Band 4.0 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 4.0 · Cambridge IELTS 18 · 2026-10-09

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 4.0)

Nowadays students in the university argue to gain knowledge in additional subjects despite of their main subject. On the other hand, another section demands more time for expertising in their core subject. In my perspective, it is crucial to provide opportunities for students for learning other subjects other thn their subject, because this provides them broader knowledge regarding diverse topics rather than a single one.

The main motivation to support students to learn other subjects rather than main subjects is that this provide theen an opportunity to gain knowledge in various fields. For example,

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 3.0

The response gives a clear opinion: students should have opportunities to study subjects beyond their main field, and it briefly explains this through the benefit of broader knowledge. However, it does not discuss the opposing view that students should focus on their qualification, and the supporting example is left unfinished after “For example,”. The task therefore receives only minimal treatment, with the central ideas neither explained nor supported sufficiently. The response also falls short of the required 250 words, leaving too little space to address both views and develop a reasoned position. To improve, explain why some students prioritise expertise in their core subject, then develop your own view with a complete, relevant example and a clear conclusion.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 4.5

There is a basic attempt to organise the response: the opening introduces two contrasting views, and the next paragraph begins to explain the writer’s preferred position. Linking phrases such as “On the other hand” and “For example” show awareness of how ideas can be connected. However, the progression is incomplete: the second paragraph stops mid-example, and there is no developed discussion or conclusion. The repeated contrast between “other subjects” and “main subjects” also makes the organisation feel repetitive rather than progressive. Build a complete paragraph for each view, use clear topic sentences, and ensure each example is followed by an explanation of how it supports the point.

Lexical Resource: Band 4.5

The response uses some vocabulary relevant to the topic, including “core subject,” “qualification,” “broader knowledge,” and “diverse topics.” These choices help communicate the general issue and show an attempt to use academic language. However, several expressions are inaccurate or unnatural, such as “argue to gain knowledge,” “demands more time for expertising,” and “provide theen an opportunity.” There is also a spelling error in “thn.” Because the response is very short and the example is unfinished, the range of vocabulary demonstrated is limited. Aim for natural collocations and accurate word forms, for example, “students argue that they should study” and “develop expertise in their core subject.”

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 4.5

The response includes both simple statements and a longer sentence expressing a reason, as in “it is crucial to provide opportunities for students … because this provides them broader knowledge.” This shows an attempt to connect ideas using a subordinate clause. However, control is inconsistent: “this provide” has subject–verb disagreement, and “students in the university” and “opportunities for students for learning” show problems with articles and grammatical patterns. The opening sentence also has an unclear construction, making the relationship between students and their views difficult to follow. Use straightforward sentence structures accurately before adding complexity, and check agreement, articles, and prepositions. Completing sentences and proofreading them would also make the intended meaning clearer.

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.