Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 5.5 · Cambridge IELTS 18 · 2026-10-12

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)

There are ongoing debate over univesity subjects. Some students wish to persue and learn additional subjects along side theirs major field of study. Nevertheless, others individual undergraduates believe that focusing entirely on their main subjects and obtain qualification with distinction. While, both view has valid arguments, I believe that study extrat subjects along side main subjects is favourable for students.

On the one hand, student want to study about other field of subjets in addidtion to their main ciriculam. This is because in modern genration everyone is looking for multitalent people rather than individual with singal area of experties. To elaborate more, nowadays companies or government job select studets based on their skill set not only based on education degree. In addition, a computer science student might study business mangment subject alonside their core field which allow them to catch good job abd boost their career prospect.

On the other hand, some students argue that they should dedicate all their time and attention to the main subjects. This is because after garduation student want become a expert in perticular field. For instance, medical students should focus primarily more on their core subjects and examination because obtain medical qualification requires years of extensive study and specialised training.

To sum up, while, both side have valdi arguments but I believe learn extar subjects allow student to learn more about others field it broadens students knowledge and improves their future career opportunities, although, focusing on core subjects is important for obtaining a qualification.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 6.0

You address both views and state your position clearly: you favour studying additional subjects while recognising that concentration is important for qualifications. The examples of a computer science student adding business studies and medical students needing extensive specialist training are relevant. However, the first view is developed more fully than the second: the medical example explains why focus matters, but does not explore the consequences of dividing attention or give much supporting detail. The claim that employers select people for their skill sets rather than degrees is also broad and would be stronger with a specific illustration. To develop the response further, explain the benefits and drawbacks of each approach in more depth and connect each example explicitly to your argument.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 6.0

The response has a clear overall structure: an introduction, one paragraph for each view, and a conclusion. The progression from the two positions to your own opinion is easy to follow, and signposts such as “On the one hand” and “On the other hand” help distinguish the arguments. Cohesion is sometimes mechanical, however, and some linking phrases are used awkwardly or redundantly. For example, “While, both view has valid arguments” appears in both the introduction and conclusion, and “In addition” does not clearly introduce a distinct supporting point. Some references are also unclear, as in “which allow them,” where the reader must infer what “which” refers to. Use a wider range of natural transitions and make links between claims and examples more explicit.

Lexical Resource: Band 5.5

You use vocabulary relevant to the topic, including “qualification,” “skill set,” “career prospects,” and “specialised training,” and you attempt some less common expressions such as “area of expertise.” These choices show an adequate range for discussing education and employment. However, spelling errors and inaccurate word forms are noticeable throughout, including “univesity,” “persue,” “ciriculam,” and “experties.” Some collocations are also unnatural, such as “study about other field” and “catch good job,” which can make the writing less precise. Aim to learn common word partnerships and check spelling carefully. More accurate phrases such as “study another field,” “secure a good job,” and “broaden their knowledge” would make your ideas clearer and more natural.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 5.0

You attempt both simple and complex sentence forms, including a contrast clause beginning “While” and explanations introduced by “This is because.” The main ideas are generally understandable, but errors in sentence structure and agreement recur. For example, “There are ongoing debate” needs a plural noun, while “which allow them” does not agree with its singular reference. The opening sentence of the second paragraph also lacks a clear grammatical structure, and “focusing entirely on their main subjects and obtain qualification” mixes forms without a complete parallel construction. Punctuation is sometimes misplaced, particularly commas after “While” and “although.” Practise building complete clauses, maintaining subject–verb agreement, and checking articles and parallel verb forms; this will make your complex sentences more controlled.

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