Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 5.5 · Cambridge IELTS 13 · 2026-08-22
IELTS Writing Task 2 question
Living in a country where you have to speak a foreign language can cause serious social problems, as well as practical problems.
To what extent do you agree or disagree with this statement?
Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience.
Student answer (Band 5.5)
Many people believe that residing in completely different nation with foreign language can cause both social and practical issues. While others argue that it can assist an individual to survive and explore the new culture and tradition. This essay will discuss both views before explaining why I choose the latter one.
In this modern era, many people reside away from their relative in search of opportunity or to complete their education in different nations with entirely different traditions and cultures. Due to the problem of language barrier, there might be social issues such as misunderstanding between the individuals. Moreover, with the lower knowledge on the traditions and their cultures they may face several practical problems. For instance, international students in Japan from all most all over the world are facing the problems with language; as beginners, they have the problems on daily life such as workplace, at supermarket and so on. In addition, they dealing with the daily obstacles in their lives.
However, others state that if the individuals take it as the opportunity and become able to tackle the problems associated with the different types of traditions and cultures, then they might be benefited with it, as they can get the good job, good relationship with colleagues and even with seniors at workplace. In addition, If the individuals able to handle the issues and horn their knowledge on the nations where they are living, then it will definitely foster their career. The research has proven that, with the good communication skills of the individuals improve the relationship with the community. Consequently, this may create the platform of new opportunity as well as the new exact idea of the cultures.
Although, both views have their own pros and cons, I personally believe that surviving in difficulties may always lead you to the beautiful destinations. As when they become familiar with new situations, then they can get the opportunities and even know how to survive in new and difficult conditions.
In conclusion, many people think that living in completely different nation with different language can cause both social and practical problems, while others argue that it might be the platform for the individuals to survive and explore themselves with new opportunities in new nations and in difficult conditions.
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 5.5 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 5.5 |
| Lexical Resource | 5.5 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 5.5 |
| Overall | 5.5 |
Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 5.5
The essay addresses the prompt by discussing both the challenges and the potential benefits of living in a foreign-language environment. However, the development of ideas is somewhat superficial. While you mention international students in Japan, the example lacks specific detail to fully support your argument. The position is clear, but the transition between the 'problems' and 'benefits' could be more nuanced. To reach a higher band, ensure that each body paragraph provides a deeper exploration of the 'why' and 'how' rather than just stating the points. The conclusion is a bit repetitive and does not fully synthesize the arguments presented in the body paragraphs.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.5
The essay is organized into logical paragraphs, and there is a clear progression of ideas. You use cohesive devices such as 'Moreover', 'In addition', and 'Consequently' to link sentences. However, some of these transitions feel slightly mechanical or repetitive. Additionally, the referencing is occasionally unclear; for example, in the second paragraph, the phrase 'they dealing with the daily obstacles' lacks a proper subject-verb structure, which disrupts the flow. Improving the variety of linking words and ensuring that each paragraph has a strong topic sentence would enhance the overall coherence of your writing.
Lexical Resource — Band 5.5
You demonstrate an adequate range of vocabulary for the task, using terms like 'residing', 'obstacles', and 'foster their career'. However, there are several instances of awkward word choice and collocation errors, such as 'horn their knowledge' (likely meant 'hone') and 'all most all over the world'. The vocabulary is generally functional but lacks the precision and sophistication required for higher bands. To improve, focus on learning collocations—words that naturally go together—and avoid repeating basic phrases like 'different types of traditions and cultures' multiple times.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.5
The essay uses a mix of simple and complex sentence structures. While you attempt complex sentences, they are frequently marred by grammatical errors, such as 'If the individuals able to handle' (missing 'are') and 'Although, both views have their own pros and cons' (incorrect use of 'Although' as a conjunction without a following clause). There are also issues with article usage ('in completely different nation') and subject-verb agreement. While these errors do not completely impede communication, they occur frequently enough to prevent a higher score. Focus on proofreading for basic subject-verb agreement and missing auxiliary verbs.
See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.
Browse more IELTS Writing model answers or get your own writing scored by the same AI examiner.