Band 7.5 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 7.5 · Cambridge IELTS 13 · 2026-09-03

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 people are required to speak a foreign language can create both social and practical difficulties. I largely agree with this statement because language barriers can make everyday tasks more challenging and can also prevent immigrants from fully integrating into society.

One major practical problem is that people who do not speak the local language fluently may struggle to access essential services. For example, visiting a doctor, dealing with government authorities, finding employment, or understanding legal documents can become extremely difficult when communication is limited. Even simple activities, such as asking for directions or shopping, may cause frustration and misunderstandings. In serious situations, poor communication can have significant consequences. A person who cannot clearly explain their symptoms to a doctor, for instance, may receive inappropriate treatment.

Language barriers can also lead to social problems. People who are unable to communicate confidently may avoid conversations with local residents because they are afraid of making mistakes or being judged. As a result, they may feel isolated and find it difficult to develop friendships or become part of the wider community. In some cases, this lack of integration can create tension between immigrants and local people, particularly when cultural differences are also involved. For example, newcomers who cannot understand local customs or humour may unintentionally behave in ways that are considered inappropriate.

However, I do not believe that these problems are unavoidable or permanent. Many countries provide language courses, translation services and community programmes to help newcomers adapt. With sufficient effort and support, most people can gradually become proficient in the local language and participate more actively in society. In fact, learning another language can eventually provide immigrants with greater employment opportunities and a stronger sense of belonging.

In conclusion, I largely agree that living in a country where a foreign language is required can cause serious social and practical problems, especially during the initial stages of settlement. Nevertheless, these difficulties can be reduced considerably through language education, social support and the individual's willingness to integrate.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 7.5

The response fully addresses all parts of the prompt. You clearly state your position in the introduction and maintain it throughout the essay. The arguments regarding practical difficulties (accessing services, employment) and social challenges (isolation, integration) are well-developed and supported with relevant examples. The inclusion of a counter-argument in the fourth paragraph adds depth and demonstrates a balanced perspective, which is a hallmark of a high-scoring response. The conclusion effectively synthesises your main points, ensuring the task requirements are met with a clear, logical progression of ideas.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 7.5

The essay is logically organised with a clear progression of ideas. Each paragraph has a central theme, and the transition between paragraphs is smooth. You use a variety of cohesive devices effectively, such as 'For example', 'As a result', 'In some cases', and 'Nevertheless', which help guide the reader through your argument. The paragraphing is appropriate, with a clear introduction, body paragraphs, and a conclusion. The flow of information is natural, and the relationship between ideas is always clear, meeting the criteria for a high band score.

Lexical Resource — Band 7.0

You demonstrate a good range of vocabulary that is appropriate for an academic essay. Phrases such as 'fully integrating', 'essential services', 'significant consequences', and 'proficient in the local language' show a solid command of language. While the vocabulary is accurate and conveys your meaning clearly, it could be slightly more sophisticated to reach the highest band. For instance, instead of 'serious problems', you could use 'formidable challenges' or 'profound implications'. Overall, the lexical range is sufficient to express complex ideas with precision and flexibility.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 7.5

The essay displays a high level of grammatical accuracy. You use a mix of simple and complex sentence structures effectively, such as 'People who are unable to communicate confidently may avoid conversations... because they are afraid of making mistakes'. Punctuation is used correctly throughout, and there are very few, if any, grammatical errors. The control over complex structures is consistent, and the majority of your sentences are error-free. This demonstrates a strong command of English grammar, which is well-suited for an academic task.

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