Band 6.0 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 6.0 · Cambridge IELTS 21 · 2026-08-12

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 6.0)

Many people believe that university students should spend some time studying abroad or doing a work placement. I think the advantages of this idea outweigh the disadvantages because students can gain useful experience and develop important skills.

One main advantage is that students can gain practical experience. At university, they usually learn more

knowledge, while a work placement allows them to use this knowledge in a real workplace. For example, an engineering student can work in a company and learn how to solve real problems. This experience may help them find a job more easily after graduation. Studying abroad can also improve students’ communication and language skills because they have to communicate with people from different countries.

Another benefit is that students can become more independent. When they live in another country, they need to manage their money, time and daily activities by themselves. They can also learn about different cultures and become more confident.

However, there are some disadvantages. Studying or working abroad can be expensive, and some students may feel lonely or have difficulty adapting to a new environment. It may also take time away from their university studies.

In conclusion, although there are some disadvantages, I believe the benefits are greater. The experience and skills gained abroad can help students in their future careers and personal lives.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 5.5

The response addresses the prompt by discussing both the advantages and disadvantages of mandatory study abroad or work placements. However, the essay is significantly under the 250-word minimum requirement, which limits the depth of the arguments provided. While the position is clear, the ideas are somewhat underdeveloped; for instance, the discussion on 'independence' and 'cultural learning' could have been expanded with more specific examples or a deeper analysis of the long-term impact on a student's career. To reach a higher band, you must expand your supporting points and ensure you meet the minimum word count to allow for a more comprehensive exploration of the topic.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.5

The essay is logically organized with a clear introduction, body paragraphs, and a conclusion. Each paragraph focuses on a central theme, such as practical experience or personal development. Cohesive devices like 'One main advantage', 'Another benefit', and 'However' are used effectively to guide the reader through the argument. The progression of ideas is clear, although the brevity of the response makes the overall structure feel somewhat thin. To improve, ensure that each paragraph contains more substantial development to create a more cohesive and fluid argument throughout the text.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.0

The vocabulary used is generally appropriate and clear, allowing for effective communication of your ideas. You use some relevant terms like 'practical experience', 'graduation', and 'adapting to a new environment'. However, the range is somewhat limited and relies on fairly common, everyday language. There is little evidence of less common or more sophisticated lexical items that would demonstrate a higher level of proficiency. To increase your score, try to incorporate more academic collocations and precise vocabulary related to the topic of higher education and professional development.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 6.5

The response demonstrates a good level of grammatical control. You use a mix of simple and complex sentence structures, such as 'When they live in another country, they need to manage their money...' and 'Although there are some disadvantages, I believe the benefits are greater.' Errors are rare and do not impede communication. While the grammar is accurate, the range of structures is somewhat basic. To achieve a higher band, aim to incorporate a wider variety of complex grammatical forms, such as passive voice or conditional structures, to add sophistication to your writing.

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

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