Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 5.5 · Cambridge IELTS 18 · 2026-10-05
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)
While some university learners desire to study other subjects in addition to their main subjects, others argue that it is more crucial to devote all their time and focus to studying for a qualification. I strongly agree with that pupils should study other subjects with their primary academic syllabus.
On the one hand, studying other subjects can be more beneficial. This is because, university pupils can gain more knowledge by focusing on other subjects rather than just on their qualification. Moreover, it can help them to get familiar with other academic studies, which can help them to extend their carrier circle, they can have more job opportunities. For example, by learning English, they can get a job for narrator, which will help them to manage their finances. As a result, they can have a wider carrier circle, and they can manage their finances on their own, which automatically help economic growth for a country.
On the other hand, focusing and devoting all their time to qualification subjects can also be advantageous. The main reason is, it can help undergraduates to graduate with better academic result, and it can help them to get scholarships by Governments. In addition, scholarships can help them to focus more on their studies rather than on finances. For example, students with higher academic performance can get a job in higher rated companies such as, Apple, Google, and Adobe. Consequently, they can able to get job in their specific academic subjects.
In conclusion, although focusing on specific selected academic subjects can be beneficial, studying other topics with main topic can be more advantageous. I strongly stand with my opinion that undergraduates should learn other subjects, while keeping primary focus on primary subject.
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 6.0 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 6.0 |
| Lexical Resource | 5.0 |
| 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—learning additional subjects versus focusing strictly on a qualification—and provides a clear position throughout. Note that nine words copied from the task prompt were not counted towards the overall length. While the main ideas are relevant and supported, some points are under-developed or repetitive. For instance, the discussion on economic growth and job opportunities in the first body paragraph lacks specific, fully explained reasoning. To reach a higher level, the ideas would need to be more thoroughly extended and supported with deeper analysis rather than general statements.
Coherence and Cohesion: Band 6.0
The essay presents a coherent overall arrangement with a clear introduction, two body paragraphs, and a conclusion. Paragraphing is used appropriately to separate the two opposing viewpoints. However, cohesion is sometimes mechanical and referencing is occasionally unclear. For example, transitional phrases like 'On the one hand' and 'On the other hand' are used, but the internal links within sentences—such as 'which automatically help economic growth'—are somewhat loose and repetitive. Improving the precision of referencing and the flow between clauses would enhance the logical progression of the writing.
Lexical Resource: Band 5.0
The vocabulary used provides an adequate range for the task, successfully communicating the writer's ideas. The student attempts less common vocabulary, such as 'qualification', 'advantageous', and 'undergraduates', but encounters some inaccuracies in word choice and collocation. For instance, the repeated use of 'carrier circle' instead of 'career path' or 'professional network' shows a noticeable error in lexical selection. Additionally, phrasing like 'higher rated companies' would be more naturally expressed as 'top-tier companies' or 'multinational corporations'. These errors do not impede communication, but they limit precision.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 5.0
The response demonstrates a mix of simple and complex sentence forms, attempting structures like conditional and concessive clauses, such as 'While some university learners desire to study...'. However, there are some errors in grammar and punctuation that surface throughout the text, including article misuse ('help them to get a job for narrator' instead of 'as a narrator') and verb form inaccuracies ('consequently, they can able to get job'). Punctuation slips, such as comma splices ('...extend their carrier circle, they can have...'), also appear. These errors rarely impede communication, reflecting a control typical of this level.
See this exact question answered at other band scores. The same prompt compared across bands.
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