Band 7.0 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 7.0 · 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 7.0)

Nowadays, many people believe that all undergraduate university courses should include a period of studying abroad or completing a work placement. Although this requirement may create some difficulties for students, I believe that the advantages are greater than the disadvantages.

To embark on, One major advantage of studying abroad is that students can develop independence and gain exposure to different cultures. Living in another country requires young people to manage their daily lives, communicate with unfamiliar people and adapt to new environments. As a result, they can become more confident and open-minded. Moreover, studying in a foreign country allows students to understand different educational systems and perspectives, which can be valuable in their future careers. For example, a student who spends a semester abroad may improve their communication skills while also learning how people from different backgrounds think and work.

Furthermore, Another significant benefit is that work placements provide practical experience. University education often focuses heavily on theoretical knowledge, whereas employment allows students to apply what they have learned in real-life situations. This can help them develop professional skills, understand workplace responsibilities and make better career decisions. In addition, having relevant work experience can make graduates more attractive to employers after completing their degrees. For instance, a business student who completes a placement in a company can gain experience in teamwork, communication and dealing with customers before graduating.

However, there are some disadvantages to making these opportunities compulsory. Studying abroad can be expensive, particularly because students may have to pay for accommodation, travel and other living expenses. Similarly, some students may find it difficult to balance a work placement with their academic responsibilities. Nevertheless, universities can reduce these problems by providing financial assistance, scholarships and flexible placement options. Therefore, these disadvantages are relatively manageable compared with the long-term academic and professional benefits.

In conclusion, although compulsory study-abroad programmes and work placements can create financial and practical difficulties, I believe that their advantages outweigh the disadvantages because they help students become more independent, gain practical experience and prepare more effectively for their future careers.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 7.5

The response fully addresses all parts of the prompt. You have taken a clear position from the introduction and maintained it throughout the essay. The arguments regarding independence, cultural exposure, and practical experience are well-developed and supported with relevant examples, such as the business student placement. The counter-arguments regarding cost and time management are also acknowledged and effectively refuted, demonstrating a balanced approach. The ideas are extended logically, and the conclusion provides a clear summary of your stance. To reach a higher band, ensure that every point is linked back to the specific context of 'undergraduate courses' to ensure maximum relevance.

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 the advantages and the counter-arguments is smooth. You use a range of cohesive devices effectively, such as 'Moreover', 'Furthermore', and 'Nevertheless'. However, there are minor mechanical errors in the use of cohesive devices, such as the redundant 'To embark on, One major advantage' and 'Furthermore, Another significant benefit', where two transition markers are used consecutively. These minor slips prevent the cohesion from being entirely seamless, but the overall structure remains clear and easy to follow.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.5

You demonstrate a sufficient range of vocabulary to discuss the topic with precision. Phrases like 'embark on', 'theoretical knowledge', and 'financial assistance' are used appropriately. There is an attempt to use less common items, and the vocabulary is generally natural and fits the academic context well. While the range is adequate for the task, it does not consistently reach the level of 'wide and flexible' required for higher bands. The word choices are accurate, and there are no spelling errors that impede communication, showing a good level of control over your lexical choices.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 7.0

The essay displays a good mix of simple and complex sentence structures. You use complex sentences effectively, such as 'Although this requirement may create some difficulties for students, I believe that the advantages are greater than the disadvantages.' The majority of your sentences are error-free, and your control over punctuation is generally strong. There are very few grammatical slips, and those that exist do not impede communication. To improve, you could incorporate a wider variety of advanced grammatical structures, such as inversion or more complex conditional sentences, to demonstrate greater flexibility.

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

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