Band 5.0 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 5.0 · Cambridge IELTS 21 · 2026-10-17

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 5.0)

Nowadays, many students prefer to go abroad for their studies and other students want to work during their undergraduate courses. Many people believe that all university undergraduate courses should include these facilities as well. I believe that there are various advantages in this trend and would outweigh the disadvantages.

Firstly, one of the biggest advantages of this trend is students receiving more exposure to studies that is going on overseas. When students will go to study abroad, they would be able to study new topics and subjects that was not available in their country. Furthermore, doing a work placement will help students gain work experience that will open more opportunities for them in the future. For instance, after graduation any company would like to hire an individual who already has experience of working in a particular field.

Secondly, university courses can include a period of time spent studying abroad, but this will surely make it more expensive for the universities as well as the students. As for doing a work placement, this can distract many students from their studies. Work in general is a very focused activity and if combined with studies will not only make the work feel more hectic, but willl make the studies more challenging. For example, a student working during the graduation cannot just leave their job anytime they want due to their studies, they would need to complete their graduation while working.

In conclusion, universities undergraduate courses should not include a period of time spent studying abroad and doing work placement as it will be much expensive and will be hectic for the students as well if their working and studying at the same time. But I believe that advantages like students getting more exposure to studies abroad and they can gain work experince as well outweigh the disadvantages.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 5.5

You give a clear overall view that the advantages outweigh the disadvantages, and you discuss both benefits and drawbacks with relevant examples. The points about overseas study broadening students’ exposure and placements providing experience are appropriate; the hiring example helps explain the latter. However, the position becomes inconsistent: the conclusion first says courses “should not include” these options, then says the advantages outweigh the disadvantages. The disadvantages are also not fully tied to the question of a required period for all undergraduates, and the claim that work will distract students is only briefly explained. Make your stance consistent throughout and develop the comparison of benefits and costs more fully. The stated length requirement is met.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 5.0

The response has a recognisable introduction, two body paragraphs and a conclusion, and “Firstly,” “Furthermore,” and “For instance” help signal examples and additions. However, progression is not always clear. The second body paragraph begins with the cost of overseas study but then shifts to work placements, while the conclusion repeats both sides without resolving the conflicting position. Some links are mechanical, and references such as “this trend” and “this” do not always identify precisely which option is meant. Organise the body paragraphs around distinct advantages and disadvantages, use clearer links between each claim and its explanation, and ensure the conclusion follows the same line of argument as the introduction.

Lexical Resource: Band 5.0

You use enough topic-related vocabulary to communicate the main ideas, including “work placement,” “work experience,” “opportunities,” and “exposure.” However, the range is limited and several phrases are repetitive or imprecise, such as “studies that is going on overseas,” “more hectic,” and “more expensive.” There are also noticeable word-form and spelling errors, including “experince” and “willl,” which reduce accuracy. Aim for more precise collocations and avoid repeating general terms such as “work” and “studies.” For example, describe the academic benefit as exposure to different teaching approaches, and explain the financial drawback in terms of additional travel and accommodation costs.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 5.0

You attempt both simple and complex sentences, including a conditional example beginning “if combined with studies,” and most of the meaning can be followed. However, complex structures are often inaccurate, and errors occur frequently. Examples include “students receiving more exposure … that is going on” (agreement and clause structure), “When students will go” (incorrect tense after “when”), and “subjects that was not available” (agreement). The conclusion also contains a difficult-to-follow construction: “as it will be much expensive and will be hectic … if their working and studying.” Practise accurate subordinate clauses, subject–verb agreement, and parallel sentence structures. Shorter, controlled sentences would help make your reasoning clearer while you build range.

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