Band 7.0 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 7.0 · 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 7.0)
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 additional 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 | 7.0 |
| Lexical Resource | 6.5 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 7.0 |
| Overall | 7.0 |
Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 7.0
The response addresses all parts of the prompt, discussing both views and providing a clear personal opinion. The position is consistent throughout the essay. However, the development of ideas is somewhat limited. While the example of a medicine student taking mathematics is relevant, the arguments remain quite general. To reach a higher band, the ideas could be extended with more specific real-world implications or deeper analysis of the trade-offs involved in university education. The essay is well-structured, but the depth of the arguments is more characteristic of a Band 6.5 or 7.0 response.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 7.0
The essay is logically organized with a clear introduction, two body paragraphs, and a conclusion. Each paragraph has a central topic sentence, and the progression of ideas is easy to follow. Cohesive devices such as 'On the one hand', 'Furthermore', and 'As a result' are used effectively to link ideas. Paragraphing is used appropriately to separate the two opposing viewpoints. The flow is smooth, and the relationship between sentences is clear, meeting the requirements for a Band 7.0.
Lexical Resource — Band 6.5
The vocabulary is sufficient to convey the intended meaning with some precision. Phrases like 'advocate pursuing', 'devote all their time', and 'flexible mindset' demonstrate a good range. However, the vocabulary is somewhat repetitive, particularly the use of 'main qualification' and 'subjects' throughout the text. There is little evidence of less common or idiomatic language that would be required for a higher band. The lexical range is adequate for the task but lacks the sophistication and variety needed to move beyond a Band 6.5.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 7.0
The essay demonstrates a good control of grammar and punctuation. There is a mix of simple and complex sentence structures, such as the use of 'Although' clauses and conditional-like structures ('If a student...'). The sentences are generally error-free, and the punctuation is accurate. While the grammatical range is solid, it does not feature a wide variety of complex structures or highly sophisticated syntactic patterns that would justify a Band 8.0. The current level is consistent with a strong Band 7.0.
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.