Band 7.5 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 7.5 · Cambridge IELTS 18 · 2026-08-22

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)

People have different views about whether university students should study subjects in addition to their main field of study or devote all their time and attention to obtaining their qualifications. While focusing exclusively on one’s main subject can have certain benefits, I believe that learning other subjects can broaden students’ knowledge and prepare them better for their future.

There are several reasons why studying additional subjects can be beneficial for university students. Firstly, it can help them develop a broader understanding of the world. For example, students can learn about international affairs and global politics, which may be useful when they prepare for competitive examinations or enter the job market. In addition, studying subjects outside their main field can expose students to interesting and informative areas of knowledge. For instance, a mathematics student may read books about medicine or health in order to gain a basic understanding of medical terms and treatments. This kind of additional knowledge can make students more versatile and intellectually curious.

On the other hand, some people believe that university students should devote all their time and attention to their main subjects in order to obtain a strong qualification. This view is understandable because studying additional subjects can sometimes reduce the amount of time available for core academic work. As a result, students may perform poorly in important examinations, which could lower their CGPA and reduce their confidence. For example, a student who spends excessive time studying unrelated subjects may struggle to keep up with major courses and ultimately achieve weaker academic results. Therefore, students who find it difficult to balance different areas of study may benefit from concentrating primarily on their main subject.

In my opinion, university students should have the opportunity to study other subjects because this can broaden their knowledge and provide them with useful skills and perspectives. However, their main field of study should remain their priority, and they should only devote additional time to other subjects when doing so does not negatively affect their academic performance. Overall, a balanced approach is the most beneficial for university students.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 7.5

The response fully addresses all parts of the prompt. You have discussed both views—the benefits of broadening knowledge versus the importance of focusing on core qualifications—and provided a clear personal opinion. The ideas are well-developed, with relevant examples such as the mention of international affairs and the potential impact on CGPA. The position is consistent throughout the essay, and the conclusion effectively synthesizes the arguments. To reach a higher band, you could further elaborate on the long-term career implications of a broader education versus a specialized one to add more depth to your analysis.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 7.5

The essay is logically organized with a clear progression of ideas. Each paragraph has a central theme, and the transition between paragraphs is smooth, using effective linking phrases like 'On the other hand' and 'In addition'. Cohesive devices are used naturally and accurately throughout the text. The paragraphing is appropriate, with a clear introduction, two body paragraphs, and a conclusion. The flow of information is easy to follow, and the relationship between ideas is clearly established, which demonstrates a high level of control over the structure of the argument.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.5

You demonstrate a good range of vocabulary that is appropriate for an academic context. Phrases like 'intellectually curious', 'versatile', and 'devote all their time and attention' are used effectively. While the vocabulary is accurate and conveys meaning clearly, it is generally functional rather than sophisticated. To achieve a higher band, you could incorporate more precise, less common academic collocations or idiomatic expressions related to the topic of education and professional development. However, the current range is sufficient to express your ideas with precision and flexibility.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 7.5

The essay displays a high level of grammatical control. You use a variety of complex sentence structures, such as conditional clauses and subordinate clauses, with very few errors. The punctuation is accurate, and the sentence construction is consistently clear. The majority of your sentences are error-free, and the few minor slips do not impede communication in any way. Your control over tense and subject-verb agreement is excellent. This demonstrates a strong command of English grammar, suitable for a high-band score.

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