Band 6.0 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 6.0 · Cambridge IELTS 21 · 2026-10-04

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 6.0)

In this contemporary society, the academic framework of all university undergraduate courses are frequently features in public debate. Some people argue that all university level bachelor's curriculum should engage a period of time for studying abroad or having practical experience during coursework. In my opinion, even though, this pattern has some disadvantages, but the overall advantages of this would outweigh the disadvantages. This essay will discuss my opinion along with credible examples and a reasoned conclusion.

The principal reasons for my opinion stem from several factors. Firstly, stdying overseas will cost alot. To elaborate, a compulsory study abroad plan will increase the cost of education. Because of this parents should need to rely on financial institutions for loans. It will not only imapct overall financial stebility of a family, but also drag them to a future debt. The prime example for this can be one of my friends planned to study abroad during his undergraduation, even through he is eligible for the program, but the cost was very high. Eventually he dropped the plan of studying a semester in an abroad institution. Hence, studying in a foreign country during graduation is more expensive than finishing it in the same university in homeland.

The paramount merit of studying abroad during university learning emanate from various reasons. Overseas education and work placement will give a great chance to gain experience in the respective field of study. To elucidate, our education system is more concentrated on theoretical study than practical experience. Due to this children are lacking training during their study phase. Allowing them to experience abroad culture the way of learning they follow will make them more understanding regarding the current job market requirements. For instance, my cousin brother opted for work placement during his degree, that helped him to enhance the practical knowledge and secure a good job after completing his graduation. Thus, in order to achieve a bright future, students must give opportunity to have practical experience in their respective domains.

To recapitulate, spending time for study abroad and doing work placement got merits as well as demerits. But, the advantages that gives for younger generation would outweigh the disadvantages. Financial difficulties for aborad studies can manage once the student earn experiences and a good job. Although, the experience they have will help them throughout their career.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 6.5

The response addresses all parts of the task by presenting a clear position and discussing both advantages and disadvantages. The writer fulfills the criteria for a solid pass by presenting relevant ideas, such as financial burdens and practical career benefits. However, some ideas are more fully developed than others, which prevents the response from reaching a higher level. For example, while the disadvantage of high costs is supported with a personal anecdote about a friend, the broader benefits of studying abroad or undertaking work placements are somewhat generalized rather than thoroughly explored. To move towards a higher band, all main points should be extended with more detailed explanations and wider-ranging examples that directly relate to the academic and professional outcomes of university courses.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 6.0

The essay displays a coherent overall arrangement with a clear introduction and conclusion. Paragraphing is used sufficiently to separate distinct points, such as the discussion of financial disadvantages followed by the exploration of practical benefits. However, cohesion is sometimes mechanical or faulty. The writer relies on basic cohesive devices like 'Firstly' and 'To elaborate,' and referencing is not always completely clear, such as in the sentence 'Allowing them to experience abroad culture the way of learning they follow will make them...' To achieve a higher score, the integration of cohesive devices needs to be smoother and less repetitive, ensuring a seamless logical progression from one sentence to the next without relying on rigid formulaic transitions.

Lexical Resource: Band 5.5

The student uses an adequate range of vocabulary for the task, attempting less common lexical items such as 'contemporary society,' 'framework,' and 'practical experience.' However, there are noticeable limitations and inaccuracies in word choice, collocation, and spelling that reflect a mid-level performance. Examples of lexical errors include 'stdying' for studying, 'alot' instead of a lot, 'imapct' for impact, 'stebility' for stability, and 'aborad' for abroad. Additionally, phrasing such as 'cousin brother' and 'earn experiences' demonstrates awkward collocations that are typical of this band level. To elevate the lexical score, the writer needs to expand their vocabulary range, employ more precise academic terms without awkward collocations, and eliminate basic spelling mistakes.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 5.5

The response features a mix of simple and complex sentence forms, demonstrating an attempt to use varied structures throughout the essay. There are, however, some errors in grammar and punctuation that occur frequently enough to characterize this level, although they rarely impede overall communication. Examples of grammatical slips include subject-verb agreement issues such as 'the academic framework... are frequently features' and structural awkwardness in sentences like 'even though, this pattern has some disadvantages, but the overall advantages...' and 'parents should need to rely.' To reach a higher band, the writer must produce a greater proportion of error-free sentences when attempting complex grammatical structures, ensuring accurate tense consistency and avoiding double connectors like 'even though... but'.

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