Band 7.0 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 7.0 · Cambridge IELTS 13 · 2026-09-17

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 7.0)

In the modern era, learning foreign languages has become crucial for everyone. When people live in a different country, communicating in a foreign language can become a serious issue and may create both social and practical problems. I strongly agree that language barriers can cause difficulties in people's social and practical lives. However, these problems can be overcome by learning the language.

To commence with, there are several problems associated with language barriers. The main problem is difficulty in communicating with others. To explain this, in many cities and rural areas, some people may not be well educated or may have limited communication skills in a foreign language. As a result, they may feel uncomfortable when talking to others, making friends, or participating in social activities. For example, some students may avoid talking to their classmates because of a language barrier. They may also hesitate to participate in group discussions and other activities. Therefore, they can feel lonely and frustrated.

Moving further, there are numerous practical problems caused by language barriers. The most prominent issue is difficulty in communicating with people in daily situations. For instance, when individuals go to the market for shopping or visit a doctor for an appointment, they may face difficulties explaining their needs. Similarly, people may experience problems in their workplaces, especially when communicating with colleagues or customers. In addition, a lack of language skills can reduce their opportunities to develop their careers or businesses.

On the other hand, language barriers are not a permanent problem because they can be solved through regular practice and learning. People can attend language classes or practice speaking with others to improve their communication skills. Moreover, in many countries, governments provide language-learning camps and courses in local communities. These programs help people gain basic knowledge of the local language and become more confident in communicating with others.

In conclusion, living in a foreign country without sufficient language skills can create both social and practical problems. Nevertheless, these difficulties are not permanent because people can overcome them through education, regular practice, and participation in language-learning programs.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 7.0

The student addresses all parts of the task thoroughly, presenting a clear position agreeing with the prompt and supporting it with relevant ideas. The essay is well-developed, discussing social problems in the second paragraph, practical problems in the third paragraph, and offering solutions in the fourth. For instance, the mention of students avoiding group discussions due to language barriers provides a relatable and apt example. Similarly, the reference to shopping and doctor appointments clearly highlights practical difficulties. The position remains consistent throughout, and ideas are extended adequately without wandering off-topic. This aligns well with the Band 7 descriptor, where all parts are addressed with a clear position and well-supported ideas.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 7.0

The essay displays clear logical organisation and progression throughout. Each paragraph has a distinct central topic, moving smoothly from the introduction to social issues, practical issues, counter-arguments/solutions, and a concise conclusion. Cohesive devices are used adequately, such as 'To commence with', 'Moving further', and 'On the other hand', although some of these transitional phrases are a bit formulaic or slightly repetitive. Paragraphing is used sufficiently and appropriately, with each body paragraph focusing on a single overarching theme. Referencing and substitution are clear, meaning the reader can easily follow the flow of ideas. This performance sits comfortably within the Band 7 criteria for logical organisation and clear progression.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.5

The student demonstrates an adequate to sufficient range of vocabulary for the task. Words and phrases like 'language barriers', 'prominent issue', 'frustrated', and 'sufficient language skills' are used appropriately. There are also attempts at less common items, such as 'participating in social activities' and 'language-learning programs'. While the vocabulary is generally precise and communicates the intended meaning well, it lacks the broader flexibility, sophistication, and idiomatic phrasing characteristic of higher bands. Spelling and word choice are accurate, and communication is never impeded. The lexical control reflects a solid Band 6.5 to 7.0 level, showcasing sufficient precision for flexibility.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 7.0

The student uses a good mix of simple and complex sentence forms, demonstrating control over grammatical structures. Examples of complex structures include conditional and participial clauses, such as 'When people live in a different country, communicating in a foreign language can become a serious issue...' and '...especially when communicating with colleagues or customers.' There are frequent error-free sentences, and punctuation is handled correctly throughout. While minor awkwardness or slight repetition occasionally occurs (e.g., 'Moving further' instead of 'Furthermore'), grammar errors are very rare and do not impede communication. This indicates a strong grasp of syntax and accuracy, comfortably meeting the Band 7 criteria.

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

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