response is cohesive and directly answers the 'to what extent' component of the task.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 7.5

The essay is logically organized with a clear progression of ideas. Each paragraph has a central theme, and the transition between paragraphs is smooth, using cohesive devices such as 'To commence,' 'Furthermore,' and 'In conclusion.' Referencing is clear, and the use of linking words like 'consequently' and 'therefore' helps to guide the reader through your argument without being mechanical. The structure is professional and follows a standard academic format, which contributes to the overall clarity of the piece.

Lexical Resource — Band 7.0

You demonstrate a good range of vocabulary appropriate for an academic context. Phrases such as 'academic discipline,' 'informed decisions,' and 'professional environment' show a solid grasp of topic-specific language. There is an attempt to use less common items, and your word choice is generally precise. While the vocabulary is effective and natural, it could be elevated further by incorporating more sophisticated collocations or idiomatic academic expressions to reach the highest band. Nevertheless, the range is sufficient to convey your ideas with precision and style.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 7.5

The essay displays a wide range of grammatical structures, including complex sentences with subordinate clauses (e.g., 'Although some argue that..., I strongly agree that...'). The majority of your sentences are error-free, and your control over punctuation and tense usage is excellent. There are no significant grammatical slips that impede communication. The writing is fluent and demonstrates a high level of accuracy, which is consistent with the requirements for a high band score in this criterion.

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

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