Band 6.0 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 6.0 · Cambridge IELTS 21 · 2026-09-20

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 6.0)

The idea that all universities should make it mandatory for students to attend a study aborad or work placement period has been a topic of debate for quite a while. While the approach is beneficial in theory, I think there are some repurcussions to it as well. However, the pros of the of this policy would outweigh the cons in the long run in my opinion.

Study abroad is a great way to get international exposure and opportunities which the student can not avail in their home countries otherwise. Moreover it makes students exceptionally self reliant; a quality that is admirable in all areas of life.

The recent data shows that students who have had a study abroad experience in their student lives are 20% more succesful in terms of their careers then those who haven't had this opportunity.

Similarly, a mandatory work placement period would greatly help students in equiping themselves with the necessary skills to get by in their field. For example research shows that theoretical knowledge of a subject, no matter how extensive, can never be equivalent to the hands-on experience that a placement in the relevant industry provides. Other than that, a relevant placement is a great tool of networking and showcasing your talent with the right individuals in the industry.

In conclusion, while the advantages of the poicy are great in number compared to the disadvantages, it is also important to consider individual temparaments of the students. Not everybody is built to survive on their own. Language barrier, unfamiliarity , and being an introvert are points to consider while deciding on such policies being final. Alternatives should be given to such individuals. That being said, I would not deny the numerous benefits that bringing such policy into existence would bring to education system as a whole.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 6.0

The student addresses all parts of the task by discussing both the advantages and disadvantages of making study abroad or work placements mandatory, ultimately taking a clear position that the advantages outweigh the disadvantages. The ideas are generally relevant and extended, particularly in the discussion of career success and practical industry experience. However, there are instances of over-generalisation and minor unsupported claims, such as 'The recent data shows that students... are 20% more succesful', which lacks precise context or source. The conclusion brings up valid nuances regarding introversion and language barriers, although these are introduced rather late. Overall, the response fulfills the task requirements adequately, earning a Band 6.5.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.5

The text presents a coherent overall arrangement with a logical progression of ideas. Each main point receives its own paragraph, moving from study abroad benefits to work placement advantages, and finally addressing counter-arguments in the conclusion. Cohesive devices such as 'Moreover', 'Similarly', and 'In conclusion' are used to connect ideas, though some transitional phrasing feels slightly mechanical. Paragraphing is used appropriately to group related concepts, and referencing is mostly clear. However, minor mechanical linking issues prevent the response from achieving a higher band. Cohesion and organisation are handled well enough to merit a Band 7.0.

Lexical Resource — Band 5.5

The student demonstrates an adequate range of vocabulary for the task, attempting less common lexical items such as 'mandatory', 'self reliant', 'networking', and 'temparaments'. However, there are noticeable spelling errors ('aborad' for abroad, 'repurcussions', 'succesful', 'equiping', 'temparaments') and occasional awkward word choices, such as 'building such policy into existence'. While these errors do not impede overall communication, they restrict the lexical score. The range is sufficient for precision at times, but the recurring inaccuracies keep it firmly within the Band 6.0 category.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.5

The writer employs a mix of simple and complex sentence forms, including conditional structures and relative clauses (e.g., 'Not everybody is built to survive on their own' and 'While the approach is beneficial in theory, I think...'). There are several grammatical errors and punctuation slips throughout the text, such as missing articles ('bring to education system'), incorrect prepositional usage ('pros of the of this policy'), and typos in punctuation spacing. Despite these errors, the majority of simple sentences are clear, and the errors only rarely impede communication. This balance of structures and control corresponds to a Band 6.0.

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