Band 5.0 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 5.0 · Cambridge IELTS 21 · 2026-08-09

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 5.0)

Many are of the believe that all university undergraduate courses should include a period of time or studying abroad for a work placement. I think this idea has both advantages or disadvantages. I partially agree with this point. Description about my point will be in the next paragraphs.

Firstly one important advantages is that students become a more practical and they create their practical skills not a theory based mind. It is very good thing that in abroad universities mostly preferred practical knowledge If students have practical mind and practical skill that universities take first admission and company give first chance them. Second thing that is if students planning to go abroad for under graduate or make a good career that is best option because in abroad people of the country totally speak in English so students can improve their English and they know about the different countries culture.

However some disadvantages like Total cost of undergraduate in abroad is too much expensive if students got good marks in Higher education then chance to get admission in government universities. It is very difficult to clear exams and take load about the education and how to get job or food and living life. some students who mentally strong they find their way about their living food and exams but those students who do are not mentally prepared they always get back.

In Conclusion, I think study abroad or doing a work placement is easy not much difficult but if the students were practical then they can do anything.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 5.0

The response addresses the prompt by discussing both advantages and disadvantages, but the development is limited. While you state your position, the arguments are somewhat repetitive and lack depth. For instance, the point about 'practical skills' is mentioned but not clearly linked to how a work placement or study abroad specifically fosters this. The conclusion is also quite brief and does not effectively summarise the main points or reinforce your position. To improve, ensure each paragraph focuses on a single, well-developed idea supported by specific examples or logical reasoning, and provide a more comprehensive conclusion that synthesises your arguments.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.5

The essay is organised into paragraphs, which helps the reader follow the structure. However, the use of cohesive devices is quite mechanical and sometimes inaccurate. For example, phrases like 'Second thing that is' and 'In Conclusion, I think' are used, but the transitions between sentences within paragraphs are often abrupt. The logical progression of ideas is occasionally hindered by unclear referencing and awkward phrasing, such as 'Description about my point will be in the next paragraphs.' Improving the variety and accuracy of linking words (e.g., 'furthermore,' 'consequently,' 'in contrast') would significantly enhance the flow of your writing.

Lexical Resource — Band 5.0

Your vocabulary is generally limited and repetitive. You rely heavily on basic terms like 'good,' 'practical,' and 'things.' There are also several instances of incorrect word choice or word formation, such as 'Many are of the believe' (belief) and 'total cost... is too much expensive' (is very expensive). While the meaning is generally clear, the lack of precision and the frequent errors in collocation prevent the essay from reaching a higher band. To improve, try to learn synonyms for common words and pay closer attention to the correct grammatical form of the words you use.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.0

The essay contains a high frequency of grammatical errors that occasionally impede readability. Common issues include subject-verb agreement ('universities mostly preferred'), missing articles, and incorrect sentence structures ('some students who mentally strong they find their way'). You rely mostly on simple sentences, and attempts at more complex structures often result in errors. To improve, focus on mastering basic sentence construction, particularly subject-verb agreement and the correct use of prepositions. Proofreading for common errors like missing 'to be' verbs or incorrect word order will also help improve your accuracy.

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

Browse more IELTS Writing model answers or get your own writing scored by the same AI examiner.