Band 6.5 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 6.5 · Cambridge IELTS 13 · 2026-09-30

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 6.5)

Nowadays, many people move to other countries for jobs, education or a better life. However, they may have to live in a country where they cannot speak the local language well. I agree that this can cause serious social and practical problems.

First of all, language problems can make it difficult for people to communicate with others. A person who cannot speak the local language may find it hard to make friends or talk to neighbours. They may also feel lonely because they cannot easily join conversations or social activities. For example, an immigrant who has recently moved to another country may feel uncomfortable at work because they cannot understand what their colleagues are saying.

There are also many practical problems caused by language barriers. Simple activities such as going to a hospital, finding a house, using public transport or dealing with government offices can become difficult. For example, if a person cannot explain their health problem clearly to a doctor, the doctor may not fully understand their situation. Similarly, people may have problems at work if they do not understand instructions from their managers.

However, these problems can be reduced if people learn the local language. Many immigrants attend language classes or practise speaking with local people. With time, they can become more confident and communicate more easily. Technology such as translation apps can also help them in their daily lives.

In conclusion, I agree that living in a country without knowing its language can create both social and practical problems. However, learning the local language can help people communicate better and become more comfortable in their new country.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 6.5

The response addresses all parts of the task by clearly stating a position on whether living in a country with a foreign language causes serious social and practical problems. The writer successfully explores both aspects: social difficulties such as making friends and isolation, and practical challenges like visiting the doctor or dealing with official offices. The arguments are extended and supported with relevant, everyday examples, such as an immigrant feeling uncomfortable at work or explaining health issues to a doctor. Although the ideas tend to be somewhat general, they are fully relevant and logically structured to support the overall stance. There is also a brief acknowledgment of how these issues can be mitigated, which rounds out the discussion appropriately. This performance corresponds well to a Band 7.0 for Task Achievement.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 6.5

The essay displays clear logical organisation and progression throughout. Each paragraph has a distinct focus, beginning with an introduction that states the writer's position, followed by separate body paragraphs dedicated to social problems, practical problems, and potential solutions, concluding with a summary. Cohesive devices such as 'First of all', 'There are also', and 'However' are used appropriately to guide the reader through the arguments. Paragraphing is used sufficiently and effectively, ensuring that each new idea is introduced in a structured manner. Referencing is clear and unambiguous. While the cohesive devices are somewhat standard rather than sophisticated, they function well to maintain a smooth flow of ideas, satisfying the Band 7 criteria.

Lexical Resource: Band 5.5

The student uses an adequate range of vocabulary for the task, successfully incorporating topic-specific terms such as 'immigrant', 'language barriers', 'public transport', and 'translation apps'. The lexical choice is generally precise and appropriate for the context, allowing the writer to convey ideas clearly without communication being hindered. However, the vocabulary tends to be somewhat safe and repetitive rather than demonstrating a wide and flexible range of less common lexical items. For instance, words like 'problems' and 'difficult' are reused frequently. While there are no noticeable spelling errors or inappropriate word choices, the lack of more sophisticated phrasing keeps this criterion firmly at Band 6.0.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 6.5

The response demonstrates a good mix of simple and complex sentence forms. The writer successfully employs subordinate clauses, such as 'A person who cannot speak the local language may find it hard...' and '...if a person cannot explain their health problem clearly...'. Control of grammar and punctuation is generally sound, with many error-free sentences produced throughout the text. While minor slips or slightly repetitive structures occasionally appear, grammar and punctuation errors do not impede communication at any point. The command over complex structures and overall accuracy reflect the expectations for a Band 6.5 or a solid Band 7.0, and the clear sentence construction leans toward a Band 7.0.

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