Band 7.0 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 7.0 · Cambridge IELTS 21 · 2026-09-30

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 7.0)

It is suggested that all undergraduate courses should include a period of studying in another country or doing a work placement. I believe the benefits of this idea are much greater than its drawbacks.I will discuse the advantages and disadvantages in this essay.

The main advantages are related to employability and personal growth. Firstly, a work placement gives students practical experience that cannot be learned from books. For example, an engineering student who works in a company will understand real problems and teamwork. This makes them more attractive to employers after graduation. Secondly, studying abroad helps students become independent and culturally aware. Living in a foreign country improves language skills and confidence, which is very valuable in today's global job market. Overall, these experiences make a degree more useful.

However, there are some disadvantages. The biggest issue is cost. Studying abroad or even moving to another city for a work placement can be very expensive for flights, accommodation and living expenses, which many families cannot afford. Also, it can disrupt academic studies. Students may find it hard to adapt when they return, and the course may become longer. Some students may also feel homesick or stressed when working in a professional environment without enough preparation.

In conclusion, although there are financial and academic challenges, I think the advantages clearly outweigh the disadvantages. The practical skills, cultural experience and better job opportunities are essential for modern graduates. Universities should therefore include these programs but provide financial support to help all students participate.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 7.0

The response addresses all parts of the task by discussing both the advantages and disadvantages of including study abroad or work placements in undergraduate courses, and presents a clear position throughout. The writer's stance that the benefits outweigh the drawbacks is stated in the introduction and reinforced in the conclusion. Ideas are relevant and supported with valid examples, such as an engineering student gaining practical experience and the cultural and linguistic benefits of living abroad. The drawbacks, including financial costs and academic disruption, are also adequately developed. The response meets all task requirements effectively, earning a solid Band 7.0 for fully addressing the prompt with a clear, well-supported position.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 7.0

The essay presents a clear logical organisation and progression throughout. Information is divided into appropriate paragraphs, with a distinct introduction, body paragraphs addressing advantages and disadvantages respectively, and a conclusion. Cohesive devices are used effectively to guide the reader through the arguments, such as 'Firstly', 'Secondly', 'However', and 'In conclusion'. Paragraphing is used sufficiently and appropriately, ensuring each paragraph has a clear central topic. Referencing is generally clear, and the overall arrangement maintains coherence. However, some minor mechanical transitions and occasional repetition of sentence openings prevent the response from achieving a higher band. Overall, the organisational structure is secure and earns a Band 7.0.

Lexical Resource: Band 6.5

The student uses an adequate range of vocabulary suitable for the task, successfully attempting less common items such as 'employability', 'culturally aware', 'global job market', and 'disrupt academic studies'. Word choice is generally appropriate, though there is a spelling typo in the introduction ('discuse' instead of 'discuss'). The vocabulary is sufficient for some precision, and while it lacks the sophisticated, flexible control required for higher bands, it successfully conveys the intended meaning without impeding communication. The student demonstrates a good command of common and semi-formal academic terms, resulting in a Band 6.5 for Lexical Resource.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 7.0

The response demonstrates a mix of simple and complex sentence forms. The writer successfully employs complex structures, such as concessive clauses ('although there are financial and academic challenges, I think the advantages clearly outweigh the disadvantages') and relative clauses ('expenses, which many families cannot afford'). Grammatical control is generally good, with frequent error-free sentences. Minor punctuation and spacing issues occur (such as missing spaces after periods in the introduction), but these do not impede communication. The control over complex grammar combined with a good level of accuracy places this response securely in the Band 7.0 category.

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