Band 7.0 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 7.0 · Cambridge IELTS 21 · 2026-08-06

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 7.0)

In recent years, there has been increasing support for incorporating overseas study or work placements into undergraduate degree programmes. Although such opportunities may present certain challenges, I believe that their advantages far outweigh the disadvantages because they equip students with practical skills, broaden their perspectives, and significantly enhance their career prospects.

One major advantage is that students gain valuable practical experience by applying theoretical knowledge in real-world situations. Classroom learning often focuses on concepts, whereas internships and work placements enable students to develop technical skills, problem-solving abilities, and professional behaviour. For example, an engineering student who completes an internship in a manufacturing company can understand how industrial machinery operates and learn to solve practical engineering problems. As a result, graduates become more competent and better prepared for the workplace.

Another significant benefit is that studying abroad helps students develop cultural awareness and communication skills. Living in a foreign country exposes them to different traditions, languages, and ways of thinking, making them more adaptable and open-minded. For instance, an Indian student studying in Germany may learn to collaborate effectively with people from diverse cultural backgrounds. Consequently, students become more confident and develop the intercultural competence that is increasingly valued in today's globalised world.

Admittedly, there are some disadvantages. Participating in overseas programmes or internships can be expensive, and some students may face financial difficulties or family responsibilities that make such experiences challenging. In addition, spending time away from campus may temporarily interrupt academic studies. However, these drawbacks can be minimised through scholarships, financial assistance, and well-structured placements that complement the university curriculum.

In conclusion, while studying abroad or undertaking a work placement may involve financial costs and logistical challenges, the benefits of gaining practical experience, developing global perspectives, and improving employability clearly outweigh these disadvantages. Therefore, I believe that such programmes should form an essential part of undergraduate education.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 7.0

The response fully addresses all parts of the task. You have taken a clear position from the introduction and maintained it throughout the essay. Each body paragraph presents a well-developed argument, supported by relevant examples such as the engineering student in a manufacturing company and the Indian student in Germany. The counter-argument regarding financial and logistical challenges is acknowledged and effectively refuted, demonstrating a balanced and mature approach to the prompt. The ideas are extended logically, and the conclusion provides a strong summary of your stance. The response is well-structured and directly answers the question of whether the advantages outweigh the disadvantages.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 7.0

The essay is logically organized with a clear progression of ideas. Each paragraph has a central theme, and the transition between paragraphs is smooth. You use a variety of cohesive devices effectively, such as 'Although', 'For example', 'As a result', and 'In addition', which help guide the reader through your argument. The paragraphing is logical and contributes to the overall clarity of the response. Referencing is clear throughout, and there is no evidence of mechanical or repetitive use of linking words. The structure is coherent and supports the development of your argument well.

Lexical Resource — Band 7.0

You demonstrate a wide and flexible range of vocabulary that is appropriate for an academic context. Phrases such as 'incorporating overseas study', 'theoretical knowledge', 'intercultural competence', and 'logistical challenges' show a high level of lexical control. You use less common items with precision and demonstrate a good awareness of collocation. There are no significant errors in word choice, and the vocabulary used is natural and sophisticated, which enhances the overall quality of the essay. The language is precise and contributes to the clarity of your arguments.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 7.0

The essay displays a wide range of grammatical structures, including complex sentences with subordinate clauses and conditional-like structures. The majority of your sentences are error-free, and your control over punctuation and syntax is excellent. You use a variety of sentence forms, such as 'Although such opportunities may present certain challenges, I believe that...' and 'While studying abroad... may involve..., the benefits... clearly outweigh these disadvantages.' These structures are used accurately and contribute to the fluent flow of the text. There are no noticeable grammatical errors that impede communication.

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