Band 6.0 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 6.0 · IELTS Summit Mastery · 2026-09-05

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 6.0)

Many young people decide to take a year off between finishing school and starting university. During this period, they may work, travel or learn new skills. I strongly agree that this experience can benefit students when they return to education.

Firstly, working for a year can help young people develop important practical skills. For example, they can learn how to communicate with different people, manage their time and take responsibility for their tasks. These skills are useful at university because students need to manage their studies independently. Moreover, earning money can teach young people how to manage their finances and become more responsible.

Secondly, travelling can also provide valuable experiences. When young people visit different countries and meet people from different cultures, they can become more confident and open-minded. They may also learn about different lifestyles and improve their communication skills. For instance, a student who travels abroad may have to communicate with people in another language, which can improve their confidence.

However, taking a year out can have some disadvantages. Some students may become less interested in studying after being away from education for a long time. They may also spend the year without gaining useful experience if they do not have a clear plan.

In conclusion, although a gap year can have some disadvantages, I believe that working or travelling during this period provides valuable life experience. If young people use their time wisely, they can return to university more mature, confident and responsible.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 5.5

The essay addresses the prompt clearly and maintains a consistent position throughout. The arguments regarding work experience and travel are relevant and logically developed. However, the response falls slightly short of the 250-word minimum requirement (246 words). While the ideas are well-supported, the development is somewhat concise. To reach a higher band, you should expand on your examples or provide a more nuanced discussion of the counter-arguments to ensure the response is fully developed and meets the length requirement.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.5

The essay is well-organized with a clear introduction, body paragraphs, and a conclusion. Each paragraph has a central theme, and the progression of ideas is logical. You use cohesive devices such as 'Firstly', 'Moreover', 'However', and 'In conclusion' effectively to guide the reader. The paragraphing is appropriate, and the relationship between ideas is clear. To improve, try to incorporate a wider variety of linking words and ensure that referencing between sentences is more sophisticated to avoid a slightly mechanical feel.

Lexical Resource — Band 5.5

You demonstrate an adequate range of vocabulary for the task, using terms like 'practical skills', 'independent', 'open-minded', and 'mature'. The language is generally accurate and natural, allowing for clear communication. However, the vocabulary is somewhat repetitive and lacks the 'less common' or 'idiomatic' items required for higher bands. To improve, focus on using more precise collocations and academic synonyms to elevate the tone of your writing.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 6.5

Your grammar is generally accurate, and you use a mix of simple and complex sentence structures effectively. Most sentences are error-free, and your punctuation is correct. You demonstrate good control over basic and intermediate structures. To reach a higher band, you should aim to incorporate a wider variety of complex grammatical forms, such as conditional sentences or passive voice, and ensure that your sentence structure is consistently varied to demonstrate greater flexibility.

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

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