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)

It is argued that all university undergraduate courses should include a period of study abroad or a work placement. I strongly believe that the advantages of providing students with these opportunities outweigh the disadvantages.

One major advantage is that studying abroad and completing internships can significantly improve students' professional development. By working in a real workplace, students can apply the theoretical knowledge they have gained at university and develop practical skills. This can also boost their confidence and prepare them for challenges in their future careers. For example, many universities in Pakistan require undergraduate students to complete an internship during their final year, allowing them to gain hands-on experience in their chosen field.

Studying abroad can provide additional benefits. Students can experience different cultures, improve their communication skills and learn a foreign language. A student exchange programme can also expose them to different educational systems and ways of working, which can broaden their perspectives and improve their future career prospects.

However, these opportunities can have some disadvantages. One concern is that students who spend time in more developed countries may decide to remain there after graduation rather than return to their home countries. This could contribute to a loss of skilled graduates, particularly in developing countries. Another possible drawback is that students may struggle to balance an internship with their academic responsibilities, especially during the final year when they are completing research projects or a thesis.

Nevertheless, I believe that these disadvantages are outweighed by the long-term benefits. The practical skills, confidence and international experience gained through studying abroad or working in a professional environment can be extremely valuable for students' future careers.

In conclusion, although overseas study and work placements may have some drawbacks, I believe that their benefits are greater. They provide students with practical experience, improve their confidence and broaden their cultural and professional knowledge, making them better prepared for the world of work.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 7.0

You have fully addressed all parts of the prompt. You clearly stated your position in the introduction and maintained it throughout the essay. The arguments are well-developed, with specific examples provided, such as the internship requirements in Pakistan. You balanced the discussion by acknowledging the potential disadvantages, such as 'brain drain' and academic workload, before refuting them in the following paragraph. This demonstrates a strong ability to develop a coherent argument. To reach a higher band, you could further expand on the 'work placement' aspect, as the essay focuses slightly more on the benefits of studying abroad.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 7.5

The essay is logically organized with a clear progression of ideas. Each paragraph has a central topic, and you use cohesive devices effectively, such as 'One major advantage,' 'However,' and 'Nevertheless,' to guide the reader through your argument. The paragraphing is appropriate, with a clear introduction, body paragraphs for pros and cons, and a concise conclusion. The referencing is clear, and the flow between sentences is smooth. The structure is professional and easy to follow, meeting the requirements for a high band in this criterion.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.5

You demonstrate a good range of vocabulary appropriate for an academic essay. Phrases like 'theoretical knowledge,' 'professional development,' 'educational systems,' and 'broaden their perspectives' are used accurately. While the vocabulary is sufficient and precise, it is generally functional rather than sophisticated. To achieve a higher band, try to incorporate more idiomatic or less common collocations (e.g., instead of 'many universities,' use 'a significant number of academic institutions'). There are no spelling errors, and your word choice is consistently appropriate for the context.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 7.0

You demonstrate a good command of complex sentence structures, such as the use of conditional and concessive clauses (e.g., 'although overseas study... may have some drawbacks, I believe...'). The majority of your sentences are error-free, and your punctuation is accurate throughout. You show flexibility in your writing, moving between simple and complex forms without difficulty. There are no significant grammatical errors that impede communication. To reach the highest band, ensure even greater variety in sentence length and structure to enhance the overall flow and sophistication of the text.

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