Band 8.0 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 8.0 · Cambridge IELTS 21 · 2026-08-13

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 8.0)

It is increasingly argued that all undergraduate students should spend part of their university education either studying abroad or completing a work placement. Although making such experience compulsory could create certain financial and logistical difficulties, I believe that the advantages would outweigh the disadvantages because students would develop valuable practical, social and professional skills.

One major benefit of this approach is that it would bridge the gap between academic knowledge and the requirements of the workplace. University education often focuses heavily on theoretical concepts, whereas a work placement allows students to apply what they have learned in real-world situations. For example, an engineering student could gain experience working on actual projects, while a business student could develop communication, teamwork and problem-solving skills in a company. Such practical experience can also improve graduates' employment prospects because employers generally value candidates who can demonstrate both academic knowledge and workplace experience.

Studying abroad can provide equally important benefits. Living in another country exposes students to different cultures, educational systems and ways of thinking. As a result, they can become more independent, adaptable and confident when interacting with people from diverse backgrounds. Furthermore, students who learn to manage everyday responsibilities in an unfamiliar environment may develop stronger decision-making and problem-solving abilities. These qualities are increasingly important in a globalised labour market, where employees may be required to work with international clients and colleagues.

However, compulsory placements or overseas study could create disadvantages for some students. Travelling abroad can be expensive, particularly for those from low-income families, while work placements may be difficult to arrange for students in highly specialised fields. In addition, spending a semester away from university could disrupt students' academic schedules. Nevertheless, universities could address these problems by offering scholarships, affordable domestic placements and flexible programmes that allow students to choose the option most suitable for their circumstances.

In conclusion, although compulsory overseas study or work placements could create financial and organisational challenges, the development of practical skills, independence, cultural awareness and employability makes these experiences highly valuable. Therefore, I believe that their advantages would outweigh the disadvantages, provided universities offer sufficient financial and academic support.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 8.0

The response fully addresses all parts of the prompt. You have taken a clear position from the introduction and maintained it throughout the essay. Each paragraph is well-developed with relevant examples, such as the mention of engineering and business students to illustrate the benefits of work placements. The counter-arguments regarding financial and logistical challenges are acknowledged and effectively addressed in the fourth paragraph, demonstrating a balanced and thoughtful approach. The conclusion successfully synthesises the main points and reaffirms your stance. The ideas are well-extended and supported, meeting the criteria for a high band score.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 8.0

The essay is logically organised with a clear progression of ideas. Each paragraph has a central theme, and the transition between paragraphs is smooth. You use a variety of cohesive devices effectively, such as 'One major benefit', 'Furthermore', 'However', and 'Nevertheless', which help guide the reader through your argument. Referencing is clear throughout, and the paragraphing is used appropriately to separate distinct points. The structure is coherent and professional, ensuring that the reader can follow your line of reasoning without any confusion.

Lexical Resource — Band 8.0

You demonstrate a wide and flexible range of vocabulary that is appropriate for an academic context. Phrases such as 'bridge the gap', 'theoretical concepts', 'globalised labour market', and 'organisational challenges' show a good command of collocation and topic-specific terminology. The language is precise and natural, with no significant errors in word choice. You successfully use less common items to convey your ideas with clarity and sophistication, which is indicative of a high level of lexical control.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 8.5

The essay displays a wide range of grammatical structures, including complex sentences with subordinate clauses (e.g., 'Although making such experience compulsory could create...', '...where employees may be required to work...'). The majority of your sentences are error-free, and your control over punctuation and tense usage is excellent. There are no noticeable grammatical slips that impede communication. The writing is fluent and demonstrates a high level of accuracy, consistent with the requirements for a high band score.

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