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)

Many educational institutions are considering incorporating mandatory study abroad programs or practical work placements into all degree courses. While these initiatives present certain financial and logistical challenges for some students, I firmly believe that the practical advantages in terms of employability and personal development far outweigh the disadvantages.

On the one hand, making study abroad or internship periods compulsory can create significant hurdles. Financially, living in a foreign country or accepting unpaid work placements can impose a heavy burden on low-income students. Furthermore, students with personal commitments or disabilities may find it difficult to relocate or adapt to demanding external environments. Forcing every student into these requirements without flexibility could lead to increased dropout rates or mental strain for those unsuited to such drastic changes.

On the other hand, the benefits of incorporating practical or international experience into higher education are substantial. First and foremost, work placements bridge the gap between academic theory and real-world application. Graduates who possess hands-on industry experience are vastly more attractive to prospective employers and transition into the workforce far more smoothly. Similarly, studying abroad fosters crucial soft skills such as adaptability, cultural awareness, and independent problem-solving—traits highly valued in today's globalized economy. By embedding these opportunities into degree curricula, universities ensure that students graduate with well-rounded, relevant skills rather than just theoretical knowledge.

In conclusion, although compulsory international study or work placements may cause initial financial and logistical difficulties for a minority of students, these can be mitigated through university grants and flexible alternative arrangements. The long-term advantages of enhanced employability, practical skill acquisition, and personal growth far outweigh the potential downsides.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 7.5

You have fully addressed all parts of the prompt. Your position is clear from the introduction and is maintained consistently throughout the essay. The arguments are well-developed, with a balanced discussion of both the challenges (financial and logistical) and the benefits (employability and soft skills). You provide relevant examples and logical reasoning to support your stance. The conclusion effectively synthesizes your arguments and provides a final verdict. The response is well-structured and directly answers the question of whether the advantages outweigh the disadvantages.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 7.5

The essay is logically organized with a clear progression of ideas. Each paragraph has a central topic, and the transition between the counter-argument and your main argument is smooth, using appropriate cohesive devices such as 'On the one hand' and 'On the other hand'. Paragraphing is used effectively to separate distinct ideas. The use of linking words like 'Furthermore', 'First and foremost', and 'Similarly' helps to guide the reader through your argument without being repetitive or mechanical. The flow of information is natural and easy to follow.

Lexical Resource — Band 7.0

You demonstrate a good range of vocabulary that is appropriate for an academic context. Phrases such as 'incorporating mandatory', 'bridge the gap', 'theoretical knowledge', and 'mitigated through' show a level of sophistication. Your word choice is precise, and you avoid repetitive language. While the vocabulary is accurate and fits the context well, there is room to incorporate even more idiomatic or less common collocations to reach the highest band. Overall, the lexical range is sufficient to convey your ideas with precision and clarity.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 7.5

Your writing displays a high level of grammatical control. You use a variety of complex sentence structures, such as conditional-like structures ('If... without flexibility') and participial phrases, with very few errors. The majority of your sentences are error-free, and your punctuation is accurate throughout. There is a good balance between simple and complex forms, which enhances the readability of your essay. The grammatical accuracy is consistent, and there are no slips that impede communication or cause confusion for the reader.

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