Band 7.0 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 7.0 · Cambridge IELTS 21 · 2026-09-21

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)

It is often argued that all university undergraduate students should be required to spend some time studying abroad or completing a work placement. Although this approach may create financial and practical difficulties for some students, I believe that the advantages would outweigh the disadvantages because it can provide valuable academic, professional and personal experience.

One major advantage is that students can gain practical skills that cannot always be developed through classroom learning. A work placement, for example, allows undergraduates to experience a real working environment and understand how theoretical knowledge is applied in practice. This can improve their communication, teamwork and problem-solving skills, which are highly valued by employers. In addition, studying abroad can expose students to different educational systems and cultures. As a result, they may become more independent and confident when dealing with people from different backgrounds.

Another important benefit is that such experiences can improve students' future employment opportunities. Employers often look for graduates who have practical experience and can adapt to new situations. For instance, a student who has completed a work placement in a company may have a better understanding of workplace responsibilities than someone whose experience is limited to academic study. Similarly, students who study in another country may improve their language skills and develop a broader understanding of international workplaces.

However, there are some disadvantages to this policy. The most significant one is the financial burden. Travelling abroad, paying for accommodation and meeting daily expenses can be extremely expensive, particularly for students from low-income families. Furthermore, some students may find it difficult to leave their families or adapt to a new culture. A compulsory placement could also delay their academic progress if it is not properly organised by the university.

In conclusion, although studying abroad or completing a work placement can be expensive and challenging, I believe the benefits are greater. The practical skills, independence, cultural awareness and employment experience gained through these opportunities can provide significant advantages for students in their future careers.

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 making study abroad or work placements compulsory, and presents a clear position throughout. The introduction outlines the writer's stance, and each body paragraph develops distinct, relevant ideas. The second and third paragraphs elaborate on the benefits regarding practical skills and future employment, supported by clear reasoning and appropriate examples. The fourth paragraph acknowledges the counter-arguments, specifically addressing financial burdens and logistical challenges. The conclusion neatly summarizes the overall argument. Ideas are well supported and extended, meeting the criteria for a strong band score.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 7.5

The response demonstrates a clear logical organization and progression throughout. Each paragraph has a distinct central topic, starting with an introduction, followed by two well-developed advantage paragraphs, a disadvantage paragraph, and a concluding summary. Cohesive devices are used effectively and flexibly without becoming overly mechanical, as seen with transition words like 'One major advantage', 'Another important benefit', 'However', and 'In conclusion'. Paragraphing is used appropriately and sufficiently to structure the overall argument logically.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.5

The student uses a sufficient range of vocabulary with good flexibility and precision, suitable for an academic task. Words and phrases such as 'financial burden', 'theoretical knowledge', 'workplace responsibilities', and 'cultural awareness' demonstrate an awareness of collocation and academic style. There are only occasional minor limitations, but overall the lexical resource is adequate to convey precise meanings clearly and naturally. The control over spelling and word choice is strong throughout.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 7.5

The essay displays a good variety of complex structures alongside simple sentences, maintaining strong grammatical control throughout. Sentences such as 'Although this approach may create financial and practical difficulties for some students, I believe that the advantages would outweigh the disadvantages because it can provide valuable academic, professional and personal experience' show excellent command of subordination. The majority of sentences are error-free, with punctuation and tense usage handled accurately. Errors are extremely rare and do not impede communication in any way.

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