Band 7.5 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 7.5 · Cambridge IELTS 21 · 2026-08-10

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 7.5)

Integrating a mandatory period of study abroad or a work placement into all undergraduate courses is a transformative approach to higher education. Although this requirement presents financial and logistical hurdles for certain students, the advantages far outweigh the disadvantages because it drastically improves global employability and bridges the gap between academic theory and practical reality.

On the one hand, implementing this mandate creates notable challenges regarding equity and academic pacing. Traveling internationally or securing specific internships demands significant financial resources, which can unfairly burden low-income students who may already struggle with tuition fees. Furthermore, adding a mandatory external component can disrupt a student's academic timeline. For instance, individuals pursuing highly technical degrees like engineering or medicine might find it difficult to pause their rigorous, sequential coursework for an off-campus placement, potentially extending their graduation timelines unnecessarily.

On the other hand, the professional and personal benefits of real-world exposure are unparalleled. Experiencing an international academic environment or a professional workplace forces students to develop crucial soft skills like adaptability, intercultural communication, and problem-solving. A work placement provides immediate professional networking opportunities and hands-on industry experience that a traditional classroom simply cannot replicate. For example, a business student interning at a multinational firm graduates with practical project management skills and corporate connections, making them infinitely more attractive to top employers in a competitive job market.

In conclusion, while the financial strain and scheduling conflicts are valid drawbacks, they are ultimately administrative challenges that universities can mitigate through targeted scholarships and flexible scheduling. The immense benefits of developing culturally aware, career-ready graduates mean that mandatory experiential learning is an invaluable investment that easily eclipses its initial disadvantages.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 7.5

The response fully addresses all parts of the prompt. You clearly state your position in the introduction and maintain it throughout the essay. The arguments are well-developed, with a balanced discussion of both the challenges (financial and logistical) and the benefits (employability and skill development). You provide relevant examples, such as the mention of engineering or medicine students and the business student intern, which effectively support your claims. The conclusion reinforces your position and offers a logical synthesis of the points discussed. The response is well-structured and demonstrates a clear understanding of the task requirements.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 7.5

The essay is logically organized with a clear progression of ideas. Each paragraph has a central theme, and the transition between the counter-argument and your main argument is smooth, using cohesive devices like 'On the one hand' and 'On the other hand'. You use a variety of linking words and phrases such as 'Furthermore', 'For instance', and 'In conclusion' effectively to guide the reader. Paragraphing is used appropriately, and the internal structure of each paragraph is coherent, ensuring that the argument flows naturally from one point to the next.

Lexical Resource — Band 7.5

You demonstrate a wide and sophisticated range of vocabulary. Phrases such as 'transformative approach', 'financial and logistical hurdles', 'academic pacing', and 'infinitely more attractive' show a high level of lexical control. You use collocations accurately and appropriately for the academic context. There is a clear awareness of style, and the vocabulary is used with precision to convey complex ideas. There are no noticeable errors in word choice or spelling, and the language used is both fluent and flexible throughout the response.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 7.5

The essay displays a wide range of grammatical structures with high accuracy. You effectively use complex sentences, such as the conditional and concessive clauses in the introduction and conclusion. Punctuation is used correctly to manage sentence structure, and there are no significant grammatical errors. The majority of your sentences are error-free, and the control over verb tenses and subject-verb agreement is consistent. The writing is sophisticated and demonstrates a strong command of English grammar, which allows for clear and precise communication of your arguments.

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