Band 7.0 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 7.0 · 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 7.0)

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 favor of the proposal. The ideas are relevant and supported by examples, such as the Higher Education Commission in Pakistan. However, the development of the disadvantages is somewhat brief compared to the advantages, which creates a slight imbalance in the argument. To reach a higher band, you should ensure that the counter-argument is explored with equal depth to the main argument. Overall, the position is consistent throughout the essay, and the conclusion effectively summarizes the main points.

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 clear, though the transition between the advantages and the disadvantages could be slightly smoother to enhance the flow. Overall, the structure is coherent and easy to follow.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.5

The vocabulary is generally appropriate and sufficient for the task. You use some relevant academic terms like 'educational environments', 'professional experience', and 'technological advancements'. While the range is adequate, it lacks a high degree of sophistication or 'less common' lexical items that would push the score into the 8.0+ range. There are no significant errors in word choice or collocation that impede meaning, and the language used is natural and fits the context of an academic essay well.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 7.0

The essay demonstrates a good mix of simple and complex sentence structures. You use conditional sentences ('if students are given...') and relative clauses effectively. The grammar is generally accurate, with only minor slips that do not interfere with communication. Punctuation is handled well, and the sentence variety keeps the writing engaging. To improve, you could incorporate a wider variety of complex structures, such as passive voice constructions or inverted sentences, to demonstrate greater grammatical flexibility.

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

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