Band 6.5 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 6.5 · Cambridge IELTS 21 · 2026-09-11

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)

All higher educational institutes should include a period for studying abroad or completing a work placement in their undergraduate courses. In my opinion, this change would be more advantageous because it would help students gain real-world experience and find more opportunities outside their academic studies.

Firstly, this change could improve the structure of the education system by giving students time to learn new skills and gain knowledge through practical projects. In today's world, where we often see rapid technological advancements, this kind of experience has become increasingly important for students. For example, in Pakistan, the Higher Education Commission has made it compulsory for BS students to complete at least one internship during their summer vacations. Similarly, if students are given opportunities to study abroad through exchange programmes, they can learn from highly qualified teachers and gain exposure to different educational environments. This can also open up further opportunities for their future careers.

Moreover, gaining professional experience and learning new concepts can help students secure better jobs. For instance, many companies offer full-time positions to their interns because they are already familiar with the working environment and the nature of the job. However, there can be some disadvantages to this approach as well. Students may become distracted and start prioritising their jobs over their education. Ultimately, some students might even quit their studies to earn money, particularly if they receive an attractive job offer.

In conclusion, I agree that including a period for studying abroad or completing a work placement would benefit students and have relatively few disadvantages. Such experiences can help students develop professionally, gain practical knowledge and grow in their desired fields.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 6.5

The response addresses all parts of the prompt, clearly stating a position in the introduction and maintaining it throughout. The ideas are relevant, such as the mention of internships and exchange programs, and the counter-argument regarding potential distraction is acknowledged. However, the development of ideas is somewhat brief. While the example from Pakistan is specific, the discussion on the disadvantages could be expanded further to achieve a higher band. The conclusion effectively summarizes the main argument, ensuring the response is well-balanced and focused on the prompt.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 7.0

The essay is logically organized with a clear introduction, body paragraphs, and a conclusion. Cohesive devices such as 'Firstly', 'Similarly', 'Moreover', and 'However' are used effectively to guide the reader through the argument. Paragraphing is used appropriately, with each paragraph focusing on a central theme. The progression of ideas is smooth, and the relationship between the benefits and the potential drawbacks is clearly signaled. The use of referencing is generally accurate, contributing to the overall coherence of the piece.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.0

The vocabulary used is adequate and appropriate for the task. The student demonstrates a good grasp of topic-specific terminology, such as 'undergraduate courses', 'exchange programmes', and 'professional experience'. While the range is sufficient, it lacks some of the more sophisticated or idiomatic expressions that would characterize a higher band. There are no significant errors in word choice or collocation that impede meaning, and the language remains clear and professional throughout the essay.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 6.5

The essay displays a good mix of simple and complex sentence structures. Grammatical control is generally strong, with few errors. For example, the use of conditional structures ('if students are given...') and complex noun phrases is accurate. Punctuation is handled well, and the sentences are generally error-free. While the range of structures is solid, it could be further enhanced by incorporating more varied subordinate clauses or advanced grammatical forms to demonstrate greater flexibility. Overall, the grammar is accurate and does not hinder communication.

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

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