Band 4.0 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 4.0 · Cambridge IELTS 21 · 2026-11-01

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 4.0)

It is argued that undergraduate syllabus have an interval of time dedicated to foreign study or employment as a placement. I strongly believe that Its advantages outshine its disadvantages.

Firstly, if a study involve foreign tour like some semesters in native country while others are in non-native countries, it enhances the experience of not only a specific subjects but also personal communication skills. In this way, a person becomes familiar with foreign language and culture by knoting ties with foreigners.

Secondly, work placements are also better opportuni

social language, culture, economy, technology

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 3.0

You state a clear view in the opening: “I strongly believe that its advantages outshine its disadvantages,” and you begin to identify relevant benefits, including communication skills and familiarity with another language and culture. However, the response addresses the question only minimally: it does not explain any disadvantages or compare them with the benefits, and the work-placement point is left unfinished (“work placements are also better opportuni…”). The final list of “social language, culture, economy, technology” is not developed into reasons or examples. The response is also substantially below the required minimum length, leaving the position and supporting ideas insufficiently developed. To improve, complete both sides of the comparison and explain each point with a specific example and a clear link to your conclusion.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 4.0

There is a basic attempt to organise the response: the opening gives your position, and “Firstly” and “Secondly” signal separate supporting points. This gives the reader some sense of direction. However, the progression breaks down because the second point ends mid-phrase, and the final list is disconnected from the preceding discussion. The relationship between studying abroad and work placements is not clearly explained, and there is no concluding paragraph to bring the argument together. Some linking is also mechanical, with “In this way” introducing a consequence that is not fully developed. Use complete paragraphs, finish each idea before moving on, and connect examples explicitly to the claim that the advantages outweigh the disadvantages.

Lexical Resource: Band 4.5

You attempt vocabulary relevant to the topic, including “personal communication skills,” “foreign language and culture,” and “work placements.” These choices show an effort to discuss education and international experience rather than relying only on very basic wording. However, several expressions are inaccurate or unnatural, such as “undergraduate syllabus have an interval of time,” “foreign tour,” and “knoting ties.” The unfinished phrase “better opportuni…” also prevents the intended meaning from being clear, while the final list of broad nouns does not communicate a precise point. Aim for natural collocations and accurate word forms, such as “undergraduate courses should include a period abroad” and “build relationships with local people.” More precise vocabulary would make your ideas easier to understand.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 4.5

The response includes both simple statements and attempts at more complex structures. For example, “I strongly believe that…” introduces a subordinate clause, and “if a study involve…” shows an attempt to express a condition. However, control is inconsistent: “undergraduate syllabus have” has a subject–verb agreement problem, and “if a study involve” also needs agreement. The sentence beginning “Firstly” is difficult to follow because its structure is overloaded, and the second point is incomplete, so it cannot demonstrate accurate sentence control. Capitalisation is inconsistent in “Its” after the opening sentence. Build shorter, complete sentences first, then add subordinate clauses carefully; check agreement, sentence boundaries, and capital letters during revision.

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