Band 7.0 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 7.0 · Cambridge IELTS 21 · 2026-08-16

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 7.0)

It is often argued that all university students should spend some time studying abroad or completing a work placement. Although this requirement could create certain difficulties, I believe that its advantages would outweigh the disadvantages.

One major benefit is that students can gain practical experience before entering the job market. University education mainly provides theoretical knowledge, while a work placement allows students to apply what they have learned in real situations. This can improve their communication, teamwork and problem-solving skills, making them more confident and employable after graduation. For example, an engineering student who spends several months working for a construction company can understand how theoretical principles are applied to actual projects.

Studying abroad also provides valuable personal and cultural experiences. Students have the opportunity to interact with people from different backgrounds, which can make them more open-minded and independent. In addition, living in another country may improve their language skills and help them adapt to unfamiliar environments. These qualities are increasingly important in today's globalised job market.

However, there are some disadvantages to making such experience compulsory. Studying or working abroad can be expensive, particularly for students from low-income families. Some students may also have family responsibilities or health-related difficulties that prevent them from travelling. Furthermore, arranging placements for every undergraduate could be challenging for universities, especially in countries where suitable opportunities are limited.

In conclusion, although compulsory overseas study or work placements could cause financial and practical problems, I believe the benefits are greater. The practical skills, independence, cultural awareness and employment experience gained through these opportunities can significantly improve students' personal and professional development.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 7.5

The response fully addresses all parts of the prompt. You have clearly stated your position in the introduction and maintained it throughout the essay. Each body paragraph provides relevant arguments: practical experience for work placements and personal growth for studying abroad. The counter-argument is also well-integrated, acknowledging the financial and logistical challenges without undermining your main thesis. The ideas are well-developed and supported with logical reasoning and a relevant example regarding engineering students. To reach a higher band, you could further extend the discussion by briefly suggesting how universities or governments might mitigate the mentioned disadvantages, which would add even more depth to your analysis.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 7.5

The essay is logically organised with a clear progression of ideas. Each paragraph has a central topic sentence, and the transition between the benefits and the drawbacks is smooth, using the cohesive marker 'However'. You make effective use of linking words such as 'In addition', 'Furthermore', and 'In conclusion' to guide the reader through your argument. The paragraphing is appropriate, with each section serving a distinct purpose. The cohesion is managed well, and there is no evidence of mechanical or repetitive use of devices. The flow of information is natural and easy to follow throughout the entire response.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.5

You demonstrate a sufficient range of vocabulary to discuss the topic with precision. Phrases such as 'entering the job market', 'theoretical principles', 'globalised job market', and 'professional development' are used accurately and appropriately. There is a good awareness of collocation, and the language is natural throughout. While the vocabulary is effective and clear, it remains somewhat standard. To achieve a higher band, you could incorporate more sophisticated or less common lexical items to demonstrate a wider range, such as using more nuanced academic collocations or idiomatic expressions that fit the formal tone of the essay.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 7.0

The essay displays a good command of grammatical structures. You use a mix of simple and complex sentences effectively, such as the conditional-style structure in 'if... then' contexts or the use of 'although' to introduce subordinate clauses. The majority of your sentences are error-free, and your punctuation is accurate. There are no significant grammatical errors that impede communication. To reach the highest band, you could aim for even greater complexity in your sentence structures, perhaps by varying the use of passive voice or more advanced relative clauses to add further sophistication to your writing style.

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

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