Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 5.5 · Cambridge IELTS 18 · 2026-10-11

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)

A significant number of university students believe that they want to learn non-curricular subjects with addition to their academic subjects. While others argue that they should focus more on studying to get high qualification jobs. I believe that both approaches are mandatory, if they managed in a proper way.

One of the main reasons that this idea is going popular in many universities and they should encourage the students to focused on other co-curricular subjects with their main subjects. This is because, many students find that they are interested in other areas of studies such as Chess, Football, and Drama. They believe that these activities would help them to be physically and mentally strong and also helps them to refresh their mind. For example, universities' have to organize events for students, so that they get to know about in which area of subjects they are more fascinated.

Another important reason is that, if students focused more on non-curricular subjects and think that they can easily make their career in these field. But it is not true, they need to require the knowledge of their main academic subjects and the competitions are very high. For example, if some students are targeting the government sector jobs then they should have knowledge of Science, Maths and Physics. And if they want to take a part in international games then they should have some degree.

In conclusion, having considered both perspectives, I believe that they should have a proper balance on both the things. So it is good approach to consider other subjects more important as their main subjects.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 5.5

The response addresses both views and gives a position: the writer supports balancing wider interests with study for a qualification. The examples about chess, football, drama, government jobs and international sport are relevant, but the discussion is only partly developed. The first view focuses mainly on extracurricular activities and their benefits, rather than clearly explaining the value of studying other academic subjects. The second view also shifts between career preparation and the need for a degree without fully explaining how these support concentrating on a main subject. The conclusion is clear but its final sentence appears to favour other subjects, which weakens the stated position. Explain each view more directly and make the opinion consistent throughout.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 5.5

The essay has a recognisable structure, with an introduction, two body paragraphs and a conclusion, and it moves from the benefits of broader interests to the importance of a main qualification. However, progression within paragraphs is sometimes difficult to follow. For example, the second body paragraph begins, “Another important reason is that, if students focused more on non-curricular subjects,” but the point that follows is not clearly connected to the claim. Linking phrases such as “For example” help introduce illustrations, though some transitions feel mechanical and the relationship between ideas is not always explicit. The conclusion also repeats the idea of balance but then seems to recommend prioritising other subjects. Use clearer topic sentences and connect each example directly to the view it supports.

Lexical Resource: Band 5.5

The response uses some relevant vocabulary, including “qualification,” “co-curricular subjects,” “physically and mentally strong,” and “government sector jobs.” This gives it enough range to discuss the topic, but word choice and collocation are noticeably inaccurate and sometimes make the meaning less clear. Examples include “learn non-curricular subjects with addition to,” “this idea is going popular,” and “make their career in these field.” The repeated use of “subjects” also blurs the distinction between academic disciplines and extracurricular activities. Choose more precise expressions, such as “study subjects beyond their major,” “becoming increasingly popular,” and “build a career in this field.” Check plural forms and natural word combinations when revising.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 5.0

There are attempts at complex sentences, including clauses introduced by “While,” “because,” and “if,” but these structures are often faulty, and many sentences contain errors. For instance, “While others argue…” is a fragment, while “if they managed in a proper way” lacks a correctly formed verb phrase. Agreement and verb forms are also inconsistent in “these activities … also helps” and “if students focused more … and think.” Articles, prepositions and punctuation cause further problems, as in “a proper balance on both the things” and the comma after “because.” These errors sometimes make relationships between ideas harder to understand. Practise complete sentence construction, consistent verb forms, and subject–verb agreement; then proofread for articles and punctuation.

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