Band 8.0 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 8.0 · Cambridge IELTS 21 · 2026-07-31

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 8.0)

Many people believe that undergraduate students should spend part of their studies either abroad or in a workplace before completing their degree. Although this approach may present certain challenges, I believe that the advantages greatly outweigh the disadvantages because it improves students' practical skills, broadens their perspectives, and increases their future employment opportunities.

One of the main advantages is that students gain valuable practical experience. While universities provide theoretical knowledge, work placements allow students to apply what they have learned in real-life situations. For example, engineering and medical students can develop professional skills by working alongside experienced professionals. As a result, they become more confident and better prepared for their future careers.

Another major benefit is the opportunity to study abroad. Living in another country enables students to experience different cultures, improve their communication skills, and become more independent. They also have the chance to learn new languages and understand different educational systems. These experiences help students develop a broader perspective, which is highly valued in today's global job market.

However, there are some disadvantages. Studying abroad or completing a work placement may increase educational expenses, making it difficult for students from low-income families. Furthermore, some students may struggle to adapt to a new environment or experience homesickness. Despite these challenges, universities and governments can provide financial support, scholarships, and counselling services to help students overcome these difficulties.

In my opinion, the long-term benefits of studying abroad or gaining workplace experience are far greater than the drawbacks. Students graduate with stronger practical abilities, greater confidence, and a better understanding of the professional world. These qualities not only improve their career prospects but also contribute to their personal development.

In conclusion, although studying abroad or undertaking a work placement may involve additional costs and temporary challenges, the advantages clearly outweigh the disadvantages. Therefore, universities should encourage students to participate in these valuable learning opportunities.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 8.5

The response fully addresses all parts of the prompt. You clearly state your position in the introduction and maintain it throughout the essay. The ideas are well-developed, with specific examples provided for both work placements (engineering and medical students) and studying abroad (cultural exposure and language acquisition). You also acknowledge the counter-arguments regarding costs and homesickness, which demonstrates a balanced approach. The conclusion effectively synthesises your main points and reinforces your stance. The development is logical and consistent with the requirements of an academic essay.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 8.5

The essay is logically organised with a clear progression of ideas. Each paragraph has a central theme, and the transition between paragraphs is smooth. You make effective use of cohesive devices such as 'Although', 'Furthermore', 'In addition', and 'As a result' to link sentences and ideas. The paragraphing is appropriate, with a clear introduction, body paragraphs covering distinct aspects, and a conclusion. The flow of the argument is easy to follow, and the referencing is precise throughout the text.

Lexical Resource — Band 7.5

You demonstrate a good range of vocabulary appropriate for an academic context. Phrases such as 'theoretical knowledge', 'global job market', and 'professional world' are used accurately. While the vocabulary is sufficient and clear, it is generally standard. To reach a higher band, you could incorporate more sophisticated or less common collocations and idiomatic expressions. However, the current range is flexible enough to convey your ideas precisely without any significant errors in word choice or collocation.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 8.0

The essay displays a good command of grammatical structures. You use a mix of simple and complex sentences effectively, such as the conditional-like structure in 'If... then' logic or the use of subordinate clauses starting with 'Although' or 'While'. The punctuation is accurate, and there are no major errors that impede communication. The majority of your sentences are error-free, and you demonstrate control over tense usage and subject-verb agreement. The writing is clear and professional throughout.

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