Band 7.0 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 7.0 · Cambridge IELTS 21 · 2026-10-01

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 often argued that all university students should spend some time studying abroad or doing a work placement during their degree. Although this idea has some disadvantages, I believe that the advantages are greater.

One important advantage is that students can gain practical experience. At university, students mainly learn from books, lectures and assignments. However, a work placement gives them an opportunity to use their knowledge in a real workplace. For example, an engineering student can work in a company and learn how to deal with real problems. This can improve their communication, teamwork and problem-solving skills. As a result, they may have better preparation for their future careers.

Another benefit is that studying abroad can help students become more independent. When young people live in another country, they have to communicate with different people and manage their daily activities by themselves. They can also learn about a new culture and improve their language skills. For instance, a student studying in the UK may become more confident in speaking English and communicating with people from different backgrounds.

On the other hand, there are some disadvantages. The main problem is the cost of studying abroad. Students may have to pay for flights, accommodation, food and other expenses. This could be difficult for students from low-income families. In addition, some students may find it stressful to live away from their families for a long period of time. Work placements can also take time away from academic studies.

In conclusion, studying abroad and work placements can create financial and personal difficulties. However, I believe that the benefits are greater because students can gain practical experience, become more independent and develop useful skills for their future careers.

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 degrees, and presents a clear position throughout. The arguments are extended and supported with relevant examples, such as engineering students gaining practical workplace experience and individuals improving their confidence in English. However, there is a slight tendency to over-generalise in the development of some points, which places the response firmly within this performance level. To reach a higher band, the ideas would need to be even more fully developed with deeper analysis rather than relying on straightforward supporting examples.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 7.0

The essay displays a clear logical organisation and progression throughout. Each paragraph has a clear central topic, moving smoothly from the introduction to distinct body paragraphs covering work placements, studying abroad, and the corresponding disadvantages, before concluding effectively. Cohesive devices such as 'One important advantage', 'Another benefit', 'On the other hand', and 'In conclusion' are used appropriately to guide the reader through the argument. Paragraphing is used sufficiently and logically. To achieve the next band, the writer would need to demonstrate even more flexible and sophisticated management of cohesion, avoiding any formulaic transitions.

Lexical Resource: Band 6.5

The student uses an adequate and sufficient range of vocabulary for the task, allowing for some precision when discussing academic and professional contexts, such as 'practical experience', 'work placement', and 'low-income families'. There are also successful attempts to use less common vocabulary like 'accommodation' and 'expenses'. However, the lexical range remains somewhat standard, and there is a lack of more sophisticated collocations or idiomatic phrasing. Minor limitations in lexical flexibility prevent the essay from reaching the higher band, as the vocabulary is functional and clear rather than varied and ambitious.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 7.0

The essay demonstrates good control of grammar and punctuation, utilising a variety of complex structures alongside simple forms. Frequent error-free sentences are evident, particularly in complex constructions such as 'Although this idea has some disadvantages, I believe that the advantages are greater' and 'When young people live in another country, they have to communicate with different people'. Grammatical control is strong, with accurate verb tenses, subject-verb agreement, and articles throughout. A few minor errors or a slightly wider variety of advanced syntactic structures would be required to push this criterion further up the scale.

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