Band 7.5 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 7.5 · Cambridge IELTS 21 · 2026-08-26

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 sometimes argued that all undergraduate programmes should incorporate a compulsory period abroad or a work placement. While this idea has certain drawbacks, I believe the advantages are far more significant.

The main benefits of such a requirement are related to students' personal and professional development. Firstly, studying in another country exposes students to a different culture, language, and academic system. This not only broadens their worldview and makes them more independent and adaptable, but also enhances their intercultural communication skills, which are highly valued by employers in a globalised economy. Secondly, a work placement provides invaluable practical experience. Unlike theoretical learning in a classroom, an internship allows students to apply their knowledge, develop soft skills such as teamwork and time management, and build a professional network. In many cases, this directly improves employability, as graduates with real-world experience are far more attractive to recruiters than those with only academic qualifications.

Admittedly, there are some disadvantages to making this mandatory. The most obvious is the financial burden. Studying abroad involves high costs for travel, accommodation, and visas, which may be unaffordable for students from low-income backgrounds and could create inequality. Similarly, work placements are often unpaid and may delay graduation, putting pressure on students who need to start earning. Furthermore, organizing placements or exchange programmes for thousands of students would be a logistical challenge for universities, particularly in developing countries.

However, these problems can be mitigated. Governments and universities can offer scholarships, grants, and partnerships with companies to ensure placements are accessible and fairly paid.

In conclusion, although compulsory study-abroad or work placement schemes have financial and logistical challenges, their long-term benefits in terms of skills, confidence, and career prospects far outweigh the disadvantages. Therefore, universities should aim to integrate them into all undergraduate courses.

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. The arguments for both the benefits (personal/professional development) and the drawbacks (financial/logistical) are well-developed and supported with relevant reasoning. The conclusion effectively synthesises the arguments and reaffirms your stance. The ideas are logically extended, and the response demonstrates a strong understanding of the complexities involved in the topic, meeting the requirements for a high band score.

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 appropriate cohesive devices such as 'Admittedly' and 'However'. The use of referencing and substitution is effective, ensuring that the text flows naturally. Paragraphing is used appropriately to separate distinct themes, and the overall structure is coherent, making the argument easy to follow from start to finish.

Lexical Resource — Band 7.5

You demonstrate a wide and flexible range of vocabulary, which allows for precise expression of your ideas. Phrases such as 'incorporate a compulsory period', 'mitigated', and 'logistical challenge' are used accurately and in the correct context. There is a good command of collocation, and the language is sophisticated without being forced. The vocabulary is consistently appropriate for an academic essay, and there are no noticeable errors in word choice or spelling that would hinder communication.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 7.5

The essay displays a wide range of grammatical structures, including complex sentences with subordinate clauses (e.g., 'While this idea has certain drawbacks, I believe...'). The majority of sentences are error-free, and your control over punctuation and tense usage is excellent. The writing is fluent, and there are no significant grammatical slips that impede meaning. The variety of structures used contributes to a professional and academic tone, reflecting a high level of grammatical competence.

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