Band 7.5 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 7.5 · 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 7.5)

University education is primarily intended to prepare students for their future careers. While some students believe that they should explore subjects outside their main field of study, others argue that they should devote all their time to obtaining their qualifications. This essay will discuss both views, and I believe that studying additional subjects is beneficial as long as students maintain sufficient focus on their main field.

On the one hand, concentrating entirely on a main subject can help students achieve better academic results. University courses often contain a large amount of specialised material, and students need considerable time to understand complex concepts and prepare for examinations. If they spend too much time studying unrelated subjects, they may struggle to keep up with their primary coursework. For example, an engineering student who spends most of their free time studying unrelated subjects may have less time to practise programming or complete important projects required for their degree. Therefore, focusing on a qualification can be particularly important for students who have demanding academic programmes.

On the other hand, learning subjects beyond one's main field can provide students with broader knowledge and useful skills. Modern workplaces often require people to understand different areas and work with individuals from various backgrounds. For instance, a computer science student who studies business or communication may develop a better understanding of how technology is used in companies and may also become more confident when presenting ideas. In addition, exploring other subjects can help students discover new interests and develop skills that may be useful in their future careers.

In my opinion, university students should primarily focus on their main qualification, but they should also make some time for other subjects. A balanced approach allows them to develop specialised knowledge without limiting their overall education. For example, a student could devote most of their study time to their degree while taking an online course in a subject such as economics, psychology or a foreign language. This would provide additional knowledge without negatively affecting their main studies.

Overall, although concentrating on a qualification is essential for academic success, studying other subjects can broaden students' knowledge and improve their skills. Therefore, I believe that a balanced approach is the most beneficial.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 7.5

The response fully addresses all parts of the task by discussing both views—learning about other subjects versus focusing exclusively on a qualification—and clearly presents a well-developed personal opinion throughout the essay. The introduction clearly outlines the scope of the discussion, and the body paragraphs present relevant and well-supported ideas. For example, the writer illustrates the first view with a concrete scenario involving an engineering student struggling to manage time if distracted by unrelated subjects. The counter-view is similarly supported with an example of a computer science student studying business. Ideas are fully extended and supported, showing a strong ability to reason and provide pertinent examples from general knowledge, meeting the criteria for a high band.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 7.5

The response demonstrates a clear logical organisation and progression throughout. Each paragraph has a distinct central topic, moving smoothly from a well-structured introduction to balanced body paragraphs and a concise conclusion. Cohesive devices are used effectively and naturally without becoming mechanical, as seen with transitional phrases like 'On the one hand', 'On the other hand', 'In my opinion', and 'Overall'. Paragraphing is used appropriately and sufficiently to separate different aspects of the argument, ensuring that the reader can easily follow the progression of ideas from start to finish.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.5

The student uses a sufficient range of vocabulary with good flexibility and precision, demonstrating an appropriate academic register. Less common lexical items and collocations are employed successfully throughout the essay, such as 'specialised material', 'demanding academic programmes', and 'broader knowledge'. Word choices are generally natural and accurate, with no noticeable spelling or word-choice errors that impede communication. While the vocabulary is not completely sophisticated in every single instance, it comfortably meets the requirements for a solid band 7 by allowing precise expression of complex ideas.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 7.5

The essay displays a wide variety of complex structures used with good control. The student successfully incorporates conditional clauses, modal verbs, and subordinate clauses, such as in the sentence 'If they spend too much time studying unrelated subjects, they may struggle to keep up with their primary coursework.' The majority of sentences are error-free, and punctuation is handled correctly throughout. While occasional minor inaccuracies might be present upon close inspection, there are no systematic errors, and grammar never impedes communication, reflecting a strong command of English grammar suitable for an 8.0.

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