Band 6.5 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 6.5 · 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 6.5)

Nowadays, many individuals believe that all university courses should contain a period of time spent studying abroad or undertaking work experience. Although this policy has some drawbacks, I believe it offers significant educational benefits through work experience that clearly outweigh the disadvantages.

One major advantage of this policy is that it helps students combine academic knowledge with practical, real-world experience. Studying abroad and working in a different environment also promote personal growth. Living independently encourages students to become more responsible. In addition, this process also develops communication, teamwork, and problem-solving skills, making graduates more confident and employable. Such qualities are increasingly important as many companies now operate internationally. For instance, microbiology students often do internships in laboratories to become familiar with laboratory work; moreover, they gain knowledge about bacteria and research work. Consequently, universities are able to prepare students more effectively for future careers.

On the other hand, this policy may place financial and administrative pressure on universities. Additionally, several undergraduate students may struggle due to low income and the high cost of studying abroad. By way of illustration, smaller institutions may not have enough overseas partnerships or internship opportunities for every student. Furthermore, it can be difficult for students to support themselves independently while abroad, particularly since many internships do not offer paid positions. Compared with the lasting educational benefits, however, these disadvantages are relatively limited.

In conclusion, although requiring undergraduates to study abroad or undertake work placements involves certain practical difficulties, the long-term advantages for students' academic, personal, and professional development are far more significant.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 6.5

The student addresses all parts of the prompt by discussing both the advantages and disadvantages of including studying abroad or work placements in undergraduate courses, and clearly states a position in the introduction ('I believe it offers significant educational benefits... that clearly outweigh the disadvantages'). Main ideas are extended and supported, such as when discussing how internships help combine academic knowledge with practical experience and develop personal growth. For example, the mention of microbiology students doing internships in laboratories provides a relevant, concrete illustration. While the development could be slightly deeper in places, the response clearly fulfills the requirements of a Band 7 level, as all parts of the task are addressed with a clear overall position.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 6.5

The essay presents a clear logical organisation and progression throughout. Each paragraph has a distinct focus, moving smoothly from the introduction to the advantages, the counter-arguments regarding disadvantages, and a concise conclusion. Cohesive devices are used effectively and flexibly without feeling overly mechanical, as seen with transition markers like 'One major advantage', 'In addition', 'On the other hand', and 'In conclusion'. Paragraphing is used appropriately, and referencing throughout the text is clear, guiding the reader effortlessly from one point to the next. This strong structural control aligns well with a Band 7 descriptor.

Lexical Resource: Band 6.0

The student demonstrates an adequate and generally appropriate range of vocabulary for the task, successfully incorporating less common lexical items such as 'undertaking work experience', 'administrative pressure', and 'overseas partnerships'. Word choice is generally precise, although some phrases border on repetitive or standard collocational patterns. Minor inaccuracies or slightly unnatural collocations appear occasionally, such as 'gain knowledge about bacteria and research work', but these do not impede communication. The lexical range is sufficient to allow flexibility and precision, placing the response solidly in the Band 6 to 7 range.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 6.5

The essay displays a good mix of simple and complex sentence structures, incorporating subordinate clauses and participial phrases effectively (e.g., 'Living independently encourages students to become more responsible' and 'Compared with the lasting educational benefits, however, these disadvantages are relatively limited'). Grammatical control is generally strong, with frequent error-free sentences and accurate punctuation. While there are a few minor slips or slightly repetitive structures, errors do not impede communication at all. The grammatical range and accuracy demonstrate sound control consistent with a Band 7.

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