Band 6.5 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 6.5 · Cambridge IELTS 18 · 2026-09-18

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 6.5)

There is an ongoing debate about whether university students should explore other topics or focus strictly on their primary degree. While some think extra subjects build flexibility, others believe total dedication is needed for mastery. In my view, the main major comes first, but taking a few extra classes helps build useful skills for the future.

On the one hand, exploring subjects outside a primary major provides students with valuable knowledge and cognitive flexibility. Modern workplaces rarely value isolated technical knowledge. Instead, employers look for graduates who possess a miture of core subject knowledge and supplementary skills, such as communication or basic business literacy. For instance, a student majoring in computer science who chooses to take elective classes in business management is far better equipped to understand product lifecycles, market trends, or even launch a technology startup. Furthermore, learning different subjects can help students to think more creatively. It also teaches them how to look at difficult problems from many new angles

On the other hand, many believe students should focus entirely on their main degree. Difficult fields like medicine or law require intense focus, and splitting attention across too many topics can cause stress and burnout. This pressure often leads to poor performance and low grades. Additionally, many companies prefer hiring highly specialized experts who have complete mastery over one specific field.

In conclusion, while focusing on a core degree prevents stress and builds deep expertise, learning extra subjects adds useful skills. Students should prioritize their major but use their elective options to take a few extra classes.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 6.5

The response successfully addresses all parts of the prompt by discussing both views on whether university students should study auxiliary subjects or focus solely on their main degree, while also clearly stating a personal position in the introduction. The ideas are relevant and supported with a clear example, such as a computer science student taking business management classes. However, the development of ideas could be pushed slightly further to reach the higher bands; for instance, the arguments surrounding burnout and specialization on the opposing side are somewhat generalized. Overall, the task is well-handled, fulfilling the requirements for Band 7.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.5

The essay presents a clear logical organization and progression throughout. The response is divided into logical paragraphs, with an introduction, two body paragraphs representing opposing views, and a concise conclusion. Cohesive devices are used appropriately to guide the reader through the arguments, such as 'On the one hand', 'On the other hand', and 'In conclusion'. Referencing is generally clear, though paragraphing and transitions could be slightly more sophisticated to attain higher levels. The overall arrangement is coherent and easy to follow, making Band 7 an appropriate score.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.5

The student demonstrates a sufficient range of vocabulary to allow some flexibility and precision, using phrases like 'cognitive flexibility', 'isolated technical knowledge', and 'product lifecycles'. There is an attempt to use less common items with general awareness of style and collocation, although there is a notable typographical error in the phrase 'a miture of core subject knowledge'. Despite this minor slip and occasional reliance on standard academic phrasing, the vocabulary is adequate to convey precise meaning without impeding communication, fitting the Band 6.5 to 7 profile well, so a 7.0 is awarded.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 6.5

The writer employs a mix of simple and complex sentence structures, including conditional or participial clauses like 'While some think extra subjects build flexibility, others believe total dedication is needed'. There are frequent error-free sentences, alongside a few minor punctuation or structural slips, such as the missing full stop at the end of the second body paragraph. Grammar and punctuation are generally under good control and do not impede communication. The variety of structures and overall accuracy support a solid Band 7 rating.

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

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