Band 7.5 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 7.5 · Cambridge IELTS 21 · 2026-08-15

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 often argued that every undergraduate student should be required to spend a period of time either studying abroad or undertaking a work placement. Although this requirement could create certain difficulties, I believe that the advantages are considerably greater because it provides students with practical experience, greater independence and a broader understanding of the world.

One major benefit of studying abroad or completing a work placement is that students can develop skills that cannot always be acquired in a classroom. A work placement, for example, enables undergraduates to apply their theoretical knowledge to real-life situations and understand how their chosen industry operates. This can make them more confident and better prepared for employment after graduation. Similarly, studying in another country can expose students to different educational methods and encourage them to communicate with people from diverse cultural backgrounds. These experiences can significantly improve their adaptability and communication skills.

Another important advantage is the development of independence. Young people who live and work away from their familiar surroundings have to manage responsibilities such as accommodation, finances and time management. As a result, they are likely to become more mature and self-reliant. In addition, international exposure can broaden students’ perspectives by allowing them to experience different cultures and ways of life. For instance, an engineering student who completes a placement in another country may learn not only technical skills but also different approaches to teamwork and problem-solving.

However, making such programmes compulsory could also have disadvantages. Some students may face financial difficulties, particularly if studying abroad involves expensive travel, accommodation and living costs. Others may have family responsibilities or personal circumstances that make it difficult to spend several months away from home. Furthermore, a compulsory placement may not always be relevant to a student’s academic goals.

Nevertheless, these disadvantages can be reduced if universities provide financial assistance and offer students a choice between studying abroad and completing a local work placement. Therefore, I believe that the long-term educational and personal benefits of such programmes outweigh the potential drawbacks.

In conclusion, although compulsory study-abroad or work-placement programmes may create financial and personal challenges for some students, they can provide valuable practical experience, independence and cultural awareness. With appropriate flexibility and financial support, their advantages would clearly 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 specific examples provided, such as the engineering student example, which effectively illustrates the benefits of international placements. You have balanced the discussion by acknowledging potential disadvantages, such as financial constraints and personal circumstances, and provided logical solutions to mitigate these issues. The conclusion effectively synthesizes your position, confirming that the advantages outweigh the drawbacks. The ideas are relevant, well-supported, and demonstrate a sophisticated understanding of the topic.

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 paragraphs is smooth, using effective cohesive devices such as 'Similarly', 'Another important advantage', 'However', and 'Nevertheless'. The use of referencing is precise, and the paragraphing is used appropriately to separate the benefits from the drawbacks and the final synthesis. The flow of information is natural, and the reader is guided clearly through your argument without any confusion. The structure is highly effective and supports the overall clarity of your position.

Lexical Resource — Band 7.5

You demonstrate a wide and flexible range of vocabulary that is appropriate for an academic context. Phrases such as 'undertaking a work placement', 'theoretical knowledge', 'diverse cultural backgrounds', and 'broaden students’ perspectives' show a high level of lexical control. You use less common items with precision and demonstrate a good awareness of collocation. There are no noticeable errors in word choice, and the vocabulary used is sophisticated enough to convey your ideas clearly and effectively. The language is natural and contributes significantly to the overall quality of the essay.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 7.5

The essay displays a wide range of grammatical structures, including complex sentences with subordinate clauses and conditional structures. The majority of your sentences are error-free, and your control over punctuation and tense usage is excellent. For example, the sentence 'Young people who live and work away from their familiar surroundings have to manage responsibilities...' is grammatically complex and perfectly executed. There are no significant errors that impede communication, and the overall grammatical accuracy is very high, consistent with a high-level performance.

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