Band 7.5 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 7.5 · Cambridge IELTS 18 · 2026-09-29

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)

In today's educational landscape, the debate over whether university students should diversify their studies or focus solely on their main subjects is increasingly relevant. Both perspectives offer compelling arguments, and understanding these can help students make informed decisions about their academic paths.

On one hand, many students advocate for exploring additional subjects. This approach can enhance critical thinking and creativity, as exposure to diverse fields often leads to innovative ideas and solutions. For instance, a student majoring in engineering might benefit from taking courses in psychology, which could improve their understanding of user experience in product design. Furthermore, interdisciplinary knowledge can make graduates more adaptable in the job market, where employers often seek candidates with a broad skill set. In my own experience, studying a foreign language alongside my major not only enriched my cultural understanding but also opened up job opportunities in international companies.

Conversely, some argue that dedicating all time and energy to a primary subject is essential for achieving academic excellence and securing a qualification. This perspective emphasizes the importance of depth over breadth. Students who immerse themselves fully in their main field may develop a stronger expertise, which can be crucial in competitive job markets. For example, a medical student who focuses exclusively on their studies is likely to gain a more comprehensive understanding of complex medical concepts, ultimately leading to better patient care. Additionally, the pressure of academic demands can make it challenging to balance multiple subjects, potentially leading to burnout.

In my opinion, a balanced approach is ideal. While it is important to excel in one's main subject, incorporating additional courses can provide valuable skills and perspectives that enhance overall education. Universities could encourage this by offering flexible curricula that allow students to explore other interests without compromising their primary studies. For instance, elective courses or minors can be integrated into degree programs, enabling students to gain a well-rounded education.

In conclusion, both views have merit, and the decision ultimately depends on individual goals and circumstances. A combination of focused study and exploration of other subjects can lead to a richer educational experience, preparing students not only for their careers but also for lifelong learning.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 7.5

The student has successfully addressed all parts of the task by discussing both views on university education and providing a clear, well-supported personal opinion throughout. The position is well-developed from the introduction through to the conclusion. For example, the writer presents clear arguments for exploring additional subjects, such as enhancing critical thinking and creativity, and supports this with a relevant, detailed example of an engineering student taking psychology courses. Similarly, the alternative view focusing on depth of study is thoroughly examined with a medical student example. The ideas are extended effectively without wandering off-topic, aligning well with the descriptors for Band 8.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 7.0

Ideas are logically sequenced and progress naturally throughout the essay. The response is divided into clear, appropriate paragraphs, each serving a distinct purpose: introduction, exploring additional subjects, focusing on primary subjects, personal opinion, and conclusion. Cohesive devices are managed well without being intrusive, using linking phrases such as 'On one hand', 'Conversely', and 'Additionally' smoothly to guide the reader through the argumentation. Paragraphing is used sufficiently and appropriately, ensuring that each major idea is grouped correctly and supports overall readability, easily fulfilling Band 7 and leaning towards Band 8.

Lexical Resource: Band 7.0

The student demonstrates a sufficient to wide range of vocabulary appropriate for an academic task. Words and phrases like 'educational landscape', 'interdisciplinary knowledge', 'academic excellence', and 'well-rounded education' show a strong grasp of less common lexical items with good awareness of collocation and style. There are only occasional minor limitations, but word choice is generally precise and effective. Communication is fluent and smooth throughout, with no awkward phrasing that impedes the reader's understanding, comfortably placing this response in the Band 7.5 range.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 7.5

The writing exhibits a wide range of complex grammatical structures used with a high degree of accuracy. The majority of sentences are error-free, featuring well-constructed subordinate clauses, conditional elements, and participatory phrases. For instance, sentences like 'While it is important to excel in one's main subject, incorporating additional courses can provide valuable skills and perspectives that enhance overall education' demonstrate excellent grammatical control and punctuation. Errors are extremely rare and non-systematic, which justifies a strong Band 8 score for grammatical range and accuracy.

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