Band 7.5 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 7.5 · 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 7.5)

Universities are increasingly expected to prepare students not only with academic knowledge but also with the practical and interpersonal skills required in a competitive global workforce. For this reason, it has been suggested that every undergraduate degree should include either a period of study abroad or a work placement. While making such experiences compulsory could create financial and practical challenges for some students, I believe that the advantages would ultimately outweigh the disadvantages, provided that universities implement the policy flexibly and equitably.

The most significant benefit of work placements is that they enable students to bridge the gap between academic theory and professional practice. University courses can provide a strong conceptual foundation, but many essential workplace skills cannot be fully developed through lectures and examinations alone. During a placement, students can apply what they have learned to genuine professional situations while developing communication, teamwork, problem-solving and time-management skills. For example, an engineering student working for a manufacturing company could gain first-hand experience of project management, workplace safety and collaboration with professional teams. Such exposure would not only strengthen the student's practical competence but could also provide a clearer understanding of potential career paths.

A period of study abroad can offer a different but equally valuable set of benefits. Living in another country requires students to adapt to unfamiliar cultural, social and educational environments. This can foster independence, resilience and intercultural communication while broadening their understanding of perspectives different from their own. For instance, a student from Britain who spends a semester studying in Germany may need to adapt to different teaching methods, communicate with international classmates and manage everyday responsibilities independently. These experiences can challenge preconceived assumptions and encourage students to become more open-minded and adaptable. Such qualities are particularly valuable in an increasingly internationalised labour market.

However, compulsory participation could also have serious drawbacks, particularly for students from disadvantaged backgrounds. Overseas study can involve substantial expenses for travel, accommodation and living costs, while domestic placements may require students to relocate or commute considerable distances. Students with limited financial resources, disabilities or significant family responsibilities could therefore find it much more difficult to participate. A policy intended to enhance educational opportunities could, ironically, widen existing inequalities if these circumstances were not properly considered.

Nevertheless, these disadvantages are not insurmountable. Universities could provide financial assistance, prioritise paid work placements and offer accessible alternatives for students who cannot travel or relocate. Importantly, universities could require students to undertake an equivalent period of experiential learning without insisting that everyone participate in exactly the same type of activity. For example, a student unable to study abroad could undertake a local professional placement, research project, community-based internship or another approved form of practical experience. This would preserve the educational purpose of the policy while accommodating students' different circumstances.

In conclusion, requiring undergraduate students to undertake study abroad or work experience would undoubtedly create financial and logistical challenges for some individuals. However, with appropriate financial support and sufficient flexibility, these problems could be substantially reduced. The resulting benefits—including stronger employability, greater independence, practical competence and intercultural awareness—would therefore outweigh the disadvantages.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 7.5

The response fully addresses all parts of the task, presenting a well-developed position that the advantages of compulsory study abroad or work placements outweigh the disadvantages. The writer provides clear arguments supported by relevant examples, such as engineering students gaining project management experience and British students studying in Germany. The introduction establishes a clear stance, and the conclusion neatly summarises the arguments while addressing potential counter-arguments and offering practical solutions. The ideas are fully extended and supported throughout, satisfying all requirements of the Band 8 descriptor for this criterion.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 7.5

The essay demonstrates a clear logical organisation and progression throughout. Each paragraph has a distinct central topic, moving smoothly from work placements to study abroad, then to drawbacks, and finally to practical solutions and a conclusion. Cohesive devices such as 'The most significant benefit', 'A period of study abroad', 'However', and 'Nevertheless' are used flexibly and appropriately to guide the reader through the argument. Paragraphing is used skilfully, and referencing throughout the text remains consistently clear. The level of cohesion aligns strongly with the Band 8 descriptor.

Lexical Resource — Band 7.5

The vocabulary used throughout the essay is wide, fluent, and flexible, demonstrating a sophisticated command of academic English. The student successfully integrates less common lexical items and collocations with precision, such as 'competitive global workforce', 'bridge the gap', 'intercultural communication', 'preconceived assumptions', and 'insurmountable'. Word choice and collocations are generally accurate, with only rare minor inappropriacies, fully meeting the requirements for a Band 8 score in Lexical Resource.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 7.5

The writer uses a wide variety of complex structures with a high degree of flexibility. Sentences such as 'While making such experiences compulsory could create financial and practical challenges for some students, I believe that the advantages would ultimately outweigh the disadvantages...' showcase excellent control over subordinate clauses and conditional constructions. The majority of sentences are error-free, and punctuation is handled with precision. Only very occasional minor slips occur, justifying a Band 8 score for grammatical range and accuracy.

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