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)

There is ongoing debate about whether every undergraduate course should require students to complete a period of study abroad or a work placement. In my view, the advantages of this requirement clearly outweigh the disadvantages, primarily because of the significant boost it gives to students' employability and personal development.

The most compelling advantage of mandatory study abroad or work placements is the practical, real-world experience they provide, which classroom learning alone cannot replicate. Employers increasingly value candidates who have demonstrated adaptability, independence, and the ability to work in unfamiliar environments, qualities that are difficult to assess from academic grades alone. For example, students who complete a work placement often graduate with direct industry contacts and a clearer understanding of their chosen field, sometimes even receiving job offers from the company where they interned. This tangible advantage in the job market makes the temporary disruption to a student's academic routine a worthwhile trade-off.

On the other hand, a legitimate concern is the financial burden this requirement could place on students, particularly those from lower-income backgrounds who may struggle to afford travel, accommodation, or an unpaid placement period. Without proper support, mandatory international placements could unintentionally disadvantage the very students who might benefit from them most. However, this problem can be addressed through university funding schemes, government grants, or partnerships with local employers that allow work placements to be completed domestically rather than abroad. When such support systems are in place, the financial obstacle becomes manageable rather than prohibitive, meaning it does not outweigh the substantial long-term benefits to a student's career prospects.

In conclusion, while the cost of study abroad or work placements presents a genuine challenge, I believe that with adequate financial support, the advantages of improved employability and personal growth make this requirement a valuable addition to undergraduate education.

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 regarding employability and personal development are well-developed, and the counter-argument concerning financial burdens is balanced by practical solutions. The ideas are extended with relevant examples, such as the mention of industry contacts and the suggestion of domestic work placements. The response is well-structured and directly answers the question of whether the advantages outweigh the disadvantages, demonstrating a high level of task response.

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 potential drawbacks is smooth, using appropriate cohesive devices like 'On the other hand' and 'However'. The use of referencing is precise, and the paragraphing is used effectively to separate distinct points. The flow of the argument is natural, and the relationship between the ideas is clear throughout the text, meeting the criteria for a high band score in this category.

Lexical Resource — Band 7.5

You demonstrate a wide and flexible range of vocabulary, which allows for precise expression. Phrases such as 'compelling advantage', 'tangible advantage', 'unintentionally disadvantage', and 'prohibitive' show a sophisticated command of language. The word choices are natural and contextually appropriate, contributing to the overall clarity and professional tone of the essay. There are no noticeable errors in word choice or collocation, and the vocabulary is used with sufficient precision to convey complex ideas effectively.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 7.5

The essay exhibits a wide range of grammatical structures, including complex sentences with subordinate clauses and conditional structures. The majority of sentences are error-free, and the control over punctuation and syntax is excellent. You have successfully used a variety of sentence forms to maintain interest and clarity. There are no significant grammatical errors that impede communication, and the overall accuracy is very high, reflecting a strong command of English grammar suitable for an academic context.

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