Band 6.5 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 6.5 · Cambridge IELTS 18 · 2026-09-30

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)

Whether university students should study additional subjects alongside their main degree, or concentrate solely on their core discipline, has generated considerable debate. While supporters of broader study argue that skills unrelated to a degree have significant value in the job market, others maintain that degree-specific subjects are sufficient.

This essay will examine both perspectives before explaining why I believe students should pursue additional subjects.

On the one hand, there are several reasons why many students prefer to broaden their studies. The primary argument is that a wide range of knowledge and experience makes graduates more employable and can help them secure part-time work while studying. For instance, a student who has developed strong cooking skills will almost certainly earn a good reputation among peers, and may even find catering opportunities on campus.

On the other hand, those who favour a strict focus on the main subject argue that extra courses can distract students from their specialisation. For example, a student enrolled in an unrelated programme may struggle to concentrate on core modules, which could negatively affect their academic performance.

Personally, I believe that students should learn additional skills on a part-time basis, as this allows them to become competitive in the job market as soon as they obtain a recognised qualification.

In conclusion, although both approaches have their merits, I would encourage students who are eager to learn as much as possible to acquire extra knowledge, provided it does not compromise their main studies.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 6.0

The response addresses all parts of the task by discussing both views on whether university students should study additional subjects or focus solely on their core discipline, and it provides a clear personal position throughout. The introduction outlines the two perspectives, and body paragraphs explore both sides. However, the development of ideas is somewhat limited and the supporting example about developing strong cooking skills leading to catering opportunities feels slightly trivial and under-developed for an academic essay. Furthermore, as noted in the length check, the student's response contains 244 words, which falls short of the mandatory 250-word minimum. Consequently, this minor under-length constraint slightly impacts the completeness of the task achievement, keeping the score at band 6.0.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 6.5

The essay demonstrates a coherent overall arrangement with a clear logical progression from introduction to body paragraphs and conclusion. Each paragraph has a clear central topic, such as the introduction of perspectives, the arguments for broad study, the arguments for focused study, and the personal opinion. Cohesive devices are used reasonably well, with phrases like 'On the one hand', 'On the other hand', and 'In conclusion' helping to structure the text. Paragraphing is used appropriately. However, referencing and transitions between sentences are at times slightly mechanical. To achieve a higher band, the logical flow and cohesive relationships between ideas could be managed with greater flexibility and subtlety, but the current organization is clear and easy to follow, warranting a band 7.0.

Lexical Resource: Band 6.0

The student uses an adequate and appropriate range of vocabulary for the task, successfully incorporating terms and phrases such as 'considerable debate', 'core discipline', 'employable', and 'specialisation'. There are attempts to use less common vocabulary, and word choice is generally accurate enough to communicate the message clearly without causing misunderstandings. However, the lexical range remains somewhat standard and lacks the more sophisticated, flexible control and precision characteristic of higher bands. Occasional vocabulary choices are slightly basic, but spelling and word formation are accurate. Overall, the vocabulary is sufficient for a band 6.5, demonstrating functional control of a varied lexicon.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 6.5

The response features a good mix of simple and complex sentence structures, demonstrating control over grammatical forms. Examples of complex structures include 'While supporters of broader study argue that skills unrelated to a degree have significant value...' and '...students who are eager to learn as much as possible to acquire extra knowledge, provided it does not compromise their main studies.' The majority of sentences are grammatically accurate, and punctuation is handled well throughout. While there are a few minor slips or slightly repetitive structures, grammar and punctuation errors do not impede communication. The control over complex syntax is solid, supporting a band 7.0 for grammatical range and accuracy.

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

Browse more IELTS Writing model answers or get your own writing scored by the same AI examiner.