Band 7.5 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 7.5 · Cambridge IELTS 21 · 2026-08-14

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)

It is increasingly argued that higher education institutions should mandate study abroad periods or professional work placements for all undergraduate students. In my opinion, despite the substantial logistical and financial burdens involved, the immense advantages in terms of enhanced employability and personal growth far outweigh the disadvantages.

On the one hand, implementing such compulsory requirements presents notable drawbacks, primarily regarding accessibility and costs, travelling abroad or securing placements imposes significant financial stresses on students from low income backgrounds. Furthermore, universities face immense administrative challenges in coordinating placements and international partnerships across every discipline, particularly for purely theoretical fields like philosophy or mathematics, where relevant placements can be scarce.

On the other hand, the practical benefits of these experiential learning opportunities are paramount. Academically, spending time studying overseas expands students global perspectives, fostering intercultural competence and fluency in foreign languages attributes highly prized in today's interconnected economy. Professionally, work placements bridge the gap between academic theory and practical application. Graduates with real world work experience transition far more smoothly into the workforce, acquiring crucial soft skills such as teamwork, problem solving, and professional communication that traditional lectures cannot impart. Consequently, these practical experiences significantly boost overall graduate employment rates.

Moreover, forcing undergraduates out of their comfort zones builds resilience, independence, and adaptable problem-solving skills, preparing them holistically for post-graduation life.

In conclusion, while compulsory study abroad or work placement programs create financial and operational hurdles for students and universities alike, the long-term benefits to personal development and career readiness are incomparably greater. Institutions should therefore offer financial aid and flexible placement structures to make this invaluable initiative achievable for all.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 7.5

The response fully addresses all parts of the task. You have taken a clear position from the introduction and maintained it throughout the essay. The arguments regarding both the disadvantages (financial and administrative burdens) and the advantages (employability and personal growth) are well-developed and supported with relevant reasoning. The ideas are extended logically, and the conclusion effectively synthesizes your position. The response is balanced and demonstrates a sophisticated understanding of the prompt, meeting all requirements for a high band score.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 7.5

The essay is logically organized with a clear progression of ideas. Each paragraph has a central topic, and the transition between the disadvantages and advantages is handled smoothly using cohesive devices such as 'On the one hand' and 'On the other hand'. Paragraphing is used appropriately to separate distinct points. The use of referencing and substitution is generally effective, ensuring that the flow of the argument remains coherent throughout the text. The structure is professional and easy to follow.

Lexical Resource — Band 7.5

You demonstrate a wide and flexible range of vocabulary, using sophisticated items such as 'logistical burdens', 'intercultural competence', 'interconnected economy', and 'holistically'. The word choice is precise and contributes to the academic tone of the essay. There are no noticeable errors in collocation or spelling. You show a high level of control over vocabulary, allowing you to express complex ideas with clarity and nuance, which is characteristic of a high band level.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 7.5

The essay displays a wide range of complex sentence structures, including the use of participial phrases ('fostering intercultural competence...') and conditional-like logic. The majority of sentences are error-free, and your control over punctuation is excellent. There are no significant grammatical slips that impede communication. The complexity of the sentence construction is consistent with the requirements for a high band score, showing both flexibility and accuracy in your writing.

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

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