Band 7.5 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 7.5 · Cambridge IELTS 21 · 2026-09-28

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)

Every undergraduate university programme should require students to spend a period studying overseas or completing a work placement. Although such a requirement could impose a financial burden on some students, I believe its advantages outweigh the disadvantages because these experiences can significantly enhance both professional and interpersonal skills.

Admittedly, making study-abroad programmes or work placements compulsory could create financial difficulties, particularly for students from lower-income backgrounds. Studying overseas often involves substantial expenditure on accommodation, travel, meals and other living costs in addition to tuition fees. Similarly, many internships offered to undergraduates are unpaid, meaning that students may have to support themselves financially while working. This can be particularly discouraging for those who lack financial support and may even prevent some from participating in valuable opportunities. Furthermore, repeated rejection when applying for competitive placements can undermine students' confidence before they have formally entered the workforce. Therefore, without adequate financial and institutional support, such a requirement could place considerable pressure on some undergraduates.

Despite these concerns, the long-term benefits of such experiences are considerably more significant. Work placements enable students to apply theoretical knowledge to real-world problems, thereby developing their critical thinking, problem-solving abilities and professional confidence. Consequently, graduates with practical experience are often better prepared to adapt to the demands of the workplace. Such placements also cultivate transferable skills, including communication, time management and teamwork, which can substantially enhance graduates' employability. Similarly, studying abroad exposes students to unfamiliar cultures and academic environments, encouraging independence and strengthening their cross-cultural competence. While the financial difficulties associated with these programmes are generally temporary and can be alleviated through scholarships or university support, the professional and personal skills students acquire may benefit them throughout their careers. Therefore, I believe the long-term advantages clearly outweigh the short-term drawbacks.

In conclusion, although compulsory overseas study or work placements may create financial challenges for some undergraduates, their contribution to students' professional competence, interpersonal development and future employability is far more substantial. For this reason, I believe the advantages of incorporating such experiences into undergraduate programmes outweigh the disadvantages.

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AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 7.5

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, well-supported position throughout. The introduction outlines the writer's stance, and body paragraphs effectively explore both sides of the argument. The disadvantages are thoughtfully considered, addressing financial burdens and potential rejection, while the advantages are well-developed with arguments regarding professional skills, critical thinking, and employability. Ideas are extended logically and supported with relevant examples and explanations without wandering off-topic. The response successfully meets all requirements for this criterion, demonstrating a high level of task fulfillment consistent with a Band 8.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 7.5

Ideas are logically sequenced, and the essay flows smoothly from introduction to conclusion. Paragraphing is used effectively and appropriately, with each body paragraph focusing on a distinct aspect of the prompt (one on drawbacks, one on benefits). Cohesive devices such as 'Although', 'Admittedly', 'Furthermore', and 'Consequently' are managed well to guide the reader through the argumentation without feeling mechanical. Referencing and substitution are clear throughout, contributing to an overall sense of natural progression. Cohesion is unobtrusive, and the logical progression between paragraphs is clear, placing this response firmly in the Band 8 category.

Lexical Resource: Band 7.0

The writer demonstrates a wide and flexible vocabulary resource appropriate for an academic context. Less common lexical items are used skillfully and naturally, such as 'financial burden', 'substantial expenditure', 'interpersonal skills', 'cross-cultural competence', and 'employability'. Word choice and collocations are generally accurate and sophisticated (e.g., 'apply theoretical knowledge to real-world problems'). There are only occasional minor inaccuracies, but these do not impede communication. The control over vocabulary allows for precise expression of ideas, justifying a strong Band 7.5 or Band 8 score; here, a solid Band 7.5 reflects the rich phrasing while acknowledging minor limitations in true idiomatic mastery.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 7.5

The response exhibits a wide range of complex grammatical structures used with a high degree of accuracy. The writer successfully employs conditional and concessive clauses (e.g., 'Although such a requirement could impose...', 'While the financial difficulties... are generally temporary...'). The majority of sentences are entirely error-free, and punctuation is handled with precision. Complex noun phrases and participial phrases (e.g., 'encouraging independence and strengthening their cross-cultural competence') are integrated seamlessly. Grammatical control is strong throughout, with only very occasional minor slips that never impede communication. This performance aligns comfortably with the Band 8 descriptor.

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