Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 5.5 · Cambridge IELTS 18 · 2026-11-09

IELTS Writing Task 2 question

Some university students want to learn about other subjects in addition to their main subjects. Others believe it is more important to give all their time and attention to studying for a qualification. Discuss both these views and give your opinion. Give reasons for your answer and include relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience.

 

Student answer (Band 5.5)

A few university learners want to learn about other academic subjects and wants to include in their major subjects. While others argue that it is beneficial to spend all the time and attention to studying for a qualification. Although other subjects may increase creativity and helps to develop multiple skills. I believe that, studying one subject make more confident and less academic pressure.

On the one hand, many people considers that studying of more than one subject such as chemistry, physics, biology and zology have significant benefits for students. This is because it encourages students to think creatively and explore new ideas. Additionally, these subjects may help students to develop multiple skills such as problem-solving skills, computer skills, critical thinking skills that are rewarding for their future carrers. For example, a university offers students to learn other subjects for their better standards and for better career opportunities. As a result, these additional subjects enhance students overall development.

On the other hand, a significant number of people believes that studying one subject can build students' confidence and reduce their academic pressure because they cannot divide their time and attentions between different subjects.Moreover, learners can gain in-depth knowledge of a particular subject, they can focus more on one subject. University students can spend more time to understand one subject, and use different startgies to solve their problems. For instance, medical students who have done specilization in major subject, can grow their abilities and can get international job opportunities. Therefore, one subject study can improve students academic performance and develop expertise in their chosen field.

To sum up, although another academic subjects can help students to enhance their skills and find multiple jobs. In my opinion, study of one special subject can boost student's confidence level and reduce their stress of different subjects.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 6.0

The response discusses both views and gives a clear preference for focusing on one subject, so the main parts of the task are addressed. The first body paragraph explains that studying additional subjects can encourage creativity and build skills, while the second links specialisation with confidence, lower pressure and expertise. However, some points are asserted rather than fully explained: the example of a university offering extra subjects does not show specifically how students benefit, and the medical-student example is not clearly connected to reduced pressure. The conclusion repeats the position but could weigh the two views more directly. Develop the examples and explain the reasoning behind each claim to make the response more complete.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 5.5

The essay has a recognisable structure, with an introduction, separate paragraphs for the two views, and a conclusion. Signposting such as “On the one hand,” “On the other hand,” and “To sum up” helps readers follow the discussion. However, progression within paragraphs is sometimes uneven: the first paragraph moves from subject examples to general skills and then to a university example without a clear, specific link. Some connections are also awkward or repetitive, particularly the repeated references to focusing on one subject in the second body paragraph. Punctuation spacing and the run-on transition in “subjects.Moreover” interrupt the flow. Use clearer links between claims and examples, and make each paragraph develop one main line of reasoning.

Lexical Resource: Band 5.5

The response uses a relevant range of topic vocabulary, including “critical thinking,” “problem-solving skills,” “academic pressure,” and “in-depth knowledge.” These choices help communicate the main ideas, and there are attempts to use more formal expressions such as “significant benefits” and “expertise.” However, word choice and collocation are often inaccurate or repetitive: “better standards,” “multiple jobs,” and “one subject study” are unclear or unnatural in context. Spelling errors such as “zology,” “carrers,” “startgies,” and “specilization” also reduce accuracy. Aim for precise, natural phrases and check spelling carefully; for example, describe “broader career opportunities” rather than “multiple jobs.”

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 5.0

The essay attempts both simple and complex sentence forms, including a concession in “Although other subjects may increase creativity…” and a reason clause beginning “because.” Meaning is generally recoverable, but errors in agreement, sentence construction and punctuation are frequent enough to make some sentences awkward. For example, “many people considers” and “a significant number of people believes” have subject–verb agreement errors, while “Although other subjects may increase creativity and helps…” is an incomplete sentence with mismatched verb forms. The opening also shifts between “learners” and “wants,” and several sentences join clauses without clear punctuation. Practise complete sentence structures, consistent agreement and accurate clause joining.

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