Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 5.5 · Cambridge IELTS 21 · 2026-08-30
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)
After the completion of higher education in school, students wants to continue with the further course of bachelor from university. The courses should include a work placement and also give students a chance to go abroad for studying.
After the completion of higher education from school, students prefer to study further from the university. There are many benefits of it that includes giving proper practical knowledge to the students and a connecting of it with our real life. But along with studying to give more benefits to the students they should include a work placement for the students. So they can get proper work experience in their field of degree in advance. It can help them to find job after getting graduate. But on other side, it can reduce the time available for studying which would impact their result.
University should also provide a period of time for a student to study in abroad countries. It would help the student to know the life style of the people in that country. It would make the student understand the culture and tradition they follow in that particular country. It would give a student better education opportunities with proper improvement in their language skills. Students can make friends and professional connections from different countries. But there are several disadvantages of studying abroad which includes high cost, homesickness and language barriers.
To conclude it, I would like to say that the advantages of this changes would easily outweigh the disadvantages. Their are many substantial benefits of doing a work placement and spent studying some time abroad by ignoring some minor drawbacks.
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 5.5 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 5.5 |
| Lexical Resource | 5.5 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 5.5 |
| Overall | 5.5 |
Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 5.5
The response addresses all parts of the prompt by discussing both work placements and studying abroad. However, the development of ideas is somewhat superficial. For instance, while you mention that work placements help with finding a job, you do not elaborate on how this bridges the gap between theory and practice. Similarly, the points regarding studying abroad are listed rather than explored in depth. The position is clear, but the supporting arguments lack the necessary detail to reach a higher band. To improve, ensure each main idea is supported by a specific explanation or example that demonstrates the 'why' or 'how' behind your claims.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.5
The essay is organized into logical paragraphs, each focusing on a specific aspect of the prompt. However, the use of cohesive devices is somewhat mechanical and repetitive. Phrases like 'It would' are used at the start of consecutive sentences, which limits the flow of the text. Furthermore, some transitions between ideas are abrupt, such as the sudden shift from the benefits of work placements to the potential disadvantage of reduced study time. Improving the variety of linking words and ensuring that sentences within a paragraph are more tightly connected would enhance the overall coherence of your writing.
Lexical Resource — Band 5.5
The vocabulary used is generally adequate for the task but lacks the precision and variety required for higher bands. You rely on basic phrasing, such as 'proper practical knowledge' and 'better education opportunities'. There are also some minor collocation errors, such as 'study in abroad countries' (should be 'study abroad' or 'study in foreign countries') and 'after getting graduate' (should be 'after graduating'). To improve, try to incorporate more academic collocations and precise terminology related to higher education and professional development to demonstrate a wider range of vocabulary.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.5
The essay contains a mix of simple and complex sentence structures, but there are frequent grammatical errors that occasionally distract the reader. Examples include 'students wants' (subject-verb agreement), 'a connecting of it' (awkward phrasing), and 'Their are many' (should be 'There are'). While the meaning remains clear throughout, these persistent errors in basic grammar and sentence construction prevent the essay from reaching a higher band. Focus on proofreading for subject-verb agreement and ensuring that complex sentences are constructed accurately without awkward word order.
See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.
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