Band 7.5 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 7.5 · 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 7.5)

Some university students believe that they should study subjects beyond their main field, while others argue that they should devote all their time and attention to obtaining their qualification. Although concentrating on a major subject is essential for academic success, I believe that studying additional subjects can provide students with broader knowledge and valuable skills.

On the one hand, there are good reasons for focusing exclusively on a main subject. University qualifications often require students to master a considerable amount of specialised knowledge, and dividing their attention among several subjects may reduce the time available for their core studies. This can be particularly important in demanding fields such as medicine, engineering and computer science, where students need to develop strong technical expertise. For example, a medical student who spends too much time studying unrelated subjects may have less time to prepare for important examinations and practical training. Therefore, concentrating on a qualification can help students achieve better academic results and develop expertise in their chosen profession.

On the other hand, learning subjects outside one’s main field can be highly beneficial. First, it allows students to develop a broader perspective and acquire skills that may complement their main area of study. For instance, a computer science student who studies business or communication may become better prepared to manage projects and explain technical ideas to clients. In addition, exposure to different subjects can encourage creativity because students learn to approach problems from different perspectives. It can also make university education more enjoyable and help students discover interests that could influence their future careers.

In my opinion, students should give priority to their main qualification while still making reasonable time for other subjects. They do not need to study several additional subjects in depth; instead, they can choose one or two that complement their academic and career goals. This balanced approach can help them develop both specialised expertise and a broader range of skills.

In conclusion, focusing on a qualification is important for developing professional expertise, but studying additional subjects can broaden students’ knowledge and abilities. Therefore, I believe a balanced approach is the most beneficial.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 7.5

The response fully addresses all parts of the task. You have clearly discussed both perspectives—the importance of focusing on a core qualification versus the benefits of a broader curriculum—and provided a clear, consistent personal opinion throughout. The ideas are well-developed, particularly in the second paragraph where you provide specific examples like medicine and engineering to justify the need for focus. The third paragraph effectively balances this with the practical benefits of interdisciplinary study, such as project management skills for computer science students. The position is well-supported and maintained until the conclusion, meeting the requirements for a high band score.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 7.5

The essay is logically organized with a clear progression of ideas. Each paragraph has a central topic sentence, and the transition between the two opposing views is smooth, using appropriate cohesive devices such as 'On the one hand' and 'On the other hand'. The use of linking words like 'Therefore', 'For instance', and 'In addition' is natural and helps guide the reader through your argument. Paragraphing is used effectively to separate the different stages of the discussion, and referencing is clear throughout. The structure is coherent and easy to follow, reflecting a high level of control.

Lexical Resource — Band 7.0

You demonstrate a sufficient range of vocabulary to discuss the topic with precision. You use academic collocations effectively, such as 'specialised knowledge', 'core studies', 'technical expertise', and 'complement their main area of study'. The vocabulary is natural and appropriate for an academic context. While the range is good, it could be pushed further toward a more sophisticated level by incorporating more nuanced academic synonyms or idiomatic academic phrasing to reach the highest band. However, the current usage is accurate and contributes to a clear, professional tone.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 7.0

The essay displays a good variety of complex sentence structures, such as the use of conditional-like logic ('If... then' implied) and concessive clauses ('Although...'). Your control over grammar and punctuation is strong, with the majority of sentences being error-free. There are no significant grammatical slips that impede communication. To move into the 8.0+ range, you could experiment with a wider variety of advanced structures, such as inverted conditionals or more complex passive constructions, though the current writing is already highly accurate and fluent.

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.