Band 6.5 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 6.5 · Cambridge IELTS 18 · 2026-08-24

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)

Some university students believe they should study subjects beyond their main field of study, while others argue that they should devote all their time to their chosen qualification. Although both perspectives have merit, I believe that studying a range of subjects provides greater benefits.

On the other hand, focusing exclusively on a major subject enables students to develop in-depth knowledge and specialised skills. Many professions, such as medicine and engineering, require a high level of expertise and intensive training. For example, spending time on their major subject can help them achieve better academic results and prepare them more effectively for their future careers. Moreover, in Bangladesh, university students mostly spend time on their major subjects. As a result, they have only limited knowledge.

However, some people believe studying a range of subjects provides long-term benefits. Students who learn other subjects may improve their communication skills. They have opportunities to interact with people from different backgrounds. For example, a business student who studies psychology may learn how to understand people’s behaviour. This can help them improve their communication skills efficiently and allow them to learn about different topics.

In my opinion, those who complete just their major subject and take a limited number of courses in other fields can enhance both personal and professional development. Those who have knowledge of a range of subjects may not be professional in their major subject, but they can solve complex problems from multiple perspectives.

In conclusion, although concentrating entirely on a major subject helps students gain specialised knowledge, studying additional subjects offers broader skills and a more well-rounded education. Therefore, I believe that the advantages of learning beyond one’s main field outweigh the benefits of focusing on a single discipline.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 6.5

The response addresses all parts of the prompt, discussing both views and providing a clear personal opinion. The position is consistent throughout the essay. Ideas are generally well-developed, such as the argument for specialised knowledge in fields like medicine. However, some points could be extended further; for instance, the example regarding Bangladesh is a bit brief and could be better linked to the broader global context. Overall, the response effectively covers the requirements of the task with a logical flow of ideas.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.5

The essay is logically organised with a clear progression of ideas. Each paragraph has a central topic, and the transition between the two viewpoints is handled well using cohesive devices like 'On the other hand' and 'However'. Paragraphing is used appropriately to separate the different arguments. While the use of cohesive devices is generally effective, some transitions feel slightly mechanical. Overall, the structure is clear and supports the reader's understanding of the argument.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.0

The vocabulary used is sufficient to convey the intended meaning clearly. There is an attempt to use topic-specific vocabulary such as 'specialised skills', 'intensive training', and 'multiple perspectives'. While the range is adequate for the task, it lacks the more sophisticated or idiomatic expressions that would elevate the score to a higher band. There are no significant errors in word choice or spelling that impede communication, but the lexical variety remains somewhat standard.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 6.5

The essay demonstrates a mix of simple and complex sentence structures. Most sentences are grammatically accurate, and errors are rare and do not interfere with meaning. For example, the use of conditional-like structures and complex sentences in the conclusion shows a good level of control. While the range of grammatical structures is functional, incorporating a wider variety of advanced structures, such as passive voice or more varied subordinate clauses, would improve the score.

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

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