Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 5.5 · Cambridge IELTS 18 · 2026-10-20

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)

Nowadays most learners prefer to have the knowledge of other disciplines in addition to their compulsory subjects, while some people argue that students it is crucial for students to put efforts for qualification , however there are certain factors why students become interested in other subjects and why some people advise them to stay focued on major subjects

Firstly, students want to gain the knowledge of multiple subjects at a time because they want to check their potential for the future. This allow them to experience different circumstance, so after involving themselves in two ways at a time can help them to check their capabilities.In this way one can learn weather he is capable of handling different task. For instance, a students who want to do a job in future alongside his studies, he can first test himself by involving him in two different sectors. Moreover, some students may find other subject fascinating because these subjects may contain those information in which learners are particularly curious. This facilitates them explore the specification of them and provide them with additional knowledge

Secondly, some hold the view that the primary focus of students should be on their main subject, it is because the complexity of subjects as nowadays all the courses that are offered by universities demand proper attention from a pupil. So If a student is interested in some non familiar course, it may badly demage his performance as he may miss to submitt some assignments and forget or forget crucial deadlines. Consequently, this results in lowering his grade, which really affect his future if do not pass the particular degree with decent marks. For instance, my friend whose main degree was law, enroll himslef to AI course alonside main degree this causes failing in two sujects because of not giving attention to his major course

In conclusion, it is true that the university students are considering some other subjects along with major, mainly because of testing their ability of dealing with difficult situations as well as their interest may fosters them to do so, nevertheless paying too much attention to other subjects can sometimes affect on the major subjects because of no proper care

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 5.5

The response discusses both views and gives a concluding position: students may explore other subjects to test their abilities or follow their interests, while concentrating on a qualification can protect their academic performance. The examples about working alongside study and your friend taking an AI course make the points relevant. However, the discussion is only partly developed. The benefits of studying another subject are described generally, and the argument for focusing on a degree relies mainly on missed assignments and lower grades. Your opinion is implied rather than stated clearly and consistently. To strengthen the response, explain more fully how broader study benefits students and state directly which view you support, with a reasoned example.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 6.0

The essay has a clear overall arrangement: an introduction, one paragraph for each view, and a conclusion. Sequencing words such as “Firstly,” “Secondly,” and “In conclusion” help readers follow the main stages. Within paragraphs, however, some links are mechanical, and the progression between ideas is not always smooth. For example, the first paragraph moves from testing one’s potential to working while studying, then to personal interest, without clearly showing how these points connect. The conclusion repeats earlier ideas rather than bringing them together into a definite position. Use clearer topic sentences and develop one point at a time; also check references such as “these subjects” so it is always clear what they refer to.

Lexical Resource: Band 5.5

You use a range of topic-related vocabulary, including “compulsory subjects,” “primary focus,” “complexity,” and “crucial deadlines,” which helps communicate the discussion. There are also attempts at less common expressions, but inaccurate word choice, collocation, and spelling are noticeable and sometimes make the meaning less clear. Examples include “check their potential,” “experience different circumstance,” “the specification of them,” and “affect on the major subjects.” Spelling errors such as “focued,” “demage,” and “submitt” further reduce accuracy. Aim for natural academic combinations, such as “assess their abilities,” “gain experience,” and “have a negative effect on their main studies.” Proofreading for spelling and choosing precise, familiar phrasing will improve clarity.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 5.0

The response attempts both simple and complex sentences, including clauses with “because,” “so,” and “while,” but control is inconsistent. Errors in agreement, verb forms, articles, plurals, and sentence construction occur frequently and can make some sentences difficult to follow. For example, “This allow them” needs subject–verb agreement, while “a students who want” mixes singular and plural forms. The sentence beginning “For instance, a students who want to do a job…” is also an incomplete or awkwardly constructed example. There are run-on sentences and inconsistent punctuation, including spaces before commas and full stops. Practise building accurate shorter sentences first, then combine them with subordinate clauses and check each sentence for a clear subject and verb.

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