Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 5.5 · Cambridge IELTS 21 · 2026-11-09

IELTS Writing Task 2 question

All university undergraduate courses should include a period of time spent studying abroad or doing a work placement.

Do you think the advantages of this would outweigh the disadvantages?

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

Student answer (Band 5.5)

All undergraduate courses in the university should have a certified time spent studying abroad or working. In this essay I will be stating why the advantages will outweigh the disadvantages.

The quality of education in the nation currently should be improved and expanded to other countries with good educational sectors therefore, helps in giving broader knowledge of a course. For example, a student that have a limited period of time studying in his/her country with intentions of moving abroad for completion of studies can get access to brighter ideas and greater knowledge of a course when there are better facilities for focus and comfort.

It should be taken into consideration that moving abroad can lead to good networking with young and successful people especially when it's for work. For example, for a student looking for a good job, it's quite advisable to move abroad for better opportunities and different sources of income which aids in assisting bills especially for schooling and less stress even though it might be a limited time.

In conclusion, there should be a proposal for a period of time spent learning in the country and moving abroad for completion of studies especially with a country known for higher and quality educational sectors. It helps in helping such people graduate with good experience and wider knowledge in different areas of study. However, there should be considerations of those who might not be able to adapt to new environments, e.g people with pneumonia not being able to cope with the cold weather. As a matter of fact, those battling with serious health issues can be let to make their own personal decisions suitable for their well being.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 5.5

You state a clear overall view in the introduction—that the advantages outweigh the disadvantages—and give relevant reasons, including access to educational opportunities and professional networking. The conclusion also recognises a possible drawback for students with health conditions. However, the response only partly develops the task: it does not clearly compare the benefits with the disadvantages, and the discussion of studying abroad and work placements is uneven. For instance, the first example focuses on a student who intends to move abroad to complete studies, rather than explaining what a temporary course placement would achieve. The work-placement point is also mainly about finding a job and earning income. Develop each reason with a direct link to the proposed period abroad and explain why its benefits outweigh the practical or personal costs.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 6.0

The response has a recognisable overall structure: an introduction, two body paragraphs and a conclusion. Each body paragraph has a main focus, and signposts such as “For example” and “In conclusion” help readers follow the basic progression. However, connections between ideas are sometimes mechanical or unclear. In the first body paragraph, “therefore, helps in giving broader knowledge” does not connect smoothly to the preceding clause, while the example then shifts to completing studies abroad. The second paragraph moves from networking to employment, income and school bills without clearly showing how these points relate. The conclusion introduces health concerns quite late. Use clearer links between each claim and its explanation, and keep the conclusion focused on summarising the comparison already made.

Lexical Resource: Band 5.5

You use some relevant vocabulary for the topic, including “educational sectors,” “networking,” “opportunities” and “adapt to new environments.” These choices show an attempt to discuss education, employment and personal circumstances. However, the range is limited by repeated or imprecise phrasing, and some collocations make the meaning less natural. For example, “certified time spent” does not clearly describe a required placement, “brighter ideas” is vague, and “helps in helping” repeats the same idea. “Quality educational sectors” is also an awkward way to describe countries with strong education systems. Aim for precise topic vocabulary and avoid repeating general words such as “good” and “help”; this will make your arguments clearer and more convincing.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 5.5

You attempt both simple and more complex sentence forms, including clauses introduced by “especially when” and “even though,” and the overall meaning is generally understandable. However, control is inconsistent, particularly in longer sentences. In “therefore, helps in giving broader knowledge,” the clause lacks a clear grammatical subject, and “a student that have” has a subject–verb agreement error. The sentence beginning “For example, for a student looking for a good job” is also difficult to follow because several ideas are joined without a clear structure. There are some issues with articles, agreement and punctuation, including “e.g people.” Build complex sentences around a clear main clause, check that verbs agree with their subjects, and use punctuation to separate supporting details.

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