Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 5.5 · Cambridge IELTS 13 · 2026-10-22

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 5.5)

There is debate among people that living in a country where you have to speak a foreign language can cause serious social problems, as well as practical problems. Well i do agree we can feel helpless sometimes but it wont solve the problem . It my opinion with proper planning and with good strategy we can tackle this language problem.

Imagine a man visiting a new country he is not aware of their culture , language , and behaviour . But what he needs to do is to do proper research and learn some daily used words of their language. In modern world , English is a universally accepted language so for a person visiting their may not have any issue if he knows how to speak english . He will easily understand people there and wont cause any serious social problems, as well as practical ones. And will find himself comfortable in any environment.

In contrast to a person who does not know english or the basics of the language spoken there , may find diffculty to adjust in completely new environment . For him to understand what people are saying will be a challenging task . And due to that there is a strong possibility that he can cause serious social problems like hurting their sentiments or not respecting their cultural values . For example, if they find themselves in trouble in any legal issue they won't be able to justify their point and eventually can face some serious practical problems.

In conclusion , the person needs to know how to speak english or should learn some daily used words spoken in that specific country . It will eventually help him and he can save himself from several social and practical problems.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 5.5

Your position is identifiable: you agree that language barriers can create problems, while arguing that preparation and learning basic words can reduce them. The examples about misunderstanding cultural values and being unable to explain yourself in a legal situation are relevant to the question. However, the response only partly develops the issue. Much of the discussion shifts to visitors and assumes English will be understood, rather than examining the experience of living in a foreign-language country. The practical and social consequences are mentioned but not explored in depth, and the conclusion mainly repeats the advice to prepare. Develop the effects on everyday life and support your position with a more specific example or explanation.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 5.5

The response has a recognisable structure, with an introduction, two body paragraphs presenting contrasting situations, and a conclusion. The contrast signalled by “In contrast” helps readers follow the main line of thought, and the example of a legal problem is placed in a relevant paragraph. However, progression is limited because the essay largely repeats the idea that knowing English or basic local words prevents problems. Some links are mechanical, such as repeated use of “And” to begin sentences, while references such as “they” in “if they find themselves in trouble” are not fully clear. Improve cohesion by making each paragraph develop a distinct point and using clearer references and transitions between cause, consequence, and example.

Lexical Resource: Band 5.5

You use enough topic-related vocabulary to communicate the main ideas, including “culture,” “cultural values,” “legal issue,” and “practical problems.” Phrases such as “adjust in completely new environment” and “justify their point” show attempts to express more specific situations. However, the range is limited and several expressions are imprecise or repetitive, particularly repeated references to “problems” and “language.” Some word choices and collocations are awkward, including “daily used words,” “universally accepted language,” and “cause serious social problems” when describing a possible misunderstanding. Spelling and capitalisation also need attention, for example “diffculty” and “english.” Build a wider set of accurate phrases for language barriers, social isolation, and everyday tasks.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 5.0

You attempt both simple and more complex sentences, including conditional structures such as “if he knows how to speak English” and “if they find themselves in trouble.” These help express cause and possibility. However, control is inconsistent, and errors occur often enough to make some sentences difficult to read. Examples include “Well i do agree,” “It my opinion,” and the fragment “And will find himself comfortable in any environment.” There are also problems with articles, sentence boundaries, and punctuation, as in “a new country he is not aware of their culture.” Use complete sentences, check subject–verb and pronoun references, and proofread punctuation. Practising accurate complex sentences will help you express your ideas more clearly.

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