Band 6.5 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 6.5 · Cambridge IELTS 21 · 2026-09-07

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 6.5)

It is is suggested that every undergraduate university program should require students to spend time either studying abroad or completing work .While this proposal has some downsides, I am of the opinion that the advantages far outweigh the disadvantages.

The primary benefit of the studying abroad is cultural exchange. When students live and study in different country, they are exposed to new languages, customs, and way of thinking, This experience fosters independence, adaptability, and tolerance, which are essential skills in today's globalized world. For instance, a student from lahore studies in Canada for a semester will not only improve their English but also learn work with people from diverse background.

Similarly, work placement provide invaluable practical experience. Theoretical knowledge gained in classrooms can be applied to real-world situations during an internship. This not only makes graduates more attractive to employers but also helps students decided own their future career path. Many companies also offer full-time jobs to students who perform well during their placement.

However, there are some disadvantages to consider. The cost of studying abroad or relocating for a placement can be a significant burden, particularly for students from low-income families. Additionally, adapting to a new environment can be stressful and may negatively impact a student's academic results if they find it difficult to settle in.

In conclusion, although there are financial and personal challenges involved, the benefits of gaining international exposure and practical work experience are sustainable. Therefore, I believe universities should make such periods a compulsory part of all ungraduated degrees.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 6.5

You have addressed all parts of the prompt, clearly stating your position that the advantages outweigh the disadvantages. Your ideas are relevant and logically developed, particularly regarding cultural exchange and practical experience. However, the development is somewhat brief. To reach a higher band, you could expand on your examples; for instance, instead of just mentioning a student from Lahore, you could briefly explain how that specific cultural exposure directly translates to professional success. The conclusion is clear, though the term 'ungraduated' is a slight misuse of terminology for 'undergraduate'. Overall, you have provided a solid, well-supported argument that directly answers the question.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.5

Your essay is logically organized with a clear introduction, body paragraphs, and a conclusion. You use cohesive devices such as 'Similarly', 'However', and 'In conclusion' to guide the reader through your argument. The progression of ideas is smooth, moving from the benefits to the drawbacks and finally to your summary. Paragraphing is used effectively to separate distinct points. To improve, ensure that referencing is always clear; for example, in the second paragraph, the transition between sentences could be slightly more fluid to avoid a list-like feel. Overall, the structure is coherent and easy to follow.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.0

You demonstrate an adequate range of vocabulary for the task, using terms like 'globalized world', 'invaluable practical experience', and 'compulsory'. There are some minor errors, such as 'decided own their future' (should be 'decide on their own') and 'ungraduated' (should be 'undergraduate'). While you successfully convey your meaning, the vocabulary is generally functional rather than sophisticated. To achieve a higher score, try to incorporate more precise collocations and less common academic vocabulary, such as 'professional development' or 'socio-economic barriers', to demonstrate a more flexible and precise command of the language.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 6.0

You use a mix of simple and complex sentence structures, which is appropriate for this level. There are some grammatical slips, such as 'It is is suggested' (repetition), 'in different country' (missing article), and 'learn work' (missing preposition 'to'). Punctuation is generally correct, though there is a comma splice in the second paragraph ('...way of thinking, This experience...'). While these errors are noticeable, they do not impede communication. To improve, focus on proofreading for small articles and prepositions, and ensure that complex sentences are punctuated correctly to maintain a high level of accuracy.

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