Band 6.5 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 6.5 · Cambridge IELTS 18 · 2026-08-20

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 6.5)

It is often argued that many university scholars wish to learn about other lessons alongside their original subjects, whereas others think a dedicated time and priority should be given to studying for a qualifications. I believe, students should be able to learn other subjects as it would increase their knowledge outside of the classroom.

Learning other subjects in addition to text books increases students' knowledge and thought process. They get additional ideas about topic that are not covered in traditional classroom syllabus. For example, they can learn a new language, about music and it's history or money management, which would develop their interest in vast areas. This works similar to extracurricular activities improving students' cognitive condition while still completing mandatory courses.

However, there are many students who think its more important to study for a degree which would fundamentally shape their future and so the entire time and focus should be given to that. There is no doubt that traditional classroom lessons create the foundation which are required to understand and learn basic things to prepare us for future labor market. Nevertheless, prioritizing only that would make students' memorize and put less emphasis on creative mindset. Moreover, when everyone is learning the same lesson, it becomes hard to differentiate themselves in the job market as everyone has the similar level of knowledge and qualification. Hence, additional lessons with regular subjects enhances one's creativity and knowledge about topics that differentiate them from others giving them more competitive edge. For example, i learnt basic Chinese as a non-credit course during my bachelors arranged by my department, which helped me land my first internship in a Chinese company who needed people understanding their language.

In conclusion, i firmly believe that, students should learn about other subjects while still completing mandatory courses as it gives the competitive advantage in the future labor market and enhances their knowledge capability.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 6.5

The essay addresses the task effectively, presenting both views about university students wanting to learn additional subjects and the argument for focusing solely on their main subjects. The viewpoint is supported with relevant examples, such as learning Chinese during the bachelor’s program, which adds personal insight to the argument. However, the conclusion doesn't strongly encapsulate the nuances of both perspectives, which could enhance the Task Achievement score.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.5

The response is generally coherent and logical, with clear progression between ideas. The use of linking phrases like 'however' and 'nevertheless' helps structure the arguments, allowing the reader to follow the line of reasoning. However, there are instances where clarity could be improved, such as in the phrase "this works similar to extracurricular activities," which could be more clearly articulated to enhance flow.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.0

The lexical resource shows a good range of vocabulary relevant to the topic, such as "cognitive condition" and "competitive advantage." Occasional awkward word choices, like "text books" and "original subjects," could be replaced with more precise terms. Also, some phrases such as "dedicated time and priority" would be more effective as "dedicate time and priority." These missteps slightly detract from the overall lexical sophistication.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 6.0

The grammatical range is quite good, with a mix of complex and simple sentences. The student demonstrates an ability to use various grammatical structures. However, there are issues with punctuation and article usage, such as "a qualifications" instead of "a qualification," and inconsistencies in capitalization (e.g., 'i' instead of 'I'). These errors hinder the overall accuracy but do not obstruct overall understanding significantly.

Overall feedback

You have effectively addressed the task and presented a balanced discussion of both views on studying additional subjects alongside main studies. The examples you used, especially your personal experience with the Chinese language course, strengthen your argument. To improve, focus on enhancing your vocabulary and ensuring consistent grammar, particularly with articles and pronouns. Additionally, refining your conclusion to better reflect both sides of the debate can boost your overall score. Keep practicing your sentence structures for greater clarity and cohesion in your writing.

See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.

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