Band 7.5 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 7.5 · Cambridge IELTS 18 · 2026-09-01

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)

University education is traditionally focused on helping students gain specialised knowledge and qualifications in a particular field. However, while some students prefer to study additional subjects alongside their main course, others believe they should devote all their time and attention to their chosen area of study. This essay will discuss both views before explaining why I believe studying a limited range of other subjects is generally more beneficial.

On the one hand, focusing entirely on a main subject allows students to develop a deeper understanding of their chosen field. Many university courses, particularly subjects such as medicine, engineering and law, are academically demanding and require a significant amount of time and effort. Students who divide their attention among several subjects may struggle to achieve excellent results in their primary discipline. For example, a medical student needs to acquire extensive theoretical knowledge as well as practical skills, so spending too much time studying unrelated subjects could negatively affect their academic performance. Therefore, concentrating on a qualification can be essential for students pursuing highly specialised careers.

On the other hand, studying additional subjects can provide students with a broader range of knowledge and skills. In today's increasingly competitive job market, employers often value graduates who are adaptable and possess abilities beyond their main area of expertise. For instance, a computer science student who also learns about business or communication may be better prepared to manage projects or establish a technology company in the future. Similarly, studying psychology, history or a foreign language can improve critical thinking, cultural awareness and communication skills. These abilities may not always be directly related to a student's degree, but they can be highly valuable in both professional and personal life.

In my opinion, university students should primarily focus on their major subject, but they should also have the opportunity to study other subjects. Their main qualification should remain the priority because it provides the specialist knowledge required for their future career. Nevertheless, learning a small number of additional subjects can create more well-rounded graduates and may open up opportunities that would otherwise be unavailable.

In conclusion, although concentrating exclusively on a major subject enables students to gain specialised knowledge, studying other disciplines can develop valuable transferable skills. I believe that the most effective approach is to give priority to the main qualification while allowing students to explore other areas of interest to a reasonable extent.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 7.5

The response fully addresses all parts of the prompt. You clearly discuss both views—the focus on specialisation versus the benefits of a broader curriculum—and provide a well-reasoned personal opinion. The ideas are well-developed, with relevant examples such as the medical student for the first view and the computer science student for the second. Your position is consistent throughout the essay, and the conclusion effectively synthesises the arguments presented. The response is balanced and demonstrates a clear understanding of the task requirements.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 7.5

The essay is logically organised with a clear progression of ideas. Each paragraph has a central topic, and the transition between paragraphs is smooth, using effective signposting language like 'On the one hand', 'On the other hand', and 'In conclusion'. Cohesive devices are used naturally and accurately, such as 'For instance' and 'Nevertheless', which help guide the reader through your argument. The paragraphing is appropriate, with each section serving a distinct purpose in the overall structure of the essay.

Lexical Resource — Band 7.5

You demonstrate a wide and flexible range of vocabulary that is appropriate for an academic context. You use precise terminology such as 'specialised knowledge', 'primary discipline', 'academically demanding', and 'transferable skills'. The word choices are natural and contribute to the clarity of your argument. There are no noticeable errors in word choice or collocation, and the language used is sophisticated enough to convey your points effectively without being overly complex or forced.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 7.5

The essay displays a wide range of grammatical structures, including complex sentences with subordinate clauses and varied sentence beginnings. The majority of your sentences are error-free, and your control over punctuation is excellent. You successfully use modal verbs and conditional structures to express your opinions and hypothetical scenarios. There are no significant grammatical errors that impede communication, and the overall flow of the writing is highly professional and accurate.

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