Band 5.0 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 5.0 · 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 5.0)

Nowadays, all university undergraduate courses should include a period of time spent studying in other countries or doing a work job. This has both benefits and drawbacks .

Major advantages of time spent studying in abroad mainly for developing other skills or study in advanced level and working jobs also better in other countries because high salary, better environment, better work ,and developing their work in advanced. For example, gaining new skills, high income, and better jobs in top level companies. As a result studying or job in abroad is better for high salary income and gaining better skills.

However, a significant disadvantages are too long from house and family and friends , also problems in language at abroad and money problem to study higher studies in other countries. language is main problem for those who studying in abroad ,also pay higher money in universities, and long gap between family and friends for do not see each other for many years. For instance, no income in other countries , alone survive, lack of energy, and suppose u only know your language and a light bit in abroad language is another problem. Consequently, problems like language , no skills , no part time, no friends and family at abroad also mainly money problem for surviving and others.

In conclusion , Althrough all university undergraduate courses should include a period of time spent studying abroad or doing a work job has both benefits and drawbacks .I think the advantages of this would outweigh the disadvantages because advantages has so many options like high salary income or jobs , better environment , gaining better developed skills so advantages are more to study in abroad and work job .

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 5.0

The response addresses the prompt by discussing both advantages and disadvantages and providing a clear opinion. However, the development of ideas is limited. The arguments are repetitive and lack depth; for instance, the mention of 'high salary' and 'better skills' is repeated multiple times without specific examples or logical expansion. The points regarding disadvantages, such as 'money problem' and 'language', are listed rather than explained in a cohesive manner. To reach a higher band, you need to provide more detailed explanations and concrete examples that illustrate how these experiences specifically benefit an undergraduate student's future career or personal development.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.0

The essay is organized into paragraphs, but the flow of ideas is often disjointed. While some cohesive devices like 'However' and 'In conclusion' are used, they are often followed by repetitive phrasing or lists of points rather than well-structured arguments. The referencing is sometimes unclear, and the progression of ideas within paragraphs is mechanical. For example, the second paragraph lists several points separated by commas without clear logical links between them. Improving the use of transition signals and ensuring each sentence builds logically upon the previous one would significantly enhance the coherence of your writing.

Lexical Resource — Band 5.0

The vocabulary is quite limited and repetitive. You frequently use basic terms such as 'better', 'good', and 'problems'. There is a lack of variety in word choice, and some collocations are unnatural, such as 'work job' or 'light bit in abroad language'. To improve, you should aim to use more precise academic vocabulary and varied synonyms. For example, instead of repeating 'better', use words like 'advantageous', 'beneficial', or 'superior'. Additionally, focus on using more sophisticated phrases to describe professional and educational experiences to demonstrate a wider range of lexical control.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.0

The essay contains frequent grammatical errors that occasionally impede communication. There are consistent issues with article usage (e.g., 'in abroad'), subject-verb agreement, and sentence structure. Many sentences are fragmented or run-on, such as 'language is main problem for those who studying in abroad'. The range of structures is limited, relying mostly on simple sentences. To improve, focus on mastering basic sentence construction, including correct verb tenses and the appropriate use of prepositions. Incorporating more complex sentence structures, such as relative clauses or conditional sentences, would also help demonstrate a higher level of grammatical control.

See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.

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