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 think that university students should study abroad or do a work placement. I think this idea has more advantages than disadvantages.

First, studying abroad can give students a good experience. They can meet new people and learn about a different culture. They can also use another language in their daily life. For example, a student from Mongolia can study in another country and speak English every day. This can help the student improve their English. Also, students can learn to live without their family and become more independent.

Another advantage is doing a work placement. Students can learn how to work in a real company. They can get experience and understand what they need to do in their future job. For example, a business student can work in a company and learn how employees work together. This experience can be useful when the student looks for a job after university.

However, there are also some disadvantages. Studying or working abroad can cost a lot of money. Some students may not have enough money for travel and living costs. They can also feel lonely because they are far from their family and friends.

In conclusion, studying abroad or doing a work placement has some disadvantages, but I think the advantages are more important. It can give students useful experience and help them prepare for their future.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 5.5

The response addresses the prompt by discussing both the advantages and disadvantages of studying abroad or doing work placements. However, the essay is significantly under the 250-word minimum requirement, which limits the depth of development. While the position is clear, the ideas are somewhat simplistic and lack the detailed extension required for a higher band. For instance, the discussion on 'living without family' is a good point but remains underdeveloped. To improve, you should expand on your arguments with more specific examples or deeper analysis to meet the length requirement and provide a more comprehensive response.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.0

The essay is organized into clear paragraphs, each focusing on a specific aspect of the topic. There is a logical progression from the introduction to the body paragraphs and the conclusion. Cohesive devices such as 'First', 'Another advantage', 'However', and 'In conclusion' are used to link ideas. However, the range of these devices is somewhat limited and repetitive. The flow between sentences is generally clear, but the overall structure feels a bit mechanical. To improve, try to use a wider variety of linking words and ensure that the transition between paragraphs is smoother and more sophisticated.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.0

The vocabulary used is adequate for the task but remains quite basic. You rely on common words like 'good', 'useful', and 'important'. While these words are used correctly, they do not demonstrate the range or precision expected at higher bands. There are no significant spelling errors, but the lack of less common lexical items or idiomatic expressions limits the score. To improve, try to incorporate more academic vocabulary related to education and professional development, such as 'cultural immersion', 'professional acumen', or 'financial constraints', to show a more sophisticated command of the language.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 6.0

The essay uses a mix of simple and compound sentences, which are generally accurate. There are very few grammatical errors, which is a strength. However, the range of complex structures is limited. Most sentences follow a standard subject-verb-object pattern. To achieve a higher band, you need to demonstrate more control over complex grammatical structures, such as conditional sentences (e.g., 'If students were to engage in...'), passive voice, or relative clauses. Increasing the variety of your sentence structures will help improve the overall flow and complexity of your writing.

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

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