Band 6.0 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 6.0 · Cambridge IELTS 21 · 2026-08-07

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)

It is a well-know truism that in an increasingly globalized world, the education system is evolving to meet the demands of modern society. In this regard, one proposal gaining adhesion is the incorporation of a mandatory period for studying abroad or participating in a work placement within all university undergraduate programs. This essay will outline not only pros but also the cons of this notion, yet i contend that the advantages significantly outweigh the disadvantages.

To commence with, there are several benefits of studying abroad or undertaking a work placement. One major advantage is that it render students more competitive in the job market. To explain, exposure to different cultures and working environments equips graduates with invaluable skills such as adaptability and cross-cultural communication. For instance, an engineering student who completes an internship in Germany may learn innovative practices and technologies that could be beneficial to their future employers. Furthermore, these experiences often enhance problem-solving abilities, as students must navigate unfamiliar situations and tackle challenges independently, thereby fostering personal and professional growth. thus, it assist to develop personal Growth such as Living in new places builds self-reliance, confidence, and cross-cultural communication.

Conversely, critics of this approach argue that not all students can financially afford the expenses associated with studying abroad or work placements. Acknowledging this concern, it is essential to consider that universities could implement scholarship programs and partnerships with local companies to mitigate financial barriers, ensuring inclusivity. Additionally, some individuals contend that mandatory international experiences could take away from academic focus and lead to disruptions in students' learning schedules. In addition, extra requirements can delay graduation or interrupt learning schedules which might become daunting for undergraduates. However, with careful planning and integration into the curriculum, such experiences can be seamlessly woven into a student's educational journey, enriching rather than hindering their academic pursuits.

In conclusion, while there are legitimate concerns regarding the implementation of compulsory overseas study or work placements, the overwhelming benefits, such as enhanced employability and personal development, yet the few drawbacks of it can never be neglected at any cost.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 6.0

The response addresses all parts of the prompt, clearly stating a position that the advantages outweigh the disadvantages. The ideas are relevant and supported with examples, such as the engineering internship in Germany. However, the development is slightly uneven; while the benefits are well-explained, the counter-arguments are addressed somewhat briefly. The conclusion is slightly repetitive and contains a minor logical inconsistency by mentioning that the drawbacks can never be neglected after arguing they are outweighed. Overall, the response is well-focused and maintains a clear position throughout.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.0

The essay is logically organized with a clear introduction, body paragraphs, and conclusion. Paragraphing is used effectively to separate the benefits from the drawbacks. Cohesive devices such as 'To commence with', 'Furthermore', and 'Conversely' are used to guide the reader. However, there are some instances where the flow is slightly mechanical, and the final sentence of the second paragraph ('thus, it assist to develop personal Growth such as...') feels disjointed and repetitive compared to the previous sentences. Despite these minor issues, the progression of ideas is clear and easy to follow.

Lexical Resource — Band 5.5

The student demonstrates a sufficient range of vocabulary to discuss the topic with some precision, using terms like 'globalized', 'incorporation', 'mitigate', and 'inclusivity'. There are some minor errors in word choice and collocation, such as 'gaining adhesion' (gaining traction) and 'well-know' (well-known). Additionally, there is some repetition of phrases like 'learning schedules'. While the vocabulary is generally appropriate for the task, it lacks the consistent sophistication required for a higher band score. The errors do not impede communication.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.5

The essay uses a mix of simple and complex sentence structures. There are several grammatical slips, such as subject-verb agreement errors ('it render', 'it assist') and capitalization issues ('i', 'Growth'). Punctuation is generally functional, though there are some awkward phrasings, particularly in the final paragraph. While the student attempts complex structures, the frequency of minor errors prevents the writing from reaching the 8.0 band. However, the meaning remains clear throughout, and the errors are not systematic enough to hinder understanding.

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