Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 5.5 · Cambridge IELTS 21 · 2026-10-30

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 5.5)

In universities, all bachelor degree programs should have to include a time students spending on foreign studies or doing a job. I believe that the advantages of this statement outweigh the disadvantages because for professional degrees students need to complete their advanced degree and internships would be important to start their career, so this will save their time and allow them to gain relevant experience.

One of the main advantage of including the period of time of getting experience and master in their relevant field will allow student to save their time in terms of gaining experience. For instance, a person have completed its 16 years of education till the age of 22 or 23, then he has to complete their master degree or gain an experience from industry for which he has to take an internship opportunity. The overall process would take almost half of his lifespan. If this time included in their undergraduate program, then when the undergraduate course will complete, person already have an experience of their field. As a result, he has a chance to think in different ways to serve their country rather than completing and gaining knowledge till their mid age.

However, there are some disadvantages such as the person not theoritical aware about the field, it has more practical knowledge which sometimes affects the person's knowledge about the subjects.

In conclusion, although lack of theoritical knowledge about their subjects will be a disadvantage, I believe including a time spent on getting advance degree or relevant experience of their field in undergraduate programes will not only beneficial for person but also allows him to serve their country in different ways.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 5.5

Your position is clear: you support including overseas study or work experience, and you give a relevant reason about helping students gain experience before starting their careers. The example of a graduate completing further study or seeking an internship also relates to the topic. However, the response only partly develops the comparison required by the question. The main advantage is explained at length, but the disadvantage is stated briefly as a possible lack of theoretical knowledge, without explaining when or why this would occur. The discussion also shifts from the task’s options of studying abroad or doing a work placement to completing an “advanced degree,” which is not necessarily part of either option. Develop both sides and connect each reason directly to the proposed period abroad or placement.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 6.0

The response has a recognisable overall structure: an introduction, a paragraph presenting an advantage, a contrasting paragraph, and a conclusion. Linking expressions such as “For instance,” “As a result,” and “However” help signal the stages of the argument. The main progression is understandable, but cohesion is sometimes mechanical, and some references are unclear. For example, “this time” and “their field” do not always make clear whether you mean the placement, further study, or the undergraduate course. The disadvantage paragraph is also very short compared with the preceding discussion, so the argument feels unbalanced. Use clearer references and develop the contrast more fully, while ensuring each paragraph advances one distinct point.

Lexical Resource: Band 5.5

You use some relevant topic vocabulary, including “internships,” “relevant experience,” “practical knowledge,” and “theoretical knowledge.” These choices help communicate the general subject, and the reader can usually follow your meaning. However, the range is limited and several word choices or collocations are inaccurate or repetitive, such as “a time students spending on foreign studies,” “master in their relevant field,” and “serve their country in different ways.” Spelling and word-form errors, including “theoritical” and “programes,” also reduce accuracy. Aim for more precise phrases that describe the actual options in the prompt, such as an overseas study period or a work placement, and check spelling and natural collocations when editing.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 5.0

You attempt both simple and complex sentences, including a conditional structure in “If this time included in their undergraduate program, then…” and a concession in the conclusion. However, complex sentences are often faulty, and errors in agreement, verb forms, articles, and sentence construction can make parts difficult to follow. Examples include “One of the main advantage,” “a person have completed,” and “when the undergraduate course will complete.” Pronoun reference also shifts between “a person,” “he,” “their,” and “it,” weakening clarity. Practise building accurate clauses before adding extra detail: for example, “If this period were included in the undergraduate programme, students would graduate with relevant experience.” Check subject–verb agreement and consistent pronouns throughout.

See this exact question answered at other band scores. The same prompt compared across bands.

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