Band 8.0 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 8.0 · Cambridge IELTS 21 · 2026-09-18

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 8.0)

It is often argued that all university students should be required to spend some time studying in another country or completing a work placement. While this requirement could create certain difficulties, I believe that the benefits of gaining international and practical experience would outweigh the disadvantages.

There are several significant benefits to this approach. Firstly, studying abroad can help students develop greater independence and adaptability. Living in a different country exposes young people to new cultures, languages and ways of thinking, which can improve their communication skills and broaden their understanding of the world. Secondly, work placements allow students to apply the theoretical knowledge they have gained at university in a real professional environment. As a result, they can develop practical skills, understand workplace expectations and gain experience that may be valuable when applying for their first job. For example, a computer science student who completes a placement at a software company can learn how professional development teams operate and gain experience with real projects.

However, making these opportunities compulsory could also cause some problems. The main disadvantage is the financial burden. Studying abroad can involve considerable expenses, including accommodation, travel and living costs, which may be difficult for students from low-income families to afford. In addition, some students may have personal or academic circumstances that make it difficult to spend an extended period away from their university. For instance, students with family responsibilities may be unable to participate in an overseas programme. Nevertheless, universities could reduce these difficulties by providing financial assistance and offering local work placements as an alternative.

In conclusion, although compulsory study-abroad programmes or work placements could create financial and personal difficulties for some students, they provide valuable opportunities to develop independence, practical skills and professional experience. Therefore, I believe that the advantages of this requirement outweigh its disadvantages.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 8.0

The response fully addresses all parts of the task by discussing both the advantages and disadvantages of making study abroad or work placements compulsory, and presents a clear position throughout. The introduction outlines the writer's stance, and the body paragraphs effectively extend and support relevant ideas. For instance, the benefits are well-supported by exploring independence, adaptability, and real professional experience with a concrete example about a computer science student. Similarly, the disadvantages, such as financial burdens and personal circumstances, are thoughtfully examined. The counter-arguments are appropriately balanced, and the conclusion succinctly reinforces the initial position. The ideas are well-developed and fulfil all requirements of the prompt to a high standard, aligning closely with the Band 8 descriptors.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 8.0

The essay demonstrates a clear and logical organisation from beginning to end. Information and ideas are coherently sequenced, with each paragraph having a distinct central topic. For example, the transition from discussing benefits to exploring disadvantages is managed smoothly using appropriate cohesive devices such as 'However' and 'In addition'. Paragraphing is used sufficiently and appropriately, separating the introduction, the benefits, the drawbacks, and the conclusion logically. Cohesive devices are handled effectively without feeling mechanical or overused. Referencing is clear throughout, contributing to a seamless flow of thought that guides the reader naturally through the argument.

Lexical Resource — Band 7.0

The student uses a sufficient and flexible range of vocabulary suited to an academic discussion. Less common items such as 'theoretical knowledge', 'financial burden', and 'professional environment' are integrated accurately and demonstrate an awareness of collocation and academic style. Word choice is generally precise, as seen in phrases like 'broaden their understanding' and 'compulsory study-abroad programmes'. While the vocabulary does not consistently reach the sophisticated, highly fluid control required for a Band 8, there are no noticeable errors in spelling or word choice, and communication is completely unimpeded. The lexical range is strong and easily satisfies the Band 7 criteria.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 8.0

The essay exhibits a wide range of grammatical structures, successfully blending simple and complex sentences. The writer demonstrates good control of complex clauses, such as conditional and relative structures (e.g., 'Living in a different country exposes young people to new cultures... which can improve their communication skills'). The majority of sentences are error-free, and punctuation is handled accurately. Although occasional minor slips might occur in complex formations, there are no systemic grammatical errors that impede communication. The control over grammar and syntax is consistent and confident, comfortably earning a Band 7.5 to 8, aligning strongly with the Band 8 descriptor for grammatical accuracy.

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

Browse more IELTS Writing model answers or get your own writing scored by the same AI examiner.