Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 5.5 · IELTS Complete Catalyst · 2026-08-13

IELTS Writing Task 2 question

In many countries these days, the number of people continuing their education after school has increased, and the range of courses available at universities and colleges has also increased.

Do you think this is a positive or negative development?

You should use your own ideas, knowledge and experience and support your arguments with examples and relevant experience.

Student answer (Band 5.5)

In recent years, study after senior secondary has become increasingly prevalent. The proportion of university and colleges students is inclined and the different type of degrees has also developed while this trend may offer certain benefits such as better career opportunities and personal development, I believe that it is largely positive because of its plays important role for the development and literacy rate of the nation.

To commence with, the first and foremost to believe that this is a positive reason is that studying after school, influences an individual to pursue a career which they may feel interested. To unfold it, as a plenty of fields to choose for students gives them a favourable opportunities for their secure future. It would helpful to reduces the unemployment from the nation, if majority of the population do hard work and pursue the further studies that not only give employment but also increases literacy rate, make nation literate. Moreover, as the range of courses helps them to study subject which is good in both academic and interest wise. For instance, in the past there was no art based degree so the talent was wasted but nowadays artist also study and enhance their skill.

However, despite the valid positive for the former viewpoint, the latter notion cannot be overlooked. The major negative impact is that there will be too many graduates, job market will be crowded. In other words, it is plausible that if a large proportion of young people obtain the graduation, that will raise the competition in jobs. For example, in Rajasthan, around 2-3 lakhs individuals have a degree of B.ed in 2020 and give exam of REET yet there was only have 50,000 seats. Therefore, it may result into tough paper and competition.

In conclusion, although this trend increases competition in job market and number of graduates, it helps in the advancement of the country as helps in increase number of literate populace and economy. Even though this make financial pressure on families yet helps in secure future.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 5.5

The response addresses all parts of the prompt, clearly stating that the trend is positive. The ideas are relevant, such as career opportunities and national literacy, though the development is sometimes repetitive. The argument regarding the negative impact (job market saturation) is also presented, providing a balanced view. However, the explanation of these points could be more nuanced; for instance, the link between 'literacy rate' and 'university degrees' is slightly conflated. Overall, the position is clear throughout, and the main ideas are supported with examples, meeting the requirements for a Band 6.0.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.5

The essay is organized into logical paragraphs, each with a clear central topic. Cohesive devices are used, such as 'To commence with', 'Moreover', and 'In conclusion', though some transitions feel mechanical or slightly unnatural (e.g., 'To unfold it'). Referencing is generally clear, but there are instances where the flow is interrupted by awkward phrasing, such as the transition between the benefits and the drawbacks. Paragraphing is used appropriately to separate the different viewpoints, which helps the reader follow the argument, justifying a Band 6.0.

Lexical Resource — Band 5.5

The student demonstrates an adequate range of vocabulary for the task, including terms like 'prevalent', 'literacy rate', and 'plausible'. However, there are frequent errors in word choice and collocation, such as 'the proportion of university and colleges students is inclined' (should be 'increasing') and 'give exam of REET' (should be 'take the exam'). Some phrasing is non-idiomatic, such as 'good in both academic and interest wise'. While the vocabulary is sufficient to convey the intended meaning, the errors in word formation and collocation prevent a higher score.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.5

The essay uses a mix of simple and complex sentence structures. However, there are frequent grammatical errors, including subject-verb agreement ('it is largely positive because of its plays important role'), article usage ('the different type of degrees'), and sentence fragments or run-on sentences. Punctuation is also inconsistent, particularly with comma usage. While these errors are noticeable and occasionally require the reader to re-read for clarity, they do not completely impede communication. The control of complex structures is inconsistent, which is characteristic of the Band 5.5 level.

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