Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 5.5 · Cambridge IELTS 21 · 2026-08-25

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 5.5)

In recent years, university undergraduate courses that include a pereiod of time spent studying abroad or doing job has become increasingly common,leading to a considerable discussion about it's benefits and drawbacks. This strategy offers plenty of benefits particularly, it helps student to be more mature so that they will know the reality of this world earlier and use this experience in their future, while it has some disadvantages also such as, some of them misuse this chance and started doing all other things which is not appropriate.

One of the most significant advantages of studying abroad or doing a work placement is that it helps student to learn fast about multiple things which can be usefull in their future. This is beacuse studying abroad has force them to live alone ,manage everything by himself like managing money, cooking their food, washing cloths. This are the basic skill a people need in their life. When responsibilities come they can manage everything by themselves which can have considerable impact in their life style. Moreover, it is evident that, studying abroad or doing job has multiple benefits particularly this make them mature enough which can be helpfull in their near future.

Despite all the benefits it has some notable disadvantages, such as some students misuse this opportunity. This is because some time while student started studying abroad they can not focus on their study rather than they started enjoying with friends, spending lot of money which is not acceptable, some can be addicted with drugs. After all this if they somehow manage to complete their undergrade degree ,results more likely to be negative ,which can have serious impact on their future.

In conclusion, studying abraod at this early stage or doing job has both impact. Like it can help a studnet to built his career whereas some use this chance to enjoy. But I think despites all the disadvantages at the end advantages outweigh the disadvantages. This is because students who are intend to spoil their time are not to much in number so most of the students will be benefited of this opportunity.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 5.5

The response addresses the prompt by discussing both the advantages and disadvantages of mandatory study abroad or work placements. A clear position is maintained throughout, concluding that the advantages outweigh the drawbacks. However, the development of ideas is somewhat repetitive. For instance, the point about 'maturity' is mentioned in the introduction and repeated in the second paragraph without significant expansion. To reach a higher band, you should provide more specific examples or nuanced arguments rather than restating the same points. The conclusion is clear, but the supporting arguments could be more thoroughly explored to demonstrate a deeper understanding of the topic.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.5

The essay is organized into logical paragraphs, each with a clear focus. Cohesive devices are used, such as 'Moreover', 'Despite all the benefits', and 'In conclusion', which help guide the reader. However, the use of these devices is sometimes mechanical or slightly awkward, such as 'After all this if they somehow manage...'. Additionally, referencing is occasionally unclear, particularly with the use of 'this' to refer to broad concepts. Improving the variety of linking words and ensuring that pronouns clearly refer back to specific nouns would enhance the flow and coherence of your writing.

Lexical Resource — Band 5.0

The vocabulary is generally adequate for the task, allowing you to convey your ideas clearly. You use some relevant terms like 'undergraduate', 'responsibilities', and 'opportunity'. However, there are several spelling errors ('pereiod', 'usefull', 'beacuse', 'cloths', 'abraod', 'despites') and some awkward collocations ('doing job', 'enjoying with friends'). To improve, focus on mastering the spelling of common academic vocabulary and expanding your range of synonyms to avoid repeating words like 'benefits' and 'disadvantages' multiple times. Using more precise academic collocations would also elevate your score.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.0

The essay contains a mix of simple and complex sentence structures. While you attempt complex sentences, they are frequently marred by grammatical errors, such as subject-verb agreement issues ('student to be', 'some of them misuse... and started', 'studying abroad has force them') and punctuation errors. There are also issues with article usage and pluralization ('a people', 'a studnet'). While these errors do not completely impede communication, they are frequent enough to be noticeable. To improve, focus on consistent verb tense usage and ensuring that subjects and verbs agree throughout your sentences.

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

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