Band 6.0 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 6.0 · Cambridge IELTS 18 · 2026-09-26

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 6.0)

It is an ongoing debate that it is feasible to include an extra subject for students along with main courses or not. There are some pupils who are willing to add extra-curricular studies apart from their major subjects, while others argue that the main focus and time should be invested in their qualification relevant subject. In this essay, I will discuss both views, and state my perspective as well.

On the one hand, numerous aspirants want to learn some subjects that are not included in their professional qualification because they claim that it will enhance their knowledge and skills too. For instance, a computer science student wants to learn an additional IT course will eventually be able to get more score as compared to those who studied only their course work. As a result, such individuals are more likely to get jobs soon after their graduation.

On the other hand, others want to give attention to only their relevant courses. It can be justified because many students choose extremely difficult subjects, and they can not afford to add any further subjects because of their demanding and challenging subjects. One of the major examples is medical students who are aspiring to become doctors or pharmacists have to learn various complex courses along with their labwork, and research, so they are usually not in favor of adding further subjects. Because any extra subject will become burden for them causing the loss of grades in their majors.

From my perspective, students should keep their focus on their major subjects only because subjects other than major ones can be learnt anytime after the completion of degree, but the pupils have to follow specific deadlines for their main subjects. So, they should not compromise their important subjects.

Although both viewpoints can their merits such as, broad skills and knowledge associated with other subjects, and satisfactory performance linked with more focused learning for major subjects only. I believe the major subject should get full attention during the study period.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 6.5

The response addresses all parts of the task by discussing both views on whether university students should study extra subjects alongside their majors and provides a clear personal opinion. The position is maintained throughout the essay. Ideas are generally extended and supported, such as mentioning the heavy workload of medical students as a justification against extra subjects. However, the example provided in the second paragraph regarding a computer science student taking an additional IT course is slightly confusing and less convincing, as it conflates the main major with an additional subject. Nevertheless, the main elements of the prompt are well-covered, earning a solid band 6.5 to 7.0. Given the clear stance and relevant arguments, it comfortably aligns with the Band 7 descriptor for addressing all parts with a clear position.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 6.5

The essay displays a clear overall progression and logical organisation. Information and ideas are signaled using standard cohesive devices such as 'On the one hand', 'On the other hand', and 'From my perspective'. Paragraphing is used appropriately to separate introduction, body paragraphs containing opposing views, personal opinion, and conclusion. However, referencing and cohesion are occasionally slightly mechanical or repetitive, and the concluding paragraph contains a grammatical slip ('can their merits') that slightly disrupts the flow of the final transition. Overall, the structure is clear and easy to follow, supporting a Band 6.5 or 7.0. The logical sequencing and appropriate paragraphing place it firmly in the Band 7 range.

Lexical Resource: Band 5.5

The student uses a sufficient range of vocabulary to allow some flexibility and precision, incorporating terms like 'extra-curricular studies', 'professional qualification', and 'challenging subjects'. Less common lexical items are attempted with some awareness of style and collocation, such as 'demanding and challenging subjects' and 'specific deadlines'. However, there are some inaccuracies in word choice and collocation, such as 'qualification relevant subject' instead of 'qualification-relevant subject' or 'subjects relevant to their qualification', and 'get more score' instead of 'obtain higher scores'. Despite these occasional errors, the vocabulary is adequate to convey the intended meaning without impeding the reader, making it a clear Band 6.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 5.5

The essay demonstrates a mix of simple and complex sentence forms. The writer attempts complex structures, such as concessive clauses ('Although both viewpoints can their merits such as...') and relative clauses. However, there are notable grammatical errors and awkward phrasing, including missing verbs ('viewpoints can their merits'), awkward preposition use ('invested in their qualification relevant subject'), and minor run-on tendencies. While these errors do not severely impede communication, they recur frequently enough to prevent the grammar score from reaching a Band 7. The control of grammar aligns best with Band 6, where simple and complex sentences are mixed, but errors persist.

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

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