Band 7.5 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 7.5 · Cambridge IELTS 21 · 2026-09-06

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 7.5)

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# University courses should include studying abroad or a work placement.

Many people argue that every undergraduate program should require students to spend time studying abroad or completing a work placement. In my opinion, although this policy may present a few practical challenges, its educational and professional benefits outweigh the disadvantages.

The primary advantage is that students gain valuable real-world experience beyond the classroom. A work placement allows undergraduates to apply theoretical knowledge in a professional environment, develop practical skills, and improve communication and teamwork. As a result, graduates are often better prepared for the labour market and have a competitive edge when seeking employment. For example, engineering and business students frequently secure full-time jobs through internships completed during their degree.

Similarly, studying abroad broadens students' academic and cultural perspectives. Living in another country encourages independence, adaptability, and cross-cultural understanding, all of which are highly valued in today's globalised economy. In addition, exposure to different teaching methods and international classmates can enhance critical thinking and personal growth.

However, there are some drawbacks. The most significant concern is the financial burden, as overseas study and unpaid placements may be expensive for many students. Furthermore, not every subject requires international experience, and compulsory placements could delay graduation or create logistical difficulties for universities. Nevertheless, these issues can be reduced through scholarships, paid internships, and flexible programme structures.

In conclusion, I believe the advantages clearly outweigh the disadvantages. While cost and accessibility are genuine concerns, the long-term benefits of developing practical expertise, cultural awareness, and greater employability make studying abroad or undertaking a work placement a worthwhile component of undergraduate education.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 7.5

You have fully addressed all parts of the prompt. Your position is clear from the introduction and is maintained consistently throughout the essay. Each body paragraph provides relevant, well-developed ideas, such as the professional benefits of internships and the personal growth associated with studying abroad. You also effectively acknowledge the counter-arguments regarding financial burdens and logistical issues, providing a balanced view before concluding that the advantages remain superior. The ideas are extended with logical reasoning and relevant examples, such as the mention of engineering and business students, which demonstrates a strong grasp of the task requirements.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 7.5

The essay is logically organized with a clear progression of ideas. Each paragraph has a central theme, and the transition between paragraphs is smooth, using effective cohesive devices such as 'The primary advantage', 'Similarly', and 'However'. You use a variety of linking words and phrases appropriately, such as 'as a result', 'in addition', and 'nevertheless', which helps to guide the reader through your argument. The paragraphing is logical and contributes to the overall clarity of the response. The use of referencing is precise, ensuring that the flow of information remains coherent throughout the text.

Lexical Resource — Band 7.0

You demonstrate a good range of vocabulary that is appropriate for an academic context. You use less common lexical items effectively, such as 'theoretical knowledge', 'labour market', 'globalised economy', and 'logistical difficulties'. The word choice is generally precise and natural, contributing to the clarity of your arguments. There are no significant errors in word choice or collocation. While the vocabulary is solid and fits the task well, incorporating a few more sophisticated or idiomatic expressions could elevate the response further, but the current range is sufficient for a high band score.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 7.5

Your writing displays a high level of grammatical control. You use a variety of complex sentence structures, such as conditional and concessive clauses (e.g., 'although this policy may present...', 'while cost and accessibility are...'). The majority of your sentences are error-free, and your punctuation is accurate throughout. There is a good balance between simple and complex structures, which enhances the readability of the essay. The grammatical accuracy is consistent, and there are no errors that impede communication. The control over tense and subject-verb agreement is excellent.

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