Band 7.5 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 7.5 · Cambridge IELTS 13 · 2026-08-23

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 7.5)

Living in a country where communication in a foreign language is necessary can create significant difficulties for immigrants, both in their social lives and in their everyday activities. I largely agree with this view because language barriers can hinder social integration and make essential tasks considerably more challenging. However, the severity of these problems depends on an individual's ability and willingness to adapt to the linguistic environment.

The most serious social consequence of living in a foreign-language environment is the difficulty of forming meaningful relationships with local people. Individuals who cannot communicate fluently may struggle to participate in conversations, understand humour and cultural references, or express their opinions accurately. As a result, they may feel isolated and become reluctant to engage with the wider community. This problem can be particularly acute for newcomers who have moved without family or an established social network. For example, an international student who has limited proficiency in the local language may attend university successfully but still find it difficult to make local friends, as casual conversations outside the classroom can be far more demanding than formal academic communication.

There are also substantial practical problems associated with inadequate language skills. Everyday activities such as finding accommodation, dealing with government authorities, visiting a doctor or understanding employment contracts often require precise communication. A misunderstanding in any of these situations can have serious consequences, ranging from financial loss to receiving inappropriate services. Furthermore, limited proficiency can restrict employment opportunities because many employers require workers to communicate effectively with colleagues and customers. Consequently, immigrants who possess valuable professional qualifications may initially be forced to accept lower-skilled employment simply because they cannot demonstrate their abilities in the local language.

Nevertheless, I do not believe that these difficulties are necessarily permanent. People who actively learn the local language can gradually overcome many of the barriers they initially face. Governments and educational institutions can also facilitate integration by providing affordable language courses and translation services for essential public services. Moreover, modern technology has made language learning considerably more accessible through translation applications and online educational resources. Therefore, although linguistic barriers can create serious obstacles, their long-term impact can be reduced through individual effort and appropriate institutional support.

In conclusion, I largely agree that living in a country where a foreign language is spoken can lead to serious social and practical problems, particularly during the initial stages of settlement. However, these difficulties are not inevitable or necessarily permanent. With sustained language learning, regular interaction with local communities and adequate support from public institutions, most individuals can gradually overcome the barriers and integrate successfully into their new society.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 7.5

The response fully addresses all parts of the prompt. You have clearly stated your position in the introduction and maintained it throughout the essay. The arguments regarding social isolation and practical challenges are well-developed with relevant examples, such as the international student scenario and the difficulties in navigating government or medical services. The essay is balanced, acknowledging the challenges while also providing a nuanced perspective on how these can be mitigated through effort and support. The ideas are extended and supported logically, meeting the criteria for a high band score.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 7.5

The essay demonstrates a clear logical progression. Each paragraph has a central theme, and the transition between the social consequences, practical problems, and potential solutions is seamless. You have used a variety of cohesive devices effectively, such as 'As a result', 'Furthermore', 'Nevertheless', and 'In conclusion'. The paragraphing is logical and contributes to the overall clarity of the argument. The referencing is precise, and the flow of ideas is natural, making the essay very easy to follow.

Lexical Resource — Band 7.5

You have used a wide and sophisticated range of vocabulary throughout the essay. Phrases such as 'linguistic environment', 'particularly acute', 'facilitate integration', and 'sustained language learning' demonstrate a high level of lexical control. The word choices are precise and appropriate for an academic context. There are no noticeable errors in collocation or word choice, and the vocabulary is used with flexibility to convey complex ideas clearly.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 7.5

The essay displays a wide range of grammatical structures, including complex sentences with subordinate clauses and conditional structures. The majority of sentences are error-free, and the punctuation is used accurately to enhance readability. There is a high level of control over tense and agreement. The writing is fluent, and the few minor slips that might occur are non-systematic and do not impede communication in any way. The grammatical accuracy is consistent with a high-level performance.

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