Band 7.5 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 7.5 · 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 7.5)

All undergraduate degree programmes should include a period during which students either study abroad or undertake a work placement. Although making such experience a compulsory part of every degree could create financial and academic challenges, I believe the advantages outweigh the disadvantages because it can significantly improve students' practical skills, independence and future employability.

One major advantage of this approach is that it would give students valuable experience beyond the classroom. A work placement, for example, allows undergraduates to apply theoretical knowledge to real-world situations and develop skills such as teamwork, communication and problem-solving. These skills can make graduates better prepared for the demands of the labour market. Studying abroad can provide similar benefits by exposing students to different educational systems and cultures. Living in an unfamiliar environment can also make young people more independent and adaptable, qualities that are increasingly valuable in a globalised workplace.

However, making such experience compulsory could create difficulties for some students. The most significant concern is the financial burden associated with studying abroad. Accommodation, travel and living expenses may be unaffordable for students from low-income families. Even work placements can create additional costs, particularly if students have to relocate or work without receiving adequate payment. Another possible disadvantage is that spending several months away from the university may disrupt students' academic progress, particularly on courses with demanding curricula. Nevertheless, these problems could be reduced through scholarships, university-funded placements and well-designed programmes that fit into existing degree structures.

Overall, although compulsory study abroad or work placements may impose financial and academic pressures on some students, these disadvantages can be addressed through appropriate support from universities and governments. The practical experience, independence and improved employment prospects gained from such opportunities are, in my view, more significant. Therefore, I believe that the advantages of including a period of overseas study or work experience in all undergraduate courses outweigh the disadvantages.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 7.5

The response fully addresses all parts of the prompt. You have taken a clear position from the introduction and maintained it throughout the essay. The arguments are well-developed, with the first body paragraph focusing on the benefits of practical experience and the second addressing the counter-arguments regarding financial and academic challenges. You provide a balanced view by acknowledging the disadvantages while effectively refuting them with potential solutions like scholarships. The ideas are relevant and logically extended, demonstrating a strong grasp of the task requirements. To reach a band 9, you could further deepen the analysis by providing a specific, concrete example of a country or university program that successfully implements such a policy.

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 the cohesive device 'However'. You use a variety of linking words and phrases such as 'Although', 'For example', 'In addition', and 'Nevertheless' to guide the reader through your argument. The paragraphing is appropriate, with a clear introduction, two body paragraphs, and a concise conclusion. The referencing is clear, and the flow of information is natural throughout the text. The use of cohesive devices is skillful and does not feel mechanical.

Lexical Resource — Band 7.0

You demonstrate a good range of vocabulary appropriate for an academic task. Phrases such as 'theoretical knowledge', 'labour market', 'globalised workplace', and 'demanding curricula' show a strong command of topic-specific language. Your word choice is generally precise and natural. There are no significant errors in spelling or collocation. To improve further, you could incorporate more sophisticated, less common lexical items to demonstrate a wider range, such as 'pragmatic experience' instead of 'practical experience' or 'mitigate' instead of 'reduced'. Overall, the vocabulary is sufficient to convey your ideas with precision and flexibility.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 7.5

The essay displays a high level of grammatical accuracy. You use a variety of complex sentence structures, such as conditional clauses and subordinate clauses, effectively. For instance, 'Although making such experience a compulsory part of every degree could create financial and academic challenges, I believe...' demonstrates good control over complex syntax. Punctuation is used correctly throughout. The majority of your sentences are error-free, and the few minor slips do not impede communication at all. Your control over tense and subject-verb agreement is consistent. The writing is polished and demonstrates a high level of grammatical competence.

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