Band 7.0 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 7.0 · Cambridge IELTS 18 · 2026-08-05

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 7.0)

In today’s competitive academic environment, there is an ongoing debate regarding the scope of university education. While some people argue that tertiary students should focus exclusively on their core qualification, others believe that exploring ancillary subjects is highly beneficial. In my opinion, while specializing in a specific field is essential, a broader education provides a more comprehensive foundation for long-term career success.

On the one hand, dedicating all academic time and energy to a primary major can lead to a deeper level of expertise. University programs are often rigorous, requiring immense concentration to master complex theories and practical skills. By eliminating the distraction of elective courses, students can ensure they achieve top grades and graduate with a strong qualification. For example, a student pursuing a degree in business administration needs to spend significant time mastering core components like marketing management and organizational behavior. In such demanding fields, straying into unrelated subjects might compromise their final academic performance and diminish their readiness for specialized jobs.

On the other hand, the modern job market increasingly values versatility and interdisciplinary knowledge. Learning auxiliary subjects allows students to develop a well-rounded skill set and a broader perspective on global issues. For instance, studying a foreign language alongside a business degree can open up international career opportunities or preparation for higher studies abroad. Furthermore, understanding diverse topics like digital media, sociology, or computer applications fosters critical thinking and flexibility, which are crucial attributes in a rapidly changing corporate world.

In conclusion, while narrow specialization undeniably helps students acquire profound technical knowledge and high grades in their chosen fields, it should not come at the cost of intellectual growth. Personally, I believe that universities should encourage students to balance their main subjects with elective courses, as this balanced approach produces versatile professionals equipped for future challenges.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 6.5

The response fully addresses all parts of the task. You have clearly discussed both views—the importance of focusing on a core qualification versus the benefits of exploring ancillary subjects—and provided a clear, consistent opinion throughout the essay. The ideas are well-developed, with relevant examples such as business administration and foreign language acquisition. The position is established in the introduction and maintained logically through to the conclusion. The arguments are balanced and supported by logical reasoning, meeting the criteria for a high band score by providing a comprehensive and well-structured response to the prompt.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 7.0

The essay demonstrates a clear logical progression of ideas. Each paragraph has a central topic, and the transition between the two opposing views is smooth, facilitated by effective cohesive devices such as 'On the one hand', 'On the other hand', and 'Furthermore'. Paragraphing is used appropriately to separate the introduction, the two body paragraphs, and the conclusion. The flow of information is natural, and the relationship between ideas is easy to follow. There is no evidence of mechanical or repetitive use of linking words, indicating a high level of control over the structure of the argument.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.5

You demonstrate a wide and flexible range of vocabulary, which allows for precise expression of complex ideas. Phrases such as 'ancillary subjects', 'interdisciplinary knowledge', 'well-rounded skill set', and 'profound technical knowledge' show a sophisticated command of language. The word choices are consistently appropriate for an academic context, and there are no noticeable errors in collocation or spelling. The vocabulary is not only accurate but also contributes to the professional and persuasive tone of the essay, reflecting a high level of lexical proficiency.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 7.0

The essay exhibits a wide range of grammatical structures, including complex sentences with subordinate clauses and varied sentence beginnings. The majority of sentences are error-free, and the punctuation is used correctly to enhance clarity. You demonstrate excellent control over verb tenses and modal verbs, which are essential for discussing hypothetical or general situations. There are no significant grammatical slips that impede communication, and the overall quality of the writing is highly accurate, consistent with the requirements for a high band score.

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