Band 7.0 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 7.0 · Cambridge IELTS 18 · 2026-08-11

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)

These days, some university students prefer to study subjects in addition to their main subjects, while others opine that they should focus entirely on their degree. This essay will discuss both views before giving my opinion in the following paragraphs.

On the one side, studying different subjects can provide university students with a broader range of knowledge and skills. By learning about other areas along with their main field, they can develop a better understanding of different topics and become more flexible in their thinking. To exemplify, a business student who studies basic computer science may learn useful technological skills that can help them in the future. Thus, studying additional subjects can improve students' overall knowledge and prepare them for different opportunities.

On the other hand, university students must focus their time and attention only on their qualifications. This is because university courses often require a great deal of time and effort, and studying additional subjects may distract them from their subjects. For Example, medical students need to spend many hours studying their courses and gaining practical knowledge, so taking extra subjects may reduce the time available for their main qualifications. Therefore, concentrating on one field can help them to achieve better academic results.

From my perspective, although learning other subjects can provide them with additional knowledge and skills, their main focus should be on their qualification. University studies require a lot of time and effort, so they should make sure that they perform well in their main field before spending too much time on other subjects.

To conclude, exploring different areas of study can be beneficial for young people, but their academic qualification should remain their priority. I believe that a balanced approach is the best option, as students can gain extra knowledge without neglecting their core studies.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 7.0

The response addresses all parts of the prompt, discussing both viewpoints and providing a clear personal opinion. The ideas are relevant and logically extended, such as the example of a business student learning computer science. The position is consistent throughout the essay. To reach a higher band, the development of ideas could be more nuanced; for instance, the conclusion mentions a 'balanced approach' which could have been explored more deeply in the body paragraphs to provide a more sophisticated argument. However, the response successfully meets the requirements of the task by presenting a clear, well-supported discussion.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 7.0

The essay is logically organized with a clear progression of ideas. Each paragraph has a central topic, and the transition between paragraphs is smooth, using standard cohesive devices like 'On the one side' and 'On the other hand'. Referencing is generally clear, and the paragraphing is appropriate. While the use of cohesive devices is effective, it is somewhat mechanical. To achieve a higher score, the student could use a wider variety of linking words and ensure that the flow between sentences feels more natural and less formulaic, though the current structure is perfectly functional and easy to follow.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.5

The vocabulary is sufficient to convey the intended meaning with reasonable precision. The student uses appropriate academic terminology such as 'qualification', 'flexible in their thinking', and 'beneficial'. However, the range is somewhat limited, and there is a reliance on simpler vocabulary. There are no significant errors in word choice that impede communication. To improve, the student should aim to incorporate more sophisticated collocations and less common lexical items to demonstrate a wider range, as the current vocabulary is adequate but lacks the flair or precision required for higher band scores.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 7.0

The essay demonstrates a good mix of simple and complex sentence structures. Most sentences are error-free, and the grammar is generally accurate, which allows for clear communication. There are no major errors that cause confusion. The use of punctuation is also correct. To reach a higher band, the student should attempt more varied complex structures, such as conditional sentences or more advanced passive constructions, to demonstrate greater grammatical flexibility. Currently, the control is good, but the range of structures remains somewhat predictable, which is characteristic of a solid band 7 performance.

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