Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 5.5 · Cambridge IELTS 21 · 2026-08-08

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)

Higher education play crucial role in youngsters life. Everyone wants to do education in best institutions for their bright future . Some people believe that most of the universities undergraduate courses may include a period of time spent studying foreign or doing a work placement. I largely believe that advantages outweigh the disadvantages. In upcoming paragraphs i will discuss both merits and demerits .

On the one hand , i strongly agree with that studying in good universities help student to achieve their goals . To explain, if they choose to do their study in abroad it helps to improve their communication and they easily grow up with strangers. They become independent while doing work in abroad. Moreover, it helps learners to connect with other cultures and know about their languages . Studying in foreign helps to boosts their knowledge. For example, if new twelfth passed student decided to move abroad they get opportunities to find a new way to their success . New youngsters have ability to handle all situations. As a result , i believe that studying in abroad helps to get more job opportunities in future and young people achieve their goals .

On the other hand , some individuals believe that no one can afford higher universities in abroad for education they have no money to move foreign so they miss opportunities to polish their future . Additionally, may be a compulsory placement is stressful for numerous of students they don’t understand about other cultures and languages. They struggle with new campus environment so they uncomfortable to do work and focus in their studies it may be harmful for future success or their goals as a result , mindset is also important to settle in new environment with new members.

In conclusion, no doubt friendly environment is important for to do work and for growth but in my opinion it is beneficial for their future if they choose different workplaces and their education institutions

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 5.5

The response addresses the prompt by discussing both the advantages and disadvantages of mandatory study abroad or work placements. However, the development of ideas is somewhat superficial. For instance, the argument regarding the financial burden is mentioned but not fully explored in terms of potential solutions or institutional support. The position is clear, but the supporting points, such as 'grow up with strangers' or 'new twelfth passed student', lack the depth and precision required for a higher band. To improve, you should provide more specific, well-reasoned examples and ensure that each point directly supports your overall stance on whether the advantages outweigh the disadvantages.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.5

The essay is organized into logical paragraphs, and there is a clear attempt to use cohesive devices such as 'On the one hand', 'On the other hand', and 'In conclusion'. However, the flow between sentences is sometimes mechanical, and the use of referencing is occasionally unclear. For example, the transition between the benefits of independence and the mention of 'twelfth passed student' feels abrupt. Additionally, some cohesive devices are used incorrectly or repetitively. Improving the variety of linking words and ensuring that each sentence logically follows the previous one will help to achieve a more natural and sophisticated progression of ideas.

Lexical Resource — Band 5.5

The vocabulary is generally adequate for the task but lacks the precision and range expected at higher levels. You rely on basic phrasing such as 'do education', 'bright future', and 'grow up with strangers'. There are also instances of awkward word choices, such as 'studying foreign' instead of 'studying abroad' and 'twelfth passed student'. While the meaning is clear, the lack of academic collocations and less common lexical items limits the score. To improve, focus on learning topic-specific vocabulary related to higher education and professional development, and practice using these words in their correct context.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.5

The essay contains a mix of simple and complex sentence structures, but there are frequent grammatical errors that occasionally impede the flow. Common issues include subject-verb agreement (e.g., 'Higher education play'), missing articles (e.g., 'in abroad'), and awkward phrasing (e.g., 'they uncomfortable to do work'). Punctuation is also inconsistent, particularly with spacing around commas. While you attempt complex sentences, they are often marred by errors. To reach a higher band, you need to focus on mastering basic sentence construction, subject-verb agreement, and the correct use of prepositions and articles, while gradually incorporating more complex, error-free structures.

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

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