Band 6.5 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 6.5 · Cambridge IELTS 13 · 2026-08-24
IELTS Writing Task 2 question
Some people say History is one of the most important school subjects. Other people think that in today’s world subjects like Science and technology are more important than History.
Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant example form your own knowledge or experience.
Student answer (Band 6.5)
Some people believe that history is one of the most essential subjects taught in schools, while others argue that modern education should prioritize science and technology. In my opinion, while science and technology drive economic and technical progress, history remains equally crucial for building cultural understanding and sound decision-making.
Proponents of history argue that understanding the past helps society avoid repeating former mistakes and appreciate cultural identity. By studying historical events, students develop critical thinking skills and learn how political, economic, and social systems evolved. For instance, analyzing past economic crises or world conflicts provides valuable lessons on international relations and governance, which helps young people become responsible, informed citizens.
On the other hand, many emphasize science and technology due to their practical value in today's digital world. Fields like computer science, engineering, and medicine directly fuel innovation and economic growth. In a job market increasingly dominated by automation and modern technology, proficiency in STEM subjects offers students better career prospects and higher employability. Furthermore, scientific advancements are vital for solving global issues like climate change and public health challenges.
In conclusion, both fields play distinct yet vital roles in education. While science and technology equip students with practical tools to innovate and build the future, history provides the wisdom and context needed to manage that future responsibly. Therefore, schools should maintain a balanced curriculum that values both discipline areas equally.
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 5.5 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 7.0 |
| Lexical Resource | 6.5 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 7.5 |
| Overall | 6.5 |
Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 5.5
The response addresses both sides of the argument and provides a clear personal opinion. However, the essay is under the 250-word minimum requirement, which significantly impacts the development of ideas. While the arguments for both history and STEM are relevant, they remain somewhat superficial due to the brevity of the text. To reach a higher band, you need to expand your supporting points with more detailed examples or deeper analysis. Because the length requirement was not met, the task achievement is penalized, as the ideas are not fully developed to the extent expected for an academic essay.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 7.0
The essay is well-organized with a clear introduction, two body paragraphs, and a conclusion. Each paragraph has a central topic sentence, and the progression of ideas is logical. You use cohesive devices effectively, such as 'On the other hand,' 'Furthermore,' and 'In conclusion,' which help guide the reader through your argument. The paragraphing is appropriate and contributes to the overall flow of the essay. To improve, ensure that the transition between the two body paragraphs feels even more seamless by explicitly linking the two perspectives.
Lexical Resource — Band 6.5
You demonstrate a good range of vocabulary, using terms like 'proponents,' 'innovation,' 'employability,' and 'governance' appropriately. The language is natural and precise, fitting the academic tone required for this task. There are no significant spelling or word-choice errors. To move into the higher bands, try to incorporate more sophisticated collocations or idiomatic academic expressions to show greater flexibility, though your current usage is already quite strong and clear.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 7.5
The grammar is highly accurate, with a variety of complex sentence structures used throughout. For example, your use of conditional and participial phrases, such as 'By studying historical events, students develop...' and 'In a job market increasingly dominated by...', shows good control. There are very few, if any, grammatical errors. The punctuation is also handled correctly. The range of structures is sufficient to convey complex ideas clearly and effectively.
See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.
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