Band 7.5 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 7.5 · Cambridge IELTS 21 · 2026-09-29

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)

There is a suggestion that every undergraduate degree should include a compulsory period of studying abroad or completing a work placement. While this proposal has some drawbacks, I believe the long-term advantages for students and employers would clearly outweigh them.

The main benefits of such a requirement are related to employability and personal development. In today's competitive job market, a degree alone is often insufficient. A work placement gives students practical experience, professional contacts, and a clearer understanding of their chosen industry. For example, an engineering student who spends six months in a factory will graduate not only with theoretical knowledge but also with the ability to apply it, making them far more attractive to employers. Similarly, studying abroad develops independence, adaptability, and intercultural communication skills. A business student who studies for a semester in Germany, for instance, may learn a new language and gain insight into European markets - skills that are highly valued in a globalised economy.

Furthermore, these experiences can improve academic motivation. Students often return from placements or exchange programs with greater maturity and a better understanding of why their studies matter, which leads to better performance in their final year.

Admittedly, there are disadvantages. The most significant is cost. Studying abroad or relocating for an unpaid internship can be expensive, creating inequality for students from low-income families who cannot afford travel, accommodation, or visa fees. Universities would also need to build extensive international partnerships and quality-control systems for placements, which requires substantial administrative resources. In some highly theoretical subjects like mathematics or history, a work placement may be less directly relevant than in vocational subjects.

However, these problems can be mitigated. Financial support, scholarships, and paid placements could reduce the burden on poorer students, and universities could offer flexible options - either study abroad OR a work placement - to suit different courses and circumstances.

In conclusion, although mandatory placements or study abroad would increase costs and logistical complexity, the benefits in terms of practical skills, global awareness, and employability are far more significant. Therefore, if implemented fairly, such a policy would be a positive step for higher education.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 7.5

The student fully addresses all parts of the prompt by discussing both the advantages and disadvantages of making studying abroad or work placements compulsory, and clearly states a position in the introduction that is maintained throughout the essay. Ideas are well developed and supported with relevant examples, such as the engineering student in a factory and the business student in Germany. The counterarguments regarding cost and administrative burden are thoughtfully acknowledged and refuted with realistic mitigating solutions like scholarships and flexible options. This performance comfortably satisfies the Band 8 descriptor for Task Achievement.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 7.5

Ideas are logically sequenced and progress naturally from the introduction through the main body arguments to a clear conclusion. Paragraphing is used effectively, with each body paragraph focusing on a distinct theme such as employability, academic motivation, disadvantages, and potential solutions. Cohesive devices such as 'Furthermore', 'Admittedly', and 'However' are managed well to guide the reader through the argument without becoming obtrusive. Referencing is clear and precise throughout the text, aligning well with the Band 8 descriptor for Coherence and Cohesion.

Lexical Resource: Band 7.5

The student demonstrates a wide and flexible lexical range that allows for precise expression of ideas. Uncommon lexical items such as 'compulsory period', 'intercultural communication skills', 'logistical complexity', and 'mitigated' are used naturally and accurately. Word choice and collocation are generally strong, with only occasional minor imperfections. Spelling and word formation are entirely accurate. The vocabulary choices contribute significantly to the academic tone of the essay, easily meeting the expectations for a Band 8 score.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 7.5

The essay displays a wide range of complex structures used with a high degree of flexibility and accuracy. The majority of sentences are error-free, and control over punctuation and grammar is strong. Examples of successful complex structures include conditional clauses, participial phrases, and concessive clauses such as 'While this proposal has some drawbacks, I believe...' and 'Studying abroad or relocating for an unpaid internship can be expensive, creating inequality...'. Only very occasional minor slips occur, making this a solid representative of Band 8 grammar.

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