Band 7.5 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 7.5 · Cambridge IELTS 13 · 2026-09-10

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)

In an increasingly globalised world, many people choose to live, work or study in countries where a language other than their mother language is predominantly spoken. Although living in such an environment can undoubtedly create considerable social and practical problems, I largely agree that these problems can be serious, particularly for those who have limited their proficiency in the local language.

To begin with, language barriers can significantly hinder people’s ability to deal with everyday practical matters. Individuals who cannot communicate effectively may struggle to understand important information, complete official procedures or access essential services. This can be particularly problematic when dealing with healthcare providers, banks, government departments or employers, where even a minor misunderstanding can have serious consequences. For instance, an immigrant with limited knowledge of the local language may find it difficult to explain symptoms accurately to a doctor or understand medical instructions. Consequently, inadequate language skills can directly affect a person’s independence and overall quality of life.

Another major concern is the social isolation that may result from an inability to communicate confidently with local people. Effective communication is essential for developing friendships, participating in community activities and forming a sense of belonging. People who are unable to express their opinions or understand conversations may feel excluded from social circles and gradually become reluctant to interact with others. This can also make it more difficult for newcomers to understand local customs and integrate into society. Nevertheless, these difficulties are not necessarily permanent, as individuals who make a consistent effort to learn the local language can gradually overcome the communication barrier and become more socially integrated.

In conclusion, I largely agree that living in a country where one must speak a foreign language can cause serious social and practical problems. Language barriers can restrict access to essential services and contribute to social isolation; however, these challenges can be substantially reduced through language education, regular interaction with local communities and a willingness to adapt.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 7.5

The response fully addresses all parts of the prompt. You have taken a clear position from the introduction and maintained it throughout the essay. The ideas regarding practical problems, such as healthcare and banking, and social problems, such as isolation and integration, are well-developed and supported with relevant examples. The conclusion effectively summarises your stance while acknowledging the potential for overcoming these challenges. The response is balanced and demonstrates a high level of task engagement, meeting all requirements of the prompt with well-extended arguments.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 7.5

The essay is logically organised with a clear progression of ideas. Each paragraph has a central topic sentence, and the transition between the practical and social aspects of the prompt is smooth. You use a variety of cohesive devices effectively, such as 'To begin with', 'Consequently', 'Another major concern', and 'Nevertheless'. Paragraphing is used appropriately to separate distinct ideas. The flow of information is natural, and the relationship between sentences is clear, making the essay very easy to follow throughout.

Lexical Resource — Band 7.5

You demonstrate a wide and flexible range of vocabulary that is appropriate for an academic context. Phrases like 'increasingly globalised world', 'hinder people’s ability', 'essential services', and 'social isolation' are used accurately and naturally. There is a good command of collocation, and you successfully incorporate less common lexical items without forcing them. The vocabulary is precise and contributes to the overall clarity and sophistication of the argument. There are no significant errors in word choice or spelling that impede communication.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 8.0

The essay displays a wide range of grammatical structures with high accuracy. You use complex sentences effectively, such as the conditional structure in the final paragraph and the use of participial phrases like 'Individuals who cannot communicate effectively may struggle...'. The majority of your sentences are error-free, and your control over punctuation and tense usage is excellent. There are no noticeable grammatical slips, and the variety of sentence forms demonstrates a high level of proficiency, allowing for a sophisticated and fluid reading experience.

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