Band 5.0 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 5.0 · Cambridge IELTS 18 · 2026-08-30

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 5.0)

Some university students believe they should learn other subjects along with their main subjects, while others argue that students only should study for qualification. This essay with discuss both views, and I believe that student should be given change for learning other subjects as well as there main subject.

On the one hand, Few universities want to learn other subjects in addition to their main subjects.This will improve their knowledge and they will have more career opportunities. For example, if a student main subject is English and he also wants to learn other subject such as computer skills and film making. As a result it will give him verity of choices for his future career and he will work a job he is expert and have skills .

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 4.0

The response fails to meet the minimum word count requirement of 250 words, reaching only 128 words. Consequently, the task is only partially addressed. While the essay introduces both views and states an opinion, the development of ideas is severely limited. The second paragraph attempts to discuss the benefits of learning extra subjects but lacks depth, and the opposing view (focusing solely on the main qualification) is not addressed at all. To improve, you must ensure you provide a balanced discussion for both perspectives and extend your arguments with specific examples and logical reasoning to meet the length requirement.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.0

The essay shows a basic attempt at organization with an introduction and a body paragraph. However, the progression of ideas is hindered by the lack of a complete argument. Cohesive devices are used, such as 'On the one hand' and 'As a result', but they are somewhat mechanical. The paragraphing is insufficient because the essay is too short to demonstrate a full structure. To improve, ensure each paragraph has a clear topic sentence and that you use a wider variety of linking words to connect your ideas more fluidly throughout the text.

Lexical Resource — Band 5.0

The vocabulary is limited and repetitive. There are noticeable errors in word choice, such as 'verity of choices' (likely meaning 'variety') and 'he is expert' (should be 'an expert'). The range of vocabulary is insufficient to discuss the topic in detail. To achieve a higher band, you should work on using more precise academic vocabulary and collocations. For example, instead of 'learn other subjects', you could use 'pursue multidisciplinary studies' or 'broaden one's academic horizons'. Focus on expanding your range of topic-specific terminology.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.0

The essay contains frequent grammatical errors that occasionally impede communication. Examples include 'This essay with discuss' (should be 'will discuss'), 'student should be given change' (should be 'a chance'), and 'if a student main subject is' (should be 'if a student's main subject is'). There is a lack of complex sentence structures, and the control over basic grammar is inconsistent. To improve, focus on subject-verb agreement, correct use of articles, and possessive forms. Practice writing more complex sentences using subordinating conjunctions to demonstrate a wider grammatical range.

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

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