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)

Many university students believe that it is a beneficial approach to learn about other subjects in addition to their course as improve knowlegde and would be helpful in the future. However, others think that students should only focus on their main subjects because diversion of attention may affects negatively to their main course. In this essay, I will discuss both views before presenting my opinion.

On the one hand, some university students want to learn about other subjects in addition to their main subject because they believe that this will increase their knowledge and would be helpful in their upcoming life. When people enroll in different courses beside their studies, it definately enhance their knowledge. For instance, students who learn distant language courses with their studies, such as german language course would be helpul in the future. Germany demands german language in order to provide a job. Therefore, these students don't face difficulty in finding the jobs.

On the other hand, others believe that it is more important to give all their time and attention to studying for a qualification. These individuals think that if they get enroll in another subject, it may divert their attention and negatively affects their main course. For example, many degrees such as medical studies demand proper time and attention because this field is the toughest one. If they get admission in another subjects then they may absent from university and don't fulfil course credit hours. Consequently, absence put adverse effects on their studies.

In a conclusion, although studing side subjects would helpful in wining job and improve knowlege, this approach effects course subjects. From my perspective, students should adopt a balanced approach by regularly going to university and enroll in online courses at night time.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 6.0

You address both views and give a clear opinion in the conclusion: you support a balanced approach, with students attending university while taking online courses. The examples about learning German for employment and the demands of medical studies are relevant, so the response covers the main parts of the prompt. However, the two arguments are not developed equally: the benefits of studying another subject are explained mainly through one language example, while the risks are asserted rather than fully explored. The claim that students may be absent and fail to complete credit hours needs a clearer link to taking an additional subject. Develop each point with more explanation and a specific, well-connected example.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 6.0

The essay has a clear overall structure, with an introduction, separate paragraphs for the two views, and a conclusion. Signposts such as “On the one hand,” “On the other hand,” and “In a conclusion” make the progression easy to follow. However, some connections are mechanical, and the reasoning within paragraphs could flow more smoothly. For example, the German-language example moves quickly from learning a language to Germany requiring it for a job, without explaining which students or jobs this applies to. The reference to “these individuals” is understandable but somewhat general. Use linking phrases to show cause and effect more precisely, and make sure each example is explicitly tied back to the argument it supports.

Lexical Resource: Band 5.5

You use a relevant range of vocabulary for the topic, including “qualification,” “divert their attention,” “course credit hours,” and “adverse effects.” These choices help communicate the main ideas, although some expressions are inaccurate or unnatural, such as “upcoming life,” “get enroll,” and “effects course subjects.” Spelling errors, including “knowlegde,” “definately,” and “studing,” also reduce accuracy. Some repetition of “students,” “subjects,” and “course” limits variety. Aim for more natural academic collocations and check spelling carefully; for instance, describe how additional study may “broaden students’ knowledge” or “distract them from their degree requirements.”

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 5.0

You attempt both simple and complex sentence forms, including contrast clauses beginning with “although” and conditional structures such as “if they get admission in another subjects.” The overall meaning is generally understandable, but some errors in verb forms, agreement, articles, and sentence construction remain. For example, “it definately enhance their knowledge” needs a singular verb form, while “may affects negatively” should use the base verb after “may.” The opening phrase “as improve knowlegde” is also structurally incomplete, and “students don't fulfil course credit hours” needs more accurate grammatical framing. Practise checking each clause for a clear subject and correctly formed verb, while continuing to use varied sentence structures.

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