Band 6.5 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 6.5 · Cambridge IELTS 21 · 2026-09-13

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)

Numerous individuals believe that all university courses should contain a period of time spent studying abroad or undertaking work experience. Although this policy has some drawbacks, I believe it offers significant educational benefits through work experience that clearly outweigh the disadvantages.

One major advantage of this policy is that it helps students combine academic knowledge with practical, real-world experience. Studying abroad and working in a different environment also promote personal growth. Living independently encourages students to become more responsible. In addition, this process also develops communication, teamwork, and problem-solving skills, making graduates more confident and employable. Such qualities are increasingly important as many companies now operate internationally. For instance, microbiology students often do internships in laboratories to become familiar with laboratory work; moreover, they gain knowledge about bacteria and research work. Consequently, universities are able to prepare students more effectively for future careers.

On the other hand, this policy may place financial and administrative pressure on universities. Additionally, several undergraduate students may struggle due to low income and the high cost of studying abroad. By way of illustration, smaller institutions may not have enough overseas partnerships or internship opportunities for every student. Furthermore, it can be difficult for students to support themselves independently while abroad, particularly since many internships do not offer paid positions. Compared with the lasting educational benefits, however, these disadvantages are relatively limited.

In conclusion, although requiring undergraduates to study abroad or undertake work placements involves certain practical difficulties, the long-term advantages for students' academic, personal, and professional development are far more significant.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 7.0

The response fully addresses all parts of the task by discussing both the advantages and disadvantages of including study abroad or work placements in undergraduate courses, and clearly establishes a position that the advantages outweigh the disadvantages. Ideas are well developed and supported with relevant reasoning, such as the enhancement of practical skills, personal growth, and global employability. The example of microbiology students doing internships effectively illustrates the point, while the counter-arguments regarding financial pressures and institutional limitations are also well articulated and balanced. The response meets all criteria for a Band 7.0 or Band 8.0 in Task Achievement due to its clear position and well-extended ideas throughout.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.5

The essay demonstrates a clear logical organization and progression throughout. Each paragraph has a distinct central topic, starting with an introduction, moving to the advantages in the second paragraph, the disadvantages in the third paragraph, and concluding smoothly. Cohesive devices such as 'One major advantage', 'In addition', 'On the other hand', and 'By way of illustration' are used effectively to guide the reader through the argument. Paragraphing is used sufficiently and appropriately. While referencing and linking could occasionally be slightly more sophisticated to reach the highest band, the overall structure and cohesion easily satisfy the Band 7.0 descriptors.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.5

The student demonstrates a sufficient range of vocabulary with some flexibility and precision. Phrases such as 'combine academic knowledge with practical, real-world experience', 'promote personal growth', and 'institutional limitations' show an ability to use less common lexical items with an awareness of style and collocation. There are occasional slight awkwardnesses, such as 'place financial and administrative pressure', but these do not impede communication. Spelling and word choice are generally accurate, placing the response solidly in the Band 7.0 category for Lexical Resource.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 6.5

The essay uses a good variety of complex sentence structures alongside simple forms, displaying frequent error-free sentences. Examples of complex structures include concessive clauses ('Although this policy has some drawbacks, I believe...') and relative clauses ('...making graduates more confident and employable'). Control of grammar and punctuation is generally strong, with only minor non-systematic errors that do not interfere with understanding. The grammatical range and accuracy are well-suited to the Band 7.0 descriptors, showing a good level of control.

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