Band 7.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 7.0 · Cambridge IELTS 21 · 2026-09-21
IELTS Writing Task 1 question
Student answer (Band 7.0)
The increasing importance of higher education has sparked a debate over how to choose educational subjects. While some people argue that university students should be encouraged to study subjects that are valuable for their future employment, others contend that they ought to have freedom to choose whichever subjects they are interested in. This essay will discuss both views before explaining why I believe that learners in higher education should be free to choose academic disciplines according to their interests.
On the one hand, those who place greater emphasis on the academic autonomy believe that it leads students to achieve a greater sense of fulfillment. Since many students tend to study according to their interests, they make considerable effort to develop their professional skills in the chosen fields. As a result, these subjects can contribute to achieving a greater sense of achievement. For instance, a student who is interested in studying sports can become a well-known athlete and earn a considerable amount of money, which can eventually help meet their daily living expenses and achieve a better quality of life in the future.
On the other hand, one of the primary reasons why some believe that students should be encouraged to study subjects that can be beneficial for their future careers is that they can help secure highly paid employment opportunities easily. When university learners choose academic disciplines which are in demand, they are more likely to secure jobs without making several effort. For example, a university student who is inspired to study anatomy and physiology is able to secure a job as a healthcare professional without making effort, which can result in high chances of job opportunities, thereby benefiting them.
In conclusion, while encouraging students to study valuable subjects offers several benefits, particularly in terms of rsecuring employemnt opportunities easily, I believe that allowing them to choose subjects according their interests can have a positive impact on their lives, as they provide them with feelings of a greater sense of achievement.
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 7.0 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 7.0 |
| Lexical Resource | 6.5 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 7.0 |
| Overall | 7.0 |
Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 7.0
The student has successfully addressed all parts of the task by discussing both views on how to choose university subjects and providing a clear personal opinion. The position is maintained throughout the essay. Ideas are extended and supported with relevant examples, such as the student interested in sports or anatomy and physiology. However, there is a slight tendency to over-generalise or repeat similar points regarding job security versus personal fulfillment, which places this response comfortably at Band 7.0 according to the task response descriptors.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 7.0
The essay displays clear logical organisation and progression throughout. Information and ideas are coherently linked using standard cohesive devices such as 'On the one hand', 'On the other hand', and 'In conclusion'. Paragraphing is used sufficiently and appropriately, with each paragraph having a clear central topic. Referencing is generally clear, and although some cohesive devices are standard, the overall progression of the essay remains logical and easy to follow, justifying a solid Band 7.0 for this criterion.
Lexical Resource — Band 6.5
The student demonstrates a sufficient range of vocabulary to allow some flexibility and precision, utilizing phrases such as 'academic autonomy', 'professional skills', and 'healthcare professional'. There are attempts to use less common lexical items with general awareness of collocation. However, there are a few noticeable typographical and word-choice errors, such as 'rsecuring employemnt' and awkward phrasing like 'making several effort' and 'making effort', which slightly detract from precision and prevent a higher band score.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 7.0
The essay exhibits a mix of simple and complex sentence forms, including conditional-like clauses and relative clauses (e.g., 'While some people argue that...', '...which can eventually help meet...'). There is a good variety of complex structures used throughout the response. While there are some minor errors in grammar and word formation—such as 'according their interests' and repetition of phrases like 'making effort'—frequent error-free sentences are present, and control of grammar is generally well-maintained without impeding communication.
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