Band 7.5 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

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

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)

It is undeniable that some university students prefer concentrating their efforts on their major subjects while others are more open to studying different minor courses. The former group argues for the importance of specialization in a world where knowledge is expanding at an unprecedented pace. However, I agree with the latter group since interdisciplinary knowledge is crucial in a world facing increasingly complex challenges.

To commence with, students who opt for focusing only on courses related to their degree view other subject materials as a distraction and a waste of time and effort. They believe that as the boundaries of knowledge in one field are expanding at an accelerating speed, it is becoming more difficult to get exposed to other areas, and doing so at university might jeopardize their academic performance in compulsory courses. Besides, they think that delving into one specific area may help them become specialists who can compete for positions in the job market requiring more articulate expertise. Overall, their opinion is that the borders between fields ought to remain intact.

However, on the other hand, other students find it important to invest their time at university to get to know about other fields, so they can make wiser decisions regarding career options and be prepared for modern challenges whose resolutions require interdisciplinary discourse. In my opinion, taking minor courses in other disciplines at university can foster understanding between professionals of different backgrounds in the workforce. The number of research collaborations between natural and social scientists is increasing, where they explore challenging avenues such as the epigenetic changes observed in survivors of war trauma.

To conclude, while the preference of some university students to refrain from studying subjects other than their majors has valid reasons, current global challenges require less strict borders between specialists in order to be solved. Multi-disciplinary training at university, to my mind, will help young people tap into emerging issues that not only pose ethical questions but more often ethical ones.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 7.0

The response addresses all parts of the prompt, discussing both viewpoints and providing a clear personal opinion. The ideas are well-developed, particularly the argument for interdisciplinary study, which is supported by a relevant example regarding research collaborations between natural and social scientists. The position is consistent throughout the essay. To reach a higher band, the student could further expand on the counter-argument regarding the job market, perhaps by providing a specific example of a profession where extreme specialization is the primary requirement, such as neurosurgery or specialized engineering, to balance the depth of the two perspectives.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 7.5

The essay is logically organized with a clear progression of ideas. Paragraphing is used effectively to separate the two viewpoints and the conclusion. Cohesive devices such as 'To commence with', 'However', and 'On the other hand' are used appropriately to guide the reader. The referencing is generally clear, and the flow between sentences is smooth. The essay demonstrates a good command of organizational features, although some transitions could be slightly more varied to enhance the sophistication of the text.

Lexical Resource — Band 7.0

The vocabulary is precise and well-suited to an academic context. The student uses sophisticated collocations and terms such as 'unprecedented pace', 'interdisciplinary discourse', and 'epigenetic changes' effectively. There is a good range of vocabulary that allows for flexibility and precision. While the word choice is generally strong, there is a minor slip in the conclusion where the phrase 'not only pose ethical questions but more often ethical ones' is redundant and slightly confusing. Overall, the lexical range is sufficient to convey complex ideas clearly.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 7.5

The essay displays a good variety of complex sentence structures, such as the use of conditional and relative clauses. The majority of sentences are error-free, and the control over grammar and punctuation is strong. There are very few minor slips, such as the slightly awkward phrasing in the final sentence. The use of complex structures is consistent and does not impede communication. The student demonstrates a high level of grammatical accuracy, making the text easy to follow and professional in tone.

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

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