Band 7.5 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 7.5 · Cambridge IELTS 21 · 2026-08-05

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 7.5)

**All university undergraduate courses should include a period of time spent studying abroad or doing a work placement. Do the advantages outweigh the disadvantages?**

In today's increasingly globalised world, universities are expected not only to provide academic knowledge but also to prepare students for the demands of the modern workplace. While requiring all undergraduates to study abroad or undertake a work placement may present certain challenges, I believe that the advantages of such an approach significantly outweigh the disadvantages.

One major benefit is that these experiences enable students to develop practical skills that cannot be acquired in a traditional classroom. A work placement allows undergraduates to apply theoretical knowledge in real-life situations, improve their communication and problem-solving abilities, and gain valuable professional experience. Consequently, graduates become more competitive in the job market, as employers often prefer candidates who have already demonstrated workplace competence. For example, engineering students who complete internships are generally more familiar with industry practices than those who possess only academic qualifications.

Similarly, studying abroad broadens students' perspectives by exposing them to different cultures, educational systems, and ways of thinking. Living in another country encourages independence, adaptability, and cross-cultural communication, all of which are highly valued in today's interconnected economy. Furthermore, international exposure often enhances language proficiency and helps students build global networks that may benefit their future careers. Such experiences also foster greater cultural awareness and tolerance, qualities that are increasingly important in multicultural societies.

Admittedly, there are several drawbacks. Participating in overseas programmes or internships may involve considerable financial costs, making them less accessible for students from low-income families. Moreover, not every degree programme requires international experience, and compulsory placements may delay graduation or create unnecessary pressure for some students. However, these issues can be largely addressed through scholarships, financial assistance, and flexible programme structures that allow students to choose between studying abroad and completing local work placements.

In conclusion, although mandatory study abroad programmes or work placements may pose financial and logistical challenges, their contribution to students' personal growth, employability, and global awareness far outweighs these disadvantages. Therefore, I strongly believe that incorporating one of these experiences into undergraduate education would be highly beneficial for both students and society as a whole.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 7.5

The response fully addresses all parts of the prompt. You have taken a clear position from the introduction and maintained it throughout the essay. Each body paragraph provides relevant, well-developed arguments: the first focuses on professional skill acquisition, the second on personal and cultural growth, and the third acknowledges and effectively counters the disadvantages. The ideas are extended with specific examples, such as engineering internships, which adds depth to your argument. The conclusion provides a clear summary that reinforces your initial stance. The response is balanced, logical, and directly answers the question regarding whether the advantages outweigh the disadvantages.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 8.0

The essay is logically organized with a clear progression of ideas. Each paragraph has a central theme, and the transition between paragraphs is smooth, using effective cohesive devices such as 'One major benefit', 'Similarly', 'Admittedly', and 'In conclusion'. The use of referencing is precise, and the flow of information is natural. You have managed paragraphing effectively, ensuring that each point is distinct yet connected to the overall argument. There is no evidence of mechanical or repetitive use of linking words, and the structure supports the reader's understanding of your argument perfectly.

Lexical Resource — Band 7.5

You demonstrate a wide and sophisticated range of vocabulary that is used with precision and naturalness. Phrases such as 'increasingly globalised world', 'theoretical knowledge', 'interconnected economy', and 'logistical challenges' show a high level of lexical control. You use collocations accurately and avoid common errors. The vocabulary is consistently appropriate for an academic context, and you successfully incorporate less common items to convey nuanced meanings. There are no noticeable errors in word choice or spelling, and the language used is both fluent and flexible throughout the entire piece.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 7.5

The essay displays a wide range of grammatical structures, including complex sentences with subordinate clauses, conditional structures, and varied sentence beginnings. The majority of your sentences are error-free, and your control over punctuation and tense usage is excellent. You use modal verbs and passive constructions appropriately to maintain an academic tone. There are no significant grammatical errors that impede communication, and the few minor slips that might occur are non-systematic. The complexity of your sentence construction is consistent with a high level of proficiency.

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