Band 6.5 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 6.5 · 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 6.5)

It is argued that all university students should spend some time either studying in another country or completing a work placement during their undergraduate studies. Although this requirement may create financial and academic challenges for some students, I believe the benefits far outweigh the drawbacks because it equips graduates with practical skills, international exposure, and better career prospects.

One significant advantage of studying abroad or undertaking a work placement is that students gain valuable real-world experience. While classroom learning provides theoretical knowledge, practical training enables students to apply what they have learned in real-life situations. For example, engineering students who complete internships can develop technical and problem-solving skills by working on actual projects. Similarly, students studying overseas are exposed to different teaching methods, advanced technologies, and diverse cultures, making them more adaptable and confident.

Another major benefit is that these experiences improve employability. Employers increasingly seek candidates who possess practical experience, communication skills, and the ability to work with people from different backgrounds. A graduate who has completed an internship or studied abroad is more likely to demonstrate independence, teamwork, and cultural awareness. As a result, such students often have a competitive advantage in the job market and may receive better employment opportunities after graduation.

Admittedly, there are some disadvantages. Studying abroad can be expensive, particularly for students from low-income families, while work placements may delay academic progress or be difficult to arrange in certain fields. Furthermore, some students may struggle to adapt to a new environment or experience homesickness. However, these issues can be reduced through scholarships, financial assistance, and proper guidance from universities. Since these challenges are temporary, they should not discourage institutions from offering such opportunities.

In conclusion, although mandatory overseas study or work placements may involve financial costs and practical difficulties, the long-term advantages, including enhanced practical knowledge, personal development, and stronger employment prospects, clearly outweigh the disadvantages. Therefore, I strongly believe that universities should include these experiences as part of undergraduate education.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 6.5

The response fully addresses all parts of the prompt. You clearly state your position in the introduction and maintain it consistently throughout the essay. Each paragraph is well-developed with relevant examples, such as the mention of engineering internships to support the argument for practical skills. The counter-argument is acknowledged and addressed effectively in the fourth paragraph, demonstrating a balanced view before reaffirming your stance. The ideas are extended logically, and the conclusion provides a clear summary of your position. The response is well-structured and directly answers the question regarding whether the advantages outweigh the disadvantages.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.5

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 cohesive devices such as 'One significant advantage,' 'Another major benefit,' and 'Admittedly.' You use a variety of linking words and phrases effectively, such as 'Furthermore,' 'Similarly,' and 'As a result.' The paragraphing is logical and contributes to the overall clarity of the argument. The referencing is precise, and there is no evidence of mechanical or repetitive use of cohesive devices, making the flow of the essay natural and easy to follow.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.0

You demonstrate a good range of vocabulary that is appropriate for an academic essay. Phrases like 'international exposure,' 'competitive advantage,' and 'academic progress' show a strong command of topic-specific language. You use less common items with a good awareness of collocation and style. While the vocabulary is precise and effective, it stops just short of the 'wide, fluent and flexible' range required for a band 8 or 9, as it is consistently accurate but lacks a few more sophisticated or idiomatic expressions that would elevate the tone further. Nevertheless, the lexical resource is more than sufficient for the task.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 6.0

The essay displays a good variety of complex sentence structures, such as the use of 'Although' clauses and conditional-like structures. The majority of your sentences are error-free, and your control over punctuation and grammar is strong. There are no significant errors that impede communication. You successfully combine simple and complex forms to create a natural flow. To reach a higher band, you could incorporate a slightly wider variety of advanced grammatical structures, such as inversion or more complex passive constructions, but the current level of accuracy and range is very solid for a band 7.5 or 8.0.

See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.

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