Band 6.0 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 6.0 · Cambridge IELTS 21 · 2026-09-27

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 issue of whether there should be enough courses where students could spent some time of their studies abroad either working or studying has sparked a considerable debate. In my perpesctive, I strongly believe that the advantages of studying abroad outweigh the disadvantages.

One of the main reasons why I strongly support this is that studying or working in other countries play a significant role in the personal development of students. Since many universities offer theoretical courses during bachelors', students find it difficult to compete in the modern world. Hence, if they are given the opportunity to move abroad for their studies or do an internship there, they are more likely to become confident and excel in their fields. This can be demonstrated by, students of microbiology requires both the theoretical and practical learning. Therefore, they can learn different techniques in their field in the advanced labs, or by doing internships under the supervision of a skilled researcher abroad. As a result, such students excel in every aspect of their life.

Another reason is that, students should be exposed to the real-world situations during their studies. They should be given the opportunity to improve their communication skills. Thus, when they choose to spend a period of their studies in other countries, they are more likely to develop leadershi and team-work qualities. In this way, they become multi-talented. For example, people who leave the comfort of their houses in a young age are less likely to be dependent of their family. They began to perform their daily chores more efficiently. Therefore, such students outshine in both professional and personal growth.

On the contrary, sending a majority of students abroad is practically not possible for universities. As many learners belong to destitute backgrounds, they might not afford the basic living expenses abroad. Moreover, universities also cannot fulfill the expenditures of students because they are not provided with enough fundings. Consequently, many exceptional students are left behind with just hopes. However, the benefits of studying abroad still remains more. I believe that governments should allocate separate funds for such students.

In conclusion, although the expenditures are still the major concern, I firmly believe that if given the opportunity, students can gain hands-on experience in their fields abroad. Hence, the advantages are more than the drawbacks.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 6.5

The response addresses all parts of the task by discussing both the advantages and disadvantages of including a study abroad or work placement period in university courses, and takes a clear position that the advantages outweigh the disadvantages. Main ideas are supported with relevant examples, such as the mention of microbiology students requiring both theoretical and practical learning. However, some of the supporting ideas tend to generalize slightly, for instance, claiming that such students excel in every aspect of their life. Despite this minor over-extension, the task is well-addressed throughout, aligning closely with the Band 7 descriptor.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 6.5

The essay is clearly organised with a logical progression of ideas throughout. Each body paragraph has a distinct focus, moving from personal development and real-world skills to the financial disadvantages. Cohesive devices are used reasonably well, such as 'One of the main reasons', 'Another reason is that', 'On the contrary', and 'In conclusion'. Paragraphing is used sufficiently and appropriately. While referencing is generally clear, a few transitional phrases feel slightly mechanical or repetitive in their structure, keeping the response at Band 7.

Lexical Resource: Band 5.5

The student demonstrates an adequate to sufficient range of vocabulary for the task. Less common lexical items are attempted, such as 'destitute backgrounds', 'hands-on experience', and 'professional and personal growth'. However, there are some noticeable vocabulary and spelling errors, including 'perpesctive' instead of 'perspective', 'bachelors'' instead of 'bachelor's degrees', 'fundings' (funding is uncountable), and 'leadershi' instead of 'leadership'. These occasional inaccuracies and minor slips place the response firmly in the Band 6 category, although communication is never impeded.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 5.5

The essay displays a mix of simple and complex sentence forms. The writer attempts various complex structures, such as conditional and subordinate clauses ('Since many universities offer theoretical courses during bachelors', students find it difficult...'). However, there are several grammatical errors and awkward agreements, such as 'students of microbiology requires' (subject-verb agreement), 'at a young age' instead of 'in a young age', 'dependent of' instead of 'dependent on', and 'remain more' instead of 'remain greater'. These errors occur with some frequency but do not impede overall communication, supporting a Band 6 score.

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