Band 7.5 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 7.5 · Cambridge IELTS 13 · 2026-09-24

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)

Every year, immigrants encounter the daunting challenge of overcoming language barriers, which can lead to a myriad of social and practical problems. I strongly endorse the view that such challenges are significant and often insurmountable without adequate proficiency in the local language. This essay will elucidate the extensive range of difficulties that foreigners grapple with both socially and practically.

To commence, language serves as a fundamental medium of communication, and its absence can profoundly alter one's experience in a foreign nation. Consequently, a lack of language proficiency can lead to substantial miscommunication and pervasive feelings of isolation. Furthermore, these issues may contribute to mental health conditions such as depression and anxiety. For instance, in Japan, it is common for local communities to refrain from conversing in English with newcomers, prioritizing their own acquisition of the native language. This reluctance to engage in English-language interactions may inadvertently heighten the sense of alienation felt by immigrants. Additionally, effective social communication encompasses essential aspects of life, including employment and education. It is improbable for foreign individuals to identify opportunities for prosperity in their native language, particularly if it is obscure in the local context.

Conversely, the execution of fundamental practical tasks also poses significant challenges. For example, everyday activities such as completing tax obligations or navigating urban environments can become arduous. Immigrants often find themselves disoriented in a new city, which demands considerable time to acclimate to the public transportation system and other local amenities. Consequently, newcomers may experience heightened stress levels, worrying about punctuality and the possibility of being unable to fulfill critical obligations. Moreover, securing suitable accommodation can prove complicated due to unfamiliarity with local prices and housing conditions. Many individuals who fall victim to scams are typically recent arrivals who are easily exploited by unscrupulous opportunists, particularly in matters concerning housing.

In conclusion, navigating life in a foreign country can be exceedingly detrimental for individuals lacking language skills, impacting both social interactions and the ability to perform everyday tasks. The challenges of effective communication and basic navigation underscore the critical necessity of language proficiency for successful integration into a new society.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 7.0

The student fully addresses all parts of the task by discussing both social and practical problems associated with living in a foreign country and speaking a foreign language. A clear position is established in the introduction ('I strongly endorse the view...') and maintained throughout the essay. The ideas are well-developed and supported with relevant explanations and examples, such as the mention of Japanese communities and everyday practical challenges like taxes, navigation, and housing scams. The response demonstrates a comprehensive understanding of the prompt and satisfies all requirements of Band 7 and parts of Band 8.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 7.5

The essay displays clear logical organisation and a logical progression of ideas throughout. Each paragraph has a distinct central topic, moving smoothly from an introduction to social problems, then practical problems, and finally a succinct conclusion. Cohesive devices are used effectively and flexibly, as seen with transition markers like 'To commence', 'Consequently', 'Furthermore', and 'Conversely'. Paragraphing is used sufficiently and appropriately to separate distinct themes. Referencing is clear and unambiguous, ensuring the reader can follow the argumentative thread easily without confusion.

Lexical Resource: Band 7.5

The student demonstrates a wide, flexible, and fluent range of vocabulary appropriate for an academic task. Less common lexical items are used skilfully and purposefully, such as 'daunting challenge', 'insurmountable', 'elucidate', 'pervasive feelings of isolation', and 'unscrupulous opportunists'. Word choice and collocations are generally accurate and natural. There are only very occasional minor lexical inaccuracies or awkward phrasings, but these never impede communication. The control of vocabulary comfortably aligns with the Band 8 descriptor.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 7.5

The response exhibits a wide variety of complex sentence structures used with a high degree of control and flexibility. The majority of sentences are entirely error-free. The student successfully integrates subordinate clauses, participial phrases, and nominalisations, such as 'Immigrants often find themselves disoriented in a new city, which demands considerable time to acclimate...' Punctuation and grammatical management are handled with precision throughout. Only very occasional minor slips occur, easily placing this performance in the Band 8 category.

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