Band 6.0 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 6.0 · Cambridge IELTS 13 · 2026-09-01

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 6.0)

While adapting to a new environment in a different country, having a language barrier can create additional and more serious problems. This largely depends on how individuals respond to the situation itself, but I believe that it inevitably leads to communication problems and misunderstandings, even if they are relatively minor.

Firstly, social problems in a foreign country can sometimes be related to people’s mental state and their perspectives on problems. For example, people are prone to perceive a small problem as something much bigger, especially when they are in an unfamiliar environment. It could be something as simple as interacting with a cashier, because when we do not know what we are doing, we tend to see it as a major source of pressure. In other words, something that would normally be simple in our home country might feel like a huge burden in a foreign country.

Secondly, I definitely agree that language barriers can cause various difficulties, even when the problems themselves are relatively small. For example, one of the most common issues would probably be communication difficulties. When commuting to school or work, there might be difficulties in finding a specific station or understanding the timetable. Language barriers can also cause isolation, since it can be quite difficult to make new friends when there are both language barriers and cultural differences.

In conclusion, although these problems can seem less serious when individuals have a positive attitude, they can still create significant difficulties. Regardless of how serious the initial problem is, language barriers can inevitably cause social difficulties when interacting with locals and making new acquaintances.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 6.0

The response addresses the prompt by acknowledging both social and practical problems associated with language barriers. The position is clear throughout, and the ideas are relevant. However, the development is somewhat limited; the argument relies heavily on general statements rather than specific, well-supported examples. For instance, the mention of 'interacting with a cashier' is a good start, but it could have been expanded to explain the specific consequences of such interactions. To reach a higher band, ensure that each paragraph provides a more detailed exploration of the implications of the language barrier, rather than just listing potential issues.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.5

The essay is logically organized with a clear introduction, body paragraphs, and conclusion. Cohesive devices such as 'Firstly', 'Secondly', and 'In other words' are used effectively to guide the reader through the argument. Paragraphing is used appropriately to separate distinct ideas. However, the progression of ideas could be smoother; some transitions feel slightly mechanical. The referencing is generally clear, though the link between the 'mental state' mentioned in the first body paragraph and the 'practical problems' requested by the prompt could be more explicitly connected to ensure a tighter flow of logic.

Lexical Resource — Band 5.5

The vocabulary is adequate for the task and allows for clear communication. You use some appropriate phrases like 'unfamiliar environment', 'major source of pressure', and 'making new acquaintances'. However, the range is somewhat limited, and there is a tendency to repeat words like 'problems' and 'difficulties' frequently. To improve, try to incorporate more precise synonyms or topic-specific collocations related to migration, social integration, or linguistic challenges. The current range is sufficient to convey meaning but lacks the flexibility and sophistication required for a higher band score.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 6.0

The essay demonstrates a mix of simple and complex sentence structures. Most sentences are grammatically accurate, and errors are rare and do not impede communication. For example, 'While adapting to a new environment...' is a well-constructed introductory clause. However, the range of complex structures is somewhat restricted. To achieve a higher score, you should aim to use a wider variety of subordinate clauses and perhaps more sophisticated punctuation or sentence variety to demonstrate greater control over complex grammar. The current level is solid, but more variety would elevate the writing.

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

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