Band 7.5 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 7.5 · Cambridge IELTS 21 · 2026-09-08

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)

As we move into the 21st century, an increasing number of people have the notion that undergraduate courses should incorporate overseas study or work placements. I strongly agree with this view because such opportunities enable students to gain practical experience, develop cultural awareness, and become better prepared for the modern workplace.

To begin with, work placements can bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and professional practice. Although university education provides students with a strong academic foundation, practical experience allows them to apply what they have learned in realistic situations. For instance, an engineering student who completes a placement in a manufacturing company can observe how technical principles are implemented in actual projects. Consequently, students can develop not only professional competence but also problem-solving and teamwork skills.

Furthermore, studying abroad can significantly broaden students’ perspectives. Living in another country exposes young adults to different cultures, languages, educational systems, and social values. This experience can make them more adaptable and independent, qualities that are increasingly valued by international employers. For example, an Indian student studying in France may become more confident in communicating with people from diverse backgrounds while gaining a deeper understanding of European culture.

Nevertheless, making such programmes compulsory could create financial and logistical difficulties for some students. Travel, accommodation, and living expenses may be unaffordable for disadvantaged learners. However, this problem could be addressed through scholarships, subsidised placements, and affordable exchange programmes.

In conclusion, despite certain practical challenges, I firmly believe that overseas study and work placements should form an integral part of undergraduate education. They provide valuable professional experience, cultural understanding, and personal development, ultimately making graduates more capable of succeeding in a competitive global economy.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 7.5

The response fully addresses all parts of the prompt. You have taken a clear position from the introduction and maintained it throughout the essay. The ideas are well-developed, with specific examples provided for both work placements (engineering student) and study abroad (Indian student in France). You also effectively acknowledge the counter-argument regarding financial and logistical difficulties, providing a balanced perspective before refuting it with potential solutions. The response is well-structured and directly answers the question of whether the advantages outweigh the disadvantages.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 7.5

The essay demonstrates a clear logical progression. Each paragraph has a central topic sentence, and ideas are linked effectively using cohesive devices such as 'To begin with', 'Furthermore', 'Consequently', and 'Nevertheless'. The paragraphing is logical and helps the reader follow your argument easily. The transition between the advantages and the counter-argument is smooth, and the conclusion effectively synthesizes the main points without introducing new information. The use of referencing is precise, ensuring that the flow of ideas remains coherent throughout the text.

Lexical Resource — Band 7.0

You demonstrate a good range of vocabulary appropriate for an academic context. Phrases such as 'bridge the gap', 'professional competence', 'cultural awareness', and 'integral part' show a strong command of collocation. While the vocabulary is accurate and natural, it could be slightly more sophisticated to reach the highest band. For instance, instead of 'make them more adaptable', you could use 'foster greater adaptability'. Overall, the lexical range is sufficient to convey complex ideas with precision and flexibility, and there are no spelling or word-choice errors.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 7.5

The essay exhibits a wide range of grammatical structures, including complex sentences with subordinate clauses ('Although university education provides...', 'If the requirement is met...'). The majority of your sentences are error-free, and your control over punctuation and tense usage is excellent. There are no significant grammatical slips that impede communication. The structure is varied, moving between simple, compound, and complex sentences, which keeps the writing engaging and demonstrates a high level of grammatical competence.

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