Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 5.5 · 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 5.5)
Some people believe that universities should encourage a program for the students to explore abroad studies or work environment during their semester. I believe it would be an amazing addition to undergraduate studies as students can get practical knowledge and career opportunities. Although It has some disadvantages such as homesickness and expensive courses. However, advantages outweigh the disadvantages.
One of the major advantages of the studying abroad is, students can improve their practical knowledge and could find more career opportunities in future. For example, as an architect I personally experienced this thing that every field needs a practical skill by working as a volunteer or doing internships in any reputable firm or organization it has long term benefits. Studying in abroad will improve the students in various forms such as exploring a different and exciting culture and tradition, foreign language, environment and communication skills.
On the other hand, there might be some disadvantages, many people can not afford studying in abroad. Since it is quite expensive and students will miss their families making them homesick. In addition, their university education may be interrupted temporarily. Accordingly, studying abroad is a valuable contribution to student career and future achievements. From my perspective, I strongly believe that students should go for the studying abroad or internships, because it has major benefits for every student.
In conclusion, Although university education is most important for the students. Therefore, the authorities should include a period where students can spend their time in studying abroad or doing relevant work to enhance their practical knowledge and self development skills.
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 6.0 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 5.5 |
| Lexical Resource | 5.5 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 5.5 |
| Overall | 5.5 |
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 practical knowledge and career opportunities, though the development is somewhat repetitive. For instance, the argument about 'practical knowledge' is mentioned in both the introduction and the body paragraphs without significant expansion. To reach a higher band, you should provide more specific examples or deeper analysis of how these experiences translate into long-term professional success, rather than just stating that they are beneficial. The conclusion effectively summarizes your stance, but ensure that your supporting points are distinct and fully explored in the body paragraphs.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.5
The essay is organized into logical paragraphs, and there is a clear progression of ideas from the introduction to the conclusion. You use some cohesive devices such as 'On the other hand,' 'In addition,' and 'In conclusion' to link your thoughts. However, some transitions are slightly mechanical or misused, such as starting a sentence with 'Although' followed by a comma and then 'Therefore' in the final paragraph, which creates a sentence fragment. Improving the variety of linking words and ensuring that each paragraph has a clear topic sentence would enhance the flow and make the logical progression more sophisticated.
Lexical Resource — Band 5.5
You demonstrate an adequate range of vocabulary for the task, using terms like 'reputable firm,' 'practical knowledge,' and 'self-development.' However, there are some inaccuracies in word choice and collocation. For example, you use 'exploring a different and exciting culture' which is acceptable, but 'studying in abroad' is grammatically incorrect; it should simply be 'studying abroad.' Additionally, phrases like 'experienced this thing' are too informal for an academic essay. To improve, focus on using more precise academic collocations and avoid repetitive phrasing to show a wider, more flexible range of vocabulary.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.5
The essay uses a mix of simple and complex sentence structures. While the meaning is generally clear, there are frequent errors in grammar and punctuation. For instance, 'Although It has some disadvantages such as homesickness and expensive courses. However, advantages outweigh the disadvantages' contains a sentence fragment and incorrect punctuation. There are also errors with articles, such as 'the studying abroad,' and subject-verb agreement issues. To achieve a higher score, you need to increase the frequency of error-free sentences and pay closer attention to basic grammatical rules, particularly regarding sentence boundaries and the use of articles.
See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.
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