Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 5.5 · 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 5.5)
Many students gain knowledge at university. It is not only about an education but; they learn about socializing with new people. Some people believe that all universities should include a period of time for one semester or one year, where students studying abroad or doing a work in a company. From certain extent, it would be beneficial for students but somehow there are drawbacks to this idea. This essay have many advantages outweigh the disadvantages.
On the one hand, pupils choose a course which, they will have a successful career in future. Universities help them to provide information about each subjects in depth. For that many colleges want to start something new that before completing graduation, students need to move another country for one semester or one year. Students develop their connection globally which helps them in future. These idea has many advantage for example, if student move abroad then, they adapt things quickly. Learn different kind of cultures, traditions and languages. However, students become more responsible and creative. In result, they find a job easily after completing study.
On the other hand, there are some obstacles students can face. For applying this idea many things which requires but the first form of thing is money. University should take care for children and their responsibilities will be increase. Also, university rise their fees and many students can not afford. Which reduces in students and the reputation will get down. For example, for managing abroad trip for study it will be very costly so, every pupils can not afford due to higher fees and sometimes homesickness and language barrier might be difficulties for them.
In my opinion, if university try to do something new for students they can but, not compulsory for all students. Those who have interest and proper agreement with their parents for that students it turn out really a life changing experience for them. However, they need to learn proper language so they can understand and talk with local people.
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 5.5 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 5.5 |
| Lexical Resource | 5.5 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 5.0 |
| Overall | 5.5 |
Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 5.5
The response addresses the prompt and maintains a clear position throughout, arguing that while the idea is beneficial, it should not be compulsory. The ideas are relevant, such as the mention of global networking and financial barriers. However, the development is somewhat uneven. The explanation of the advantages is a bit repetitive, and the discussion on disadvantages could be more nuanced. While the prompt is addressed, the essay lacks the depth of analysis required for a higher band, as some points are stated rather than fully explored. Nevertheless, the position is consistent and the main requirements of the task are met.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.5
The essay is organised into logical paragraphs, each with a clear focus. There is an attempt to use cohesive devices such as 'On the one hand', 'On the other hand', and 'In my opinion'. However, the flow between sentences is occasionally mechanical or awkward, such as in the phrase 'For that many colleges want to start something new that before completing graduation'. Referencing is sometimes unclear, and the use of linking words is occasionally repetitive or slightly misused, which affects the overall smoothness of the progression. The paragraphing is appropriate, but the internal cohesion needs more variety and precision.
Lexical Resource — Band 5.5
The vocabulary is generally adequate for the task, allowing the student to express their ideas clearly. There are attempts to use topic-specific vocabulary like 'compulsory', 'obstacles', and 'global networking'. However, the range is limited, and there are instances of imprecise word choice, such as 'the first form of thing' instead of 'the primary concern' or 'the reputation will get down' instead of 'the reputation will suffer'. The student relies on basic vocabulary in several places, and there are occasional errors in collocation that, while not impeding communication, prevent the response from reaching a higher band.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.0
The essay contains a mix of simple and complex sentence structures. While the student attempts complex sentences, they are often marred by grammatical errors, such as 'This essay have many advantages' (subject-verb agreement) and 'every pupils can not afford' (pluralisation error). Punctuation is also inconsistent, particularly with the misuse of semicolons and commas. While the meaning is generally clear, the frequency of errors in basic grammar—such as articles, pluralisation, and verb forms—is noticeable. A wider range of error-free complex structures is needed to achieve a higher score.
See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.
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