Band 7.5 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 7.5 · Cambridge IELTS 18 · 2026-08-28
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)
Certain university students advocate pursuing other subjects, in addition to their main course, while others contend that it is more crucial to devote all their time and attention to studying for a qualification. Although studying extra subjects is sometimes necessary, I believe that investing all your time in studying for a qualification can be more beneficial.
On the one hand, studying additional subjects can provide university students with a broader range of knowledge and skills. Furthermore, this knowledge and these skills can help create future opportunities. For instance, a student who mainly studies medicine and takes an additional subject such as mathematics may develop useful analytical skills that could benefit them in their future career. As a result, the student can develop a broader skill set and a more flexible mindset.
On the other hand, focusing primarily on a main qualification can help students achieve stronger academic results. When a student concentrates on their main qualification, they can devote more time and attention to their studies, whereas taking additional subjects may distract them and negatively affect their academic performance. For example, a student who focuses mainly on their qualification and spends a considerable amount of time studying is more likely to become a high achiever. As a result, they can develop greater concentration and a stronger understanding of their subject.
In conclusion, although pursuing further subjects can be valuable in providing a flexible mindset and a broad skill set, I firmly believe that primarily focusing on the main qualification can lead to better academic performance.
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 7.0 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 7.5 |
| Lexical Resource | 7.0 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 7.5 |
| Overall | 7.5 |
Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 7.0
The response addresses all parts of the prompt, discussing both views and providing a clear opinion. The position is consistent throughout the essay. However, the development of ideas is somewhat limited. While the example of a medical student taking mathematics is relevant, the arguments remain quite general and could benefit from more depth or specific real-world context to reach a higher band. The conclusion effectively summarizes the main points, but the overall essay lacks the level of detailed elaboration required for a band 8 or higher. It is a solid, well-structured response that fulfills the requirements of the task.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 7.5
The essay is logically organized with a clear progression of ideas. Each paragraph has a central topic, and the transition between the two viewpoints is smooth. Cohesive devices such as 'On the one hand', 'Furthermore', and 'As a result' are used effectively to link sentences and ideas. The paragraphing is appropriate, with a clear introduction, two body paragraphs, and a conclusion. The flow of information is natural, and the reader can easily follow the writer's argument. The use of referencing is accurate, and there is no evidence of mechanical or repetitive usage.
Lexical Resource — Band 7.0
The vocabulary used is adequate and appropriate for the task. The student demonstrates a sufficient range of vocabulary to convey ideas with precision, such as 'advocate', 'contend', 'flexible mindset', and 'high achiever'. While the range is functional and accurate, it lacks the more sophisticated or idiomatic collocations that would characterize a higher band score. There are no significant errors in word choice or spelling, and the language used is consistently clear and natural throughout the response.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 7.5
The essay displays a good control of grammatical structures. There is a mix of simple and complex sentences, such as the use of 'Although' clauses and conditional-like structures. The grammar is largely accurate, with very few errors, which does not impede communication. Punctuation is used correctly throughout. To achieve a higher band, the student could incorporate a wider variety of complex grammatical structures, such as passive voice or more advanced inversion, to demonstrate greater flexibility and control over their writing.
See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.
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