Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 5.5 · Cambridge IELTS 18 · 2026-09-19
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 5.5)
There are two arguments presented in the problem, one is that some university students want to learn about other subjects in addition to the main subject whereas the counter argument is that it is important to focus on a one subject which student are enrolled into for stronger grip on that particular subject. Both arguments have their own pros and cons. Studying different subjects in addition to the main subject opens alot of doors for students and they can easily avail other options too in the future. Many universities add other subjects like Sociology and Economics and many more along with main subject to make students literate about other spheres of life as well. The other argument which emphasizes on one subject is valid too as the students should give their entire time and efforts into that paticular subect which they are enrolled in, so that they can excel it. If they are focusing on many subjects it would divert their focus from the main subject and they might not get expertise on it. Studying one subject can give students alot of time to study it in detail and get the practical experience in it. I believe that the university should include the additional subjects as they are very benefical and shapes the student for every sphere of life. I am a law student and i have studied Econmics, Sociology and Computer as well. i know they are differnt from law but they are somehow relevant to it. One can not become a good lawyer if he has no understanding of society so for that sociology helped me understand it and also helped me with application of the law.
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 6.0 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 5.0 |
| Lexical Resource | 5.5 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 5.0 |
| Overall | 5.5 |
Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 6.0
The response addresses all parts of the task by discussing both views—studying additional subjects versus focusing exclusively on a main qualification—and provides a clear personal opinion. The ideas are generally relevant, noting benefits such as opening career options and broader life skills, alongside counter-arguments regarding deep expertise. However, the development of ideas tends to be repetitive and lacks depth. For instance, the point that studying one subject gives practical experience is stated rather than fully extended with specific examples. While a personal example regarding law and sociology is provided at the end, it is somewhat rushed and lacks full integration. Overall, the task is addressed adequately, fitting the criteria for a Band 6.0.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.0
The response demonstrates a coherent overall arrangement, successfully presenting opposing views followed by a personal stance. However, the text suffers from a major structural flaw: it is written as a single, massive block paragraph instead of being divided into a proper introduction, body paragraphs, and a conclusion. This severely limits the use of paragraphing. Cohesive devices within the text are basic and sometimes repetitive (e.g., 'The other argument', 'Studying one subject', 'I believe'), and referencing is occasionally unclear. While the logical progression of ideas is discernible, the lack of distinct paragraphing and mechanical transitions cap the score for this criterion at Band 5.0.
Lexical Resource — Band 5.5
The vocabulary used is adequate for the task, allowing the student to communicate their main ideas successfully. There are attempts to use less common vocabulary, such as 'sphere of life', 'expertise', and 'practical experience', though these are sometimes accompanied by inaccuracies in word choice or collocation (e.g., 'excel it' instead of 'excel in it', 'one subject which student are enrolled into'). Spelling errors are also present, such as 'alot', 'paticular', 'subect', 'benefical', 'differnt', and 'i' (lowercase pronouns). The range is sufficient to convey meaning, but lexical control is inconsistent, placing it firmly at Band 5.5.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.0
The student attempts a mix of simple and complex sentence forms, such as 'Studying different subjects in addition to the main subject opens alot of doors for students and they can easily avail other options too in the future.' However, there are frequent grammatical errors, particularly with subject-verb agreement (e.g., 'student are enrolled', 'university should include... and shapes'), missing articles ('a law student', 'the university'), punctuation errors (comma splices), and persistent lowercase capitalization for the pronoun 'i'. While these errors do not completely impede communication, they occur with high frequency throughout the response, preventing the grammar score from rising above Band 5.0.
See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.
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