Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 5.5 · Cambridge IELTS 21 · 2026-11-12

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)

I beleive there is a advantages in all university undergraduate courses including a priod of time spent studying abroad or doing a work placement.

Basically, there is concept that univeristy is place to get educational degrees but student need to be practical. With work placement in one semester of the courses student can get practical experience of their theoritical learning. In the real world theere is cross-cultural work place, student can learn how to adopt to the situation in the work place. It also help to fulfill gap between theoretical and practical knowldge.

Similarly, studing abroad fosters adaptability, intercultural competence and independence which make them morden employee. For student in the field of engeneering, business and medical practical knowledge is very important.

On other hands, univeristy keep unwanted burden of finance to student for studying abroad and work placement. International student should bear living cost, travelling cost and visa-fee which exclude student who come from low income background. Not all subject tends to provide practical education subjects like mathmatics, philosophy, literature focus on voational education.

In conclusion,although work placement and international exchanges in education is basic for the growth opportunities but it is not mandatory for the all the pathways and not rigid mandates.Universities can serve the optional course for those student who are willing to get these education and source the fund for those who are low income background students consulting with government.Univeristies should changes the traditional degress structure education system for advance employement.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 5.5

You address both the benefits and drawbacks and give a position: placements and exchanges can support growth, but should not be compulsory. Relevant benefits include practical experience, adaptability and intercultural competence; the financial burden and the differing needs of subjects such as mathematics and literature are also pertinent. However, the position is not fully consistent: the opening says there are advantages, while the conclusion argues against a rigid requirement without clearly weighing whether the advantages outweigh the disadvantages. Several points, especially the subject-based objection, need fuller explanation or an example. The response contains 235 words, so it is 15 words below the required minimum; the 10 words copied from the task prompt were not counted. Develop the comparison and support your final judgement more directly.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 5.5

The response has a recognisable structure, with an introduction, paragraphs on benefits and drawbacks, and a conclusion. Paragraphing helps the reader distinguish the main points, and transitions such as “Similarly” and “On other hands” signal a change in direction. However, progression is sometimes difficult to follow because ideas are compressed or linked mechanically. For example, the discussion moves from work placements to cross-cultural workplaces and then to knowledge gaps without clearly explaining each connection. The conclusion introduces funding and government consultation abruptly, and the relationship between optional courses and the claim that universities should change their degree structure is unclear. Use clearer topic sentences and connect each supporting detail explicitly to your main argument.

Lexical Resource: Band 5.5

You attempt relevant academic vocabulary, including “practical experience,” “theoretical learning,” “adaptability,” and “intercultural competence.” These choices show an effort to discuss the topic beyond basic everyday language. However, the range is limited and several spelling, word-form, and collocation errors make the writing less clear, such as “adopt to the situation,” “modern employee,” and “source the fund.” Repeated use of “student,” “work placement,” and “education” also limits flexibility. Aim for accurate, natural combinations and check spelling carefully; errors such as “univeristy,” “priod,” and “knowldge” are noticeable. More precise vocabulary would help distinguish the benefits of workplace experience from those of studying in another country.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 5.0

You use some simple sentences and attempt longer structures, including a relative clause in “subjects like mathematics, philosophy, literature focus on vocational education.” However, the range remains limited, and attempts at more complex sentences are often faulty. Errors in articles, agreement, and sentence construction occur throughout: “there is a advantages,” “student need to be practical,” and “It also help” show recurring problems. The final sentence, “Universities should changes the traditional degrees structure education system,” is difficult to parse because the verb form and sentence structure are not controlled. Punctuation also needs attention, particularly spacing after commas and the run-on conclusion. Practise accurate subject–verb agreement and build complex sentences one clause at a time.

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