Band 8.5 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 8.5 · Cambridge IELTS 18 · 2026-07-28

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 8.5)

Some university students believe that they should study subjects beyond their main field of study, while others argue that they should devote all of their time to obtaining a qualification. Although both views have their merits, I believe that studying a wider range of subjects is more beneficial in the long run.

On the one hand, concentrating entirely on a major subject allows students to develop a deeper understanding of their chosen discipline. Since university courses are often demanding, dividing time among unrelated subjects may reduce academic performance. For example, medical or engineering students are required to master a large amount of specialised knowledge, leaving little time to explore other areas. As a result, focusing solely on their qualification may increase their chances of graduating with excellent results and securing employment in competitive professions.

On the other hand, studying additional subjects can broaden students’ perspectives and equip them with valuable transferable skills. Knowledge from different disciplines often complements one another and encourages critical thinking. For instance, an engineering student who studies economics may gain a better understanding of business management, while a law student who learns psychology may communicate more effectively with clients. Moreover, employers increasingly value graduates who possess a diverse skill set rather than expertise in only one area. Consequently, interdisciplinary learning can improve both personal development and long-term career prospects.

In my opinion, although students should prioritise their major subject, they should also devote some time to learning other disciplines. The modern workplace is becoming increasingly complex, meaning that professionals are often expected to collaborate with people from different backgrounds and solve problems from multiple perspectives. Therefore, having knowledge beyond one’s specialisation can provide a significant advantage in both professional and everyday life.

In conclusion, while focusing exclusively on a qualification enables students to develop specialist knowledge, I believe that studying additional subjects is ultimately more beneficial because it promotes intellectual growth, adaptability and broader career opportunities.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 8.5

The response fully addresses all parts of the prompt. You have clearly discussed both viewpoints—the focus on a single qualification versus the benefits of a broader curriculum—and provided a well-reasoned personal opinion. Your ideas are well-developed, with specific examples such as medical/engineering students and the interdisciplinary benefits for law and economics students. The position is consistent throughout the essay, and the conclusion effectively synthesises the arguments presented. The response is balanced and demonstrates a clear understanding of the task requirements.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 8.5

The essay is logically organised with a clear progression of ideas. Each paragraph has a central theme, and the transition between paragraphs is smooth. You have used a variety of cohesive devices effectively, such as 'On the one hand', 'Moreover', and 'Consequently', which help guide the reader through your argument. The paragraphing is appropriate, and the internal structure of each paragraph is coherent. There is no evidence of mechanical or repetitive use of linking words, and the overall flow of the essay is natural and easy to follow.

Lexical Resource — Band 8.5

You demonstrate a wide and flexible range of vocabulary that is appropriate for an academic context. Phrases such as 'transferable skills', 'interdisciplinary learning', and 'competitive professions' show a high level of lexical control. You use less common items with precision and awareness of collocation. The vocabulary is not only accurate but also contributes to the sophisticated tone of the essay. There are no noticeable errors in word choice or spelling, and the language used is consistently natural and precise throughout the response.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 8.5

The essay displays a wide range of grammatical structures, including complex sentences with subordinate clauses and conditional structures. The majority of your sentences are error-free, and your control over punctuation and syntax is excellent. You have successfully integrated various sentence types to maintain interest and clarity. There are no significant grammatical errors that impede communication, and the accuracy is maintained even when using more complex sentence constructions. The writing is polished and demonstrates a high level of grammatical competence.

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