Band 7.0 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 7.0 · IELTS Summit Mastery · 2026-09-17

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 7.0)

Many young people decide to take a gap year between completing school and beginning university in order to gain work experience or travel. I largely agree that this experience can be beneficial because it enables young people to develop practical skills, become more independent, and gain a broader understanding of the world.

One major advantage of taking a gap year is the opportunity to gain practical work experience. School education mainly provides academic knowledge, whereas employment can teach young people valuable skills such as communication, teamwork, time management and responsibility. These abilities can be extremely useful when students eventually enter university or the professional world. For example, a student who works in a company during a gap year may become more confident and learn how to communicate effectively with colleagues and customers.

Another significant benefit is travelling and experiencing different cultures. Visiting unfamiliar places can broaden a person's perspective and help them understand different lifestyles, traditions and social values. Moreover, living away from family for some time can encourage young people to become more independent and mature. They may have to manage their own money, make decisions and solve unexpected problems without relying heavily on their parents. Consequently, they can return to education with greater motivation and a clearer understanding of their future goals.

In conclusion, I strongly believe that taking a gap year can provide valuable non-academic experience before university. Although students should use this period productively rather than simply wasting their time, working and travelling can help them acquire practical skills, independence and a broader perspective. Therefore, such an experience can make their transition into higher education more purposeful and rewarding.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 7.0

The response fully addresses all parts of the prompt by discussing both the advantages of a gap year and how they benefit students upon returning to university. A clear position is established in the introduction ('I largely agree that this experience can be beneficial') and maintained consistently throughout the essay. Ideas are well-developed and supported with relevant examples, such as the discussion on communication skills and financial independence. The main points regarding practical experience, cultural awareness, and maturity are logically extended, demonstrating a strong understanding of the task requirements. The response meets the descriptors for a Band 7.5 or 8, comfortably fulfilling the requirements for Task Achievement.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 7.0

The essay displays a clear logical organisation and progression throughout. Each paragraph has a distinct central topic, moving smoothly from work experience to travel, independence, and a clear conclusion. Cohesive devices are used effectively and naturally, such as 'One major advantage', 'Another significant benefit', and 'Consequently', which help to guide the reader through the argument. Paragraphing is used sufficiently and appropriately, with each body paragraph dedicated to a specific theme. Referencing is clear and precise. The overall structure is sound and coherent, meeting all the criteria for a Band 7.5 or Band 8 performance.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.5

The student demonstrates a sufficient range of vocabulary with good flexibility and precision, fitting for an academic essay. Less common items and collocations are used effectively throughout the text, such as 'practical work experience', 'broaden a person's perspective', and 'transition into higher education'. Word choice is generally natural and appropriate, with only rare instances of slight awkwardness. Spelling and word formation are accurate throughout the response. The student successfully attempts to use advanced vocabulary to enhance the argument, meeting the standards for a Band 7.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 7.0

The writer employs a good variety of complex structures alongside simple sentences, showing strong control over grammar and punctuation. Examples of complex structures include conditional and participial phrases, such as 'School education mainly provides academic knowledge, whereas employment can teach...' and 'Visiting unfamiliar places can broaden a person's perspective and help them understand...'. The majority of sentences are error-free, and punctuation is handled correctly throughout the essay. Grammatical control is consistent and reliable, warranting a Band 7.5.

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