Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 5.5 · Cambridge IELTS 13 · 2026-10-15

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 5.5)

People have different views about whether history is one of the most important school subject while other people think subjects like science and technology are more important than history. I believe that science and technology plays an important role considering it's impact on modernisation and future development.

On the one hand, people arguing history is one of the most important subject. This is primarily because history makes us understand about our ancestors and other cultural activites. By studying history, children can learn from the mistakes made by previous generations and avoid repeating them in the future. For example, learning about the two World Wars helps students understand the devastating consequences of conflicts and the importance of maintaining peace. Therefore, History plays an essential role in developing students cultural awareness and understanding of the world.

On the other hand, those who advocates science and technology are more important than history. This is mainly because today science and technology plays a supreme role in development of infrastructure and AI. Moreover, scientific advancements have improved healthcare, transportation and communication, making people’s lives more convenient. As a result, students who study these subjects can develop valuable skills and contribute to economic growth. Therefore, Science and Technology deserve greater emphasis in modern education. For instance, a company leading in science and technology can give more job opportunities and help people securing financial stability.

In conclusion, although History helps students understand their cultural heritage and learn from past events, I believe that Science and Technology are more important because they promote innovation and prepare students for the future.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 5.5

You discuss both perspectives and state a clear preference for science and technology, supported by relevant points about healthcare, communication, employment and learning from past conflicts. The World Wars example effectively illustrates why history matters. However, several ideas remain general: the claim that technology creates jobs is not explained with a specific example, and the benefits of history could be developed further. The response also contains 236 words, which is 14 words below the required minimum; the 26 words copied from the task prompt are not counted. This shortfall limits the space available to develop your reasoning. To strengthen the response, add relevant explanation and examples while ensuring the essay meets the minimum length.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 5.5

The essay has a recognisable structure: an introduction, separate paragraphs for the two views, and a conclusion that restates your position. Linking phrases such as “On the one hand,” “On the other hand,” and “In conclusion” help readers follow the discussion. However, progression within paragraphs is sometimes mechanical, with repeated “Therefore” and “Moreover” transitions rather than clearer links between each claim and its explanation. The final example about a company and job opportunities feels loosely connected to the preceding point about students’ skills. Improve cohesion by explaining that connection directly and varying transitions. More precise referencing would also help the argument flow smoothly from one sentence to the next.

Lexical Resource: Band 5.5

You use relevant topic vocabulary, including “cultural awareness,” “scientific advancements,” “economic growth,” and “financial stability,” which allows you to discuss both subjects clearly. There is some repetition of “important” and “science and technology,” and several word-choice or collocation errors make the expression less natural, such as “understand about our ancestors,” “plays a supreme role,” and “help people securing financial stability.” Spelling errors such as “activites” also reduce accuracy. Aim to use more precise, natural combinations and check spelling carefully. For example, you could describe technology as “a key driver of development” and say that students “gain insight into” their ancestors’ lives.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 5.5

You attempt a mix of simple and complex sentences, including a subordinate clause in “By studying history, children can learn…” and a contrast structure in the conclusion. Meaning is generally understandable, but errors in agreement, articles, plurals and verb patterns occur across the response. For example, “science and technology plays” should use a plural verb, while “one of the most important school subject” needs a plural noun. In “those who advocates,” the verb should agree with “those,” and “students cultural awareness” needs a possessive form. These recurring errors show that sentence patterns are not yet consistently controlled. Review subject–verb agreement and noun phrases, then proofread each sentence for these forms.

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

Browse more IELTS Writing model answers or get your own writing scored by the same AI examiner.