Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 5.5 · Cambridge IELTS 18 · 2026-08-18

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)

In the modern era, education plays an important role in everyone life. Some university students want to learn about other subjects rather than main subjects. Other think that it is more vital to give all their time and attention to studying for a qualification. In this essay, I will mention the views and give my own opinion in the following paragraphs.

On the one hand, why some student are learning others subjects rather than main subjects is that it can enhance their knowledge about other subjects. Students want to learn different subjects such as history, literature, art, economics, and languages. which can improve their ability. For instance, in the USA multiple university students may learn different subject instead of their main subjects such as art, history and many more.

On the other hand, some people believe that if students are devote time and attention to studying for a degree because it will create better job opportunities in the future. Students have good grades in their degree qualification , they may have better position in the workplaces. As a result, this can stable countries economy. To cite an instance, in the Germany and UK university students would focus more on their degree course because it will provide better position in the job places.

In my opinion, university students want to learn different subjects for gaining unique information as well as knowledge. Although, education qualification plays vital role for students which cannot be ignored.

In conclusion, there are several reasons why university students want to learn others subjects such as gaining information, knowledge and skills. However, education qualification must be focus such as better job opportunities for students.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 5.5

The essay addresses all parts of the prompt, discussing both views and providing an opinion. However, the development of ideas is limited. While you mention that learning other subjects enhances knowledge, the explanation remains superficial. Similarly, the argument for focusing on a degree is supported by the claim of better job prospects, but the examples provided (e.g., 'in the Germany and UK') are generic and lack depth. To improve, you should expand on the 'why' and 'how' behind your points, ensuring that your examples are more specific and clearly linked to the main argument. Your position is present but could be more clearly integrated throughout the body paragraphs.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.5

The essay is organised into logical paragraphs, which helps the reader follow the structure. You use basic cohesive devices such as 'On the one hand', 'On the other hand', and 'In conclusion' to signal shifts in the argument. However, the flow between sentences is sometimes mechanical, and there are instances where the connection between ideas is weak, such as the abrupt transition in the second paragraph. Referencing is occasionally unclear, and some sentences feel disjointed. To reach a higher band, focus on using a wider variety of linking words and ensure that each paragraph has a clear, unified topic sentence that connects back to the main prompt.

Lexical Resource — Band 5.5

The vocabulary is generally adequate for the task but lacks the range and precision required for higher bands. You rely on repetitive phrasing, such as 'main subjects' and 'education qualification'. There are some errors in word choice and collocation, such as 'stable countries economy' (should be 'stabilise the country's economy') and 'job places' (should be 'workplaces'). While your meaning is clear, the vocabulary is somewhat basic and lacks the flexibility needed to express complex ideas. To improve, try to incorporate more academic collocations and synonyms to avoid repetition and demonstrate a more sophisticated command of the language.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.5

You demonstrate a mix of simple and some complex sentence structures, but there are frequent grammatical errors that occasionally impede the flow. Common issues include subject-verb agreement (e.g., 'some student are learning', 'Other think'), article usage (e.g., 'in everyone life', 'in the Germany'), and sentence fragments (e.g., 'which can improve their ability'). Punctuation is also inconsistent, particularly with comma placement. While the errors do not completely prevent understanding, they are frequent enough to lower the score. Focus on proofreading for basic subject-verb agreement and article errors, and aim to use more varied, error-free complex sentence structures.

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.