Band 6.0 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 6.0 · Cambridge IELTS 21 · 2026-08-04
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 6.0)
Most universities worldwide have integrated internships and research projects into their undergraduate curricula. Although mandatory placements may temporarily divert a student's focus from academic study, I believe the advantages far outweigh the disadvantages, as students gain invaluable experience solving real-world problems alongside industry experts.
The primary drawback of a work placement is that earning an early stipend can distract students from their academic goals. Once individuals experience financial independence, their motivation to pursue theoretical studies may decrease, leading them to attend classes merely to meet attendance requirements. In some cases, students may even decide to pause their education to pursue entrepreneurial ventures full-time. Nevertheless, this risk is relatively minor compared to the broader educational value that practical exposure provides.
On the other hand, the main advantage of an internship is that it enables students to bridge the gap between theory and practice. By applying classroom concepts to actual business or engineering challenges, learners develop a deeper understanding of their field. For instance, major technology companies like Google regularly recruit undergraduate interns for research and development teams. In these roles, students collaborate with leading scientists to build solutions for real end-users. This environment not only strengthens their technical capability but also helps them establish valuable professional networks.
In conclusion, while working at a young age may temporarily disrupt academic routines, the long-term career and practical benefits of completing a work placement make it an essential component of higher education.
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 5.5 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 6.0 |
| Lexical Resource | 6.0 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 6.5 |
| Overall | 6.0 |
Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 5.5
The response addresses the prompt clearly, maintaining a consistent position that the advantages outweigh the disadvantages. The ideas are relevant and well-supported with a specific example regarding Google. However, the response falls short of the 250-word minimum requirement (238 words). This under-length impacts the depth of the argument, as the discussion could have been further extended to reach the required length. While the position is clear and the main points are developed, the failure to meet the minimum word count necessitates a penalty in this criterion.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.0
The essay is logically organized with a clear introduction, two body paragraphs, and a conclusion. Each paragraph has a central topic, and the progression of ideas is easy to follow. Cohesive devices such as 'Although', 'The primary drawback', 'Nevertheless', and 'On the other hand' are used effectively to link sentences and paragraphs. The paragraphing is appropriate, and the flow of the argument is smooth throughout the text.
Lexical Resource — Band 6.0
The vocabulary is precise and appropriate for an academic context. The student uses a range of topic-specific terms such as 'undergraduate curricula', 'theoretical studies', 'entrepreneurial ventures', and 'professional networks'. The word choices are natural and demonstrate a good level of control. There are no significant errors in word choice or collocation that impede communication, and the range is sufficient to discuss the topic with clarity and some sophistication.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 6.5
The essay demonstrates a good command of complex sentence structures, such as the use of subordinate clauses ('Although mandatory placements may...', 'By applying classroom concepts to...'). The grammar is generally accurate, with very few errors. Punctuation is used correctly to support the structure of the sentences. The majority of the sentences are error-free, and the control over tense and subject-verb agreement is consistent throughout the response.
See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.
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