Band 7.0 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 7.0 · Cambridge IELTS 21 · 2026-09-05

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 7.0)

Practical exposure or international studies should be compulsory courses for all bachelor's students. This approach has many benefits and drawbacks, and I believe the benefits are far greater than the drawbacks.

On the one hand, options like a semester abroad or an internship in the relevant field are great ways to learn. This method can build students' confidence. A hands-on experience facilitates independent learning and practical involvement, which can boost confidence. For instance, a medical student who has already rotated in a hospital will be more confident while talking to patients after graduating due to the prior training. The same goes for international exposure; an unfamiliar environment will push students to be more independent and remain confident in their own standing. Moreover, these mandatory training programs will ensure a better understanding of how the theory that is taught in the classroom applies in real life. This will result in higher grades and a firm grip on the academic material.

That said, courses that require professional placements or time abroad can be difficult to navigate for many students and universities. If sufficient funding is not provided, studying in a different country, which can be extremely expensive for many families, will remain inaccessible to low-income students. The travel, accommodation, and living costs might be through the roof for many students, and making these courses mandatory will further disadvantage them. In addition, figuring out the logistics of placements for thousands of students can be quite challenging for the university. However, I believe these obstacles can be overcome with stipends for students and by dividing pupils into groups for placements.

In conclusion, there are various drawbacks and benefits of mandatory courses like international academics and professional placements for university students. Ultimately, the benefits clearly outweigh the disadvantages, as this method can build greater confidence and better learning, which is vital for students' growth.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 6.5

You have addressed all parts of the prompt, clearly stating your position that the benefits outweigh the disadvantages. Your ideas are relevant and well-supported with examples, such as the medical student scenario and the mention of financial barriers. The response is balanced, acknowledging the logistical and financial challenges before refuting them with potential solutions. To reach a higher band, you could further extend your ideas by discussing the long-term impact on employability or the specific nature of the 'work placement' beyond just medical rotations. Overall, the development is logical and the position is consistent throughout the essay.

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 theme, and the progression of ideas is logical. You use cohesive devices effectively, such as 'On the one hand', 'That said', and 'In conclusion', which help guide the reader through your argument. The referencing is generally clear, and the flow between sentences is smooth. To improve, ensure that the transition between the benefits and the drawbacks is slightly more nuanced, perhaps by using a more sophisticated linking phrase to signal the shift in perspective.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.5

You demonstrate a sufficient range of vocabulary to discuss the topic with precision. Phrases like 'practical exposure', 'logistics of placements', and 'inaccessible to low-income students' are used appropriately. While the vocabulary is accurate and fits the context well, it is mostly functional rather than sophisticated. To achieve a higher band, try to incorporate more idiomatic expressions or less common collocations that show a deeper command of the language. For example, instead of 'through the roof', which is a bit informal, you could use 'prohibitively expensive' or 'financially burdensome'.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 7.0

You use a mix of simple and complex sentence structures effectively. Your control over grammar is strong, and the majority of your sentences are error-free. There is a good use of conditional structures ('If sufficient funding is not provided...') and relative clauses. Punctuation is generally accurate, aiding the clarity of your arguments. There are no significant errors that impede communication. To move toward a higher band, aim to vary your sentence length and structure even more, perhaps by incorporating more advanced subordinating conjunctions or inversion to add stylistic flair to your writing.

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