Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 5.5 · Cambridge IELTS 21 · 2026-09-25

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 5.5)

Now days many students are moving abroad for their undergraduate so university should consider a time spent studying abroad or doing work or internship in their courses. I think its advantages do outweigh the disadvantages because including it will attract more students to pursue it and give them practical experience.

The all courses containing time spent abroad for studies and internship would give students exposure and work experience. Furthermore, including study abroad or work in their all programs may give students opportunity to benefit from their studies and implement it in their practical or professional life. Additionally, study abroad time may help them earn course credit hours which could help them to finish their degree as soon as possible. For example, mandatory internship in last or second last semester could help them to learn things more closely and practically. Also, it could help them to do networking by working or studying abroad as they students get a chance to meet different employers and socialize.

However, with a lot of benefits it may have some drawbacks as well. All programs should include the time students spent studying abroad or doing some work but it may result in loss of focus on studies and may incur high costs for university as well as for parents. For example, students studying abroad may spend time more on exploring places or making new friends rather than focusing on studies and it may incur travelling and living costs for parents, which puts pressure on them, especially on low income families.

In conclusion, all undergrad programs include amount of time spent abroad or working because practical experience and networking is crucial for their career growth and helps a lot in studying.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 5.5

The student addresses all parts of the task and presents a clear position throughout the response that the advantages outweigh the disadvantages. Relevant ideas are introduced, such as gaining practical experience, networking, financial burdens, and potential distractions. However, some of these ideas are under-developed or repetitive. For example, the mention of gaining practical experience is repeated several times across the paragraphs without deep exploration. While the position is clear and supported by general examples like internships and living costs, the arguments require more specific extension to reach a higher band level. Therefore, the response aligns best with Band 6.0 descriptors where all parts are addressed and relevant ideas are present, but some lack sufficient depth.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 5.5

The essay displays a coherent overall arrangement with a clear introduction and conclusion. Paragraphing is utilised sufficiently, with distinct body paragraphs separating advantages and disadvantages. Cohesive devices are employed, such as 'Furthermore', 'Additionally', and 'However', though their use is sometimes mechanical or slightly repetitive, as seen with the frequent reliance on 'also' and 'for example'. Referencing is generally clear, but the logical progression within paragraphs occasionally stumbles due to slightly repetitive phrasing regarding the main topic. Overall, the organizational structure meets the criteria for Band 6.0, providing a coherent arrangement despite some faulty or mechanical cohesion.

Lexical Resource: Band 5.5

The student uses an adequate range of vocabulary for the task, successfully conveying general meaning related to studying abroad and work placements. There are attempts to use less common vocabulary, such as 'professional life', 'financial burdens', and 'networking', but these are accompanied by lexical inaccuracies and awkward word choices, such as 'Now days' instead of 'Nowadays' and 'the all courses' instead of 'all courses'. Spelling and word-formation errors do not impede overall communication, allowing the reader to follow the arguments easily. Because the vocabulary range is adequate yet exhibits noticeable limitations and slips in word choice and collocation, a band score of 6.0 is appropriate.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 5.5

The writer attempts a mix of simple and complex sentence forms, demonstrating some control over grammar. Complex structures are attempted with varying degrees of success, such as in the sentence 'Additionally, study abroad time may help them earn course credit hours which could help them to finish their degree as soon as possible.' However, there are frequent minor errors in punctuation, articles, and prepositions, such as missing articles ('with a lot of benefits it may have some drawbacks') and awkward phrasing like 'time students spent'. These errors rarely impede communication, but they persist throughout the text, preventing the score from rising into the higher bands. Thus, the response fits the Band 6.0 profile well.

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

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