Band 7.5 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 7.5 · Cambridge IELTS 21 · 2026-08-11

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)

It is often argued that undergraduate students should spend a period studying abroad or completing a work placement. Although this policy may create difficulties, I believe its advantages would outweigh the disadvantages.

The main benefit of studying or working in another environment is the development of practical skills. University education provides theoretical knowledge, but students also need to understand how it is applied in real situations. A work placement, for example, can introduce students to responsibilities, teamwork and workplace communication. Similarly, studying abroad can make young people more independent because they must adapt to another culture and manage tasks without relying on their families. These experiences can also improve employment prospects, as employers value candidates who demonstrate flexibility, confidence and initiative.

However, there are some disadvantages to making such experiences compulsory. The most significant concern is the financial burden. Accommodation, travel and living expenses can be expensive, particularly for students from less wealthy families. In addition, some students may struggle emotionally when separated from their families or placed in an unfamiliar environment. A mandatory placement could also create academic pressure if students find it difficult to balance practical experience with their studies.

Nevertheless, these problems can be reduced if universities provide financial assistance, suitable placements and flexible arrangements. For instance, students could choose between studying abroad and working locally, depending on their circumstances.

In conclusion, despite financial and emotional challenges, I strongly believe that the benefits of international study and work experience are greater. Such opportunities can prepare students for employment while helping them become mature, adaptable and responsible individuals.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 7.5

You have fully addressed all parts of the prompt. You clearly stated your position in the introduction and maintained it throughout the essay. The ideas are well-developed, with specific benefits (practical skills, independence, employment prospects) and disadvantages (financial burden, emotional strain) discussed logically. You provided a balanced view by acknowledging the challenges before concluding that the advantages remain superior. The response is well-structured and directly answers the question of whether the advantages outweigh the disadvantages, demonstrating a clear focus on 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 benefits and the drawbacks is handled smoothly using cohesive devices like 'However' and 'Nevertheless'. You use a variety of linking words effectively, such as 'In addition', 'For instance', and 'Similarly', which helps the reader follow your argument without difficulty. Paragraphing is used appropriately, with each paragraph serving a distinct purpose in the overall structure of the essay. The flow is natural and coherent throughout.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.5

You demonstrate a good range of vocabulary that is appropriate for an academic context. Phrases like 'theoretical knowledge', 'employment prospects', 'financial burden', and 'mandatory placement' show a solid command of topic-specific language. While the vocabulary is accurate and conveys your meaning clearly, it remains somewhat standard. To reach a higher band, you could incorporate more sophisticated or idiomatic collocations to add nuance to your arguments. However, the current range is sufficient to express your ideas with precision and flexibility, and there are no significant errors in word choice or spelling.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 7.5

Your grammar is strong, with a good mix of simple and complex sentence structures. You use subordinating conjunctions (e.g., 'although', 'because', 'if') effectively to create complex sentences that are largely error-free. Punctuation is used correctly, and the sentence construction is generally sophisticated. There are no major grammatical errors that impede communication, and the control over tense and subject-verb agreement is consistent. The writing is clear and flows well, reflecting a high level of grammatical competence suitable for this level of task.

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