Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 5.5 · Cambridge IELTS 18 · 2026-08-09
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)
An ongoing debate that wether some people say that University pupils learn additional skills out of curriculum or others think that they should only focus on their graduation without wasting times on other things. In this essay, I will discuss both approaches before represent my personal standpoint.
On one hand, it is commapelling benefits of learning extra subjects in college. Students can not familiar with their own ability unless they not learn any other subjects which is not including in course. In simple words, many people are becoming more creative while learning new things as they learn outer course cellyburse they developed their interest and hobby in it so, they think frequently how to improve this skills such as panting, cooking and many more.
On the other hands, people believe it is more crucial to studying for a qualification. students have to study to get degree instead of doing other things. To be more precise, University subjects lead to get success in their future as well as they can achieve their career if they have a graduation certificate.
Having discussed both perspectives, even though, learning additional subjects helpful to them to find their interest, study is still pivotal for stable and better job opportunites. For examples, professional jobs like doctor, engineer, need education degree without it they are not able to doing jobs.
In conclusion, studying other subjects to improve their capability; although, I fiermely believe that studying qualification is more important for better future through stable jobs.
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 5.5 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 6.0 |
| Lexical Resource | 5.0 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 5.0 |
| Overall | 5.5 |
Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 5.5
The response addresses both sides of the argument and provides a clear personal opinion. However, the development of ideas is limited and somewhat repetitive. For instance, the argument for extra subjects is supported by vague examples like 'panting' (painting) and 'cooking', which lack depth. Additionally, the essay is slightly under the 250-word minimum, which impacts the overall development of the response. While the position is consistent, the supporting arguments lack the necessary detail and academic rigor expected for a higher band score. The ideas are relevant but remain at a surface level throughout the essay.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.0
The essay is organized into clear paragraphs, which helps the reader follow the structure. However, the use of cohesive devices is often mechanical or inaccurate. Phrases like 'On one hand' and 'On the other hands' are used, but the transitions between sentences within paragraphs are sometimes abrupt. The referencing is occasionally unclear, such as in the second paragraph where the connection between 'creative' and 'outer course cellyburse' (curriculum) is difficult to follow. The progression of ideas is present but lacks the sophisticated flow required for a higher band.
Lexical Resource — Band 5.0
The vocabulary is limited and contains several errors that occasionally impede communication. There are frequent spelling mistakes, such as 'wether' instead of 'whether', 'commapelling' for 'compelling', and 'cellyburse' for 'curriculum'. The range of vocabulary is basic, relying on repetitive structures like 'learning extra subjects' and 'studying for a qualification'. While the meaning is generally conveyed, the lack of precision and the presence of non-standard word forms prevent the essay from reaching a higher band. More varied and accurate vocabulary is needed to express complex ideas effectively.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.0
The essay uses a mix of simple and complex sentence structures, but there are frequent grammatical errors throughout. Examples include 'Students can not familiar with their own ability' (missing verb 'be') and 'they are not able to doing jobs' (incorrect verb form). Punctuation is also inconsistent, particularly with comma usage. While the errors do not completely prevent the reader from understanding the main points, they are frequent enough to cause some difficulty and demonstrate a lack of control over complex structures. The sentence construction is often awkward, reflecting a need for more practice with basic syntax.
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.