Band 6.0 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 6.0 · Cambridge IELTS 21 · 2026-08-21

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 6.0)

There is no doubt that all university undergraduate courses must include a period of time spent studying abroad or doing a work placement. Addition of both of these would lead students to get out of their comfort zones and push themselves to explore globally.

To begin with, the addition of these two programs will eventually boost confidence and self-esteem in students. This will make them open for opportunities and adaptable to change. Students will also become well-acquainted with the real-world problems and tend to gain knowledge and improve their skills. The undergraduates can gain experience in both their field of course and the real world through this, it would help them to solve problems and handle any situation better and also make them ready to face consequences. For instance, if a student is scholar in bookish-knowledge and lack practicality, the knowledge is of zero utility. With this, it is crucial to understand that pupils tend to become wise and can would be able to take their own decision.

In contrast, not all students can afford studying abroad, sometimes students can be financially weak and cannot afford this study plan or in some cases they do not will to follow this. While, in some case of work placements, not everyone can afford to work past time after the classes due to certain situations or again 'will' can be a factor in both the cases. These can be the disadvantages of introducing these programs.

However, I would argue that establishing these programs is of paramount importance as it would lead to betterment of the pupil. This would make the undergraduate independant and responsible, besides that it would also provide them a taste of freedom. Moreover, if a student is unable to afford the plan, one potential solution can be provided with financial aid through institutions or can win scholarships. Also, as far as work placements are concerned they can be placed twice or thrice a week, making it more efficient for the students.

In conclusion, it is certain that launching these two programs will eventually benefit the undergraduates to learn better and thorough through expanse in the exposure and will also help them to build or to create something of their own, this contributing in the society's welfare and making world a better place to live.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 6.0

The response addresses all parts of the prompt, clearly stating a position that the advantages outweigh the disadvantages. The ideas are relevant, such as the development of soft skills and the mitigation of financial barriers through scholarships. However, some arguments are slightly under-developed; for example, the point about 'bookish-knowledge' is a strong concept but could have been linked more explicitly to the benefits of work placements. The conclusion effectively summarizes the main points. Overall, the response is well-structured and maintains a consistent stance throughout, meeting the requirements for a Band 6.5 or 7.0. I have awarded a 6.5 as some points, particularly the counter-arguments, could be more thoroughly explored.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.0

The essay is logically organized into clear paragraphs, each with a distinct focus. Cohesive devices such as 'To begin with', 'In contrast', and 'Moreover' are used to guide the reader through the argument. However, there are instances where the flow is slightly mechanical, and some transitions feel a bit repetitive. Referencing is generally clear, though some sentences, such as 'While, in some case of work placements...', are slightly disjointed. The paragraphing is appropriate, and the progression of ideas from the benefits to the challenges and finally to the solutions is logical and easy to follow.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.0

The range of vocabulary is adequate for the task. You use some good collocations like 'paramount importance' and 'well-acquainted'. However, there are some awkward word choices and minor inaccuracies, such as 'scholar in bookish-knowledge' (should be 'scholarly' or 'knowledgeable') and 'do not will to follow' (should be 'do not wish'). These errors do not impede communication but prevent the essay from reaching a higher band. To improve, focus on using more precise academic vocabulary and ensuring that word forms are used correctly in context.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 6.0

You demonstrate a mix of simple and complex sentence structures. While you successfully use complex sentences, there are frequent minor errors in grammar and punctuation, such as 'can would be able to' (a double modal error) and 'independant' (spelling). Additionally, some phrasing is slightly unnatural, such as 'addition of both of these would lead students to get out of their comfort zones'. Despite these errors, the meaning is always clear, and the grammar does not hinder the reader's understanding. Increasing the variety of complex structures while focusing on accuracy will help raise this score.

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

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