Band 6.5 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 6.5 · Cambridge IELTS 21 · 2026-08-27

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 6.5)

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

One major benefit is that students can gain practical experience alongside academic knowledge. A work placement enables them to understand how their field operates in the real world and develop valuable skills such as teamwork, communication and problem-solving. This can significantly enhance their employability after graduation. For example, a computer science student who works for a technology company can apply programming concepts to real projects and gain professional experience.

Studying abroad also provides considerable benefits. Students are exposed to different cultures, lifestyles and educational systems, which can broaden their perspectives and make them more independent. They may also improve their foreign-language skills and develop greater confidence when communicating with people from diverse backgrounds. These experiences can be particularly valuable in an increasingly globalised job market.

However, there are some disadvantages. Studying abroad can be expensive, and students may experience homesickness or difficulties adapting to a new culture. Similarly, work placements may reduce the time available for academic study. Nevertheless, universities could address these issues by offering financial support and flexible placement options.

In conclusion, although studying abroad or completing a work placement can be costly and challenging, the practical skills, independence and international exposure gained from these experiences are considerably more valuable. Therefore, I strongly believe that the advantages outweigh the disadvantages.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 5.5

The essay addresses all parts of the prompt, presenting a clear position that the advantages outweigh the disadvantages. The arguments regarding practical experience and cultural exposure are relevant and well-supported with examples. However, the response is slightly under the 250-word minimum (247 words). While the ideas are logically developed, the brevity prevents a more thorough exploration of the counter-arguments or a more nuanced conclusion. Because the word count requirement is not met, the score is capped at a 6.0, as the task is not fully completed according to the instructions.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 7.0

The essay is well-organized with a clear introduction, body paragraphs, and a conclusion. Each paragraph has a central topic sentence, and ideas flow logically from one to the next. Cohesive devices such as 'One major benefit', 'Similarly', and 'Nevertheless' are used effectively to guide the reader. Paragraphing is used appropriately to separate distinct points. The progression of ideas is smooth, and the relationship between the advantages and disadvantages is clearly articulated, making the text easy to follow throughout.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.5

The vocabulary is sufficient and appropriate for the task. You demonstrate a good range of topic-specific terms such as 'globalised job market', 'academic knowledge', and 'professional experience'. The word choice is generally precise, and there are no significant errors in collocation or spelling. While the range is adequate to convey your ideas clearly, it lacks the more sophisticated or idiomatic expressions that would push the score into the 8.0+ range. Overall, the lexical control is solid and supports the clarity of your arguments.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 7.0

The essay displays a good mix of simple and complex sentence structures. You use conditional and contrastive structures effectively, such as 'Although this requirement may create certain difficulties...' and '...which can broaden their perspectives...'. The grammar is accurate, with very few errors, and punctuation is handled correctly. The sentence variety is sufficient to maintain interest and clarity. The writing is error-free for the most part, demonstrating a high level of control over complex grammatical forms, which is consistent with a strong performance in this criterion.

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