Band 6.0 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 6.0 · Cambridge IELTS 18 · 2026-10-28

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 6.0)

It is often argued that some students are interested in getting knowledge about subjects other than main, while others want to be fully focused about their main goals. Some believe that they should study other subjects too because it is vital for the better understanding of the environment. Others are against this idea because they believe it is a waste of their time and students should put all the attention and time on their particular task

On the one hand, when we are confined to a specific subject and don't think out of the box, we usually don't understand the basic phenomena of universe. For example, arts student usually don't know about the basic terminologies of the human body. If they does not have primary knowledge, they will face difficulties in the future. In secondary schools, we are given basic concepts of all main subjects so students can select what they want to pursue. I believe this practice should continue at the university level also, as students will be familiar about the basic ideas of science, arts and maths.

On the other hand, some argue that if we start focusing on the other subjects, it will waste their precious time. In university, attendance is vital for exams. For instance, mostly universities require 75% of attendance to sit in exams. If students focus on the subjects other than main and they miss their course classes, it will result in the lower attendance. They will not be allow to take exams and consequently their time will be wasted.

In my opinion, although students should study subjects other than main as it will help them to get better understanding of environment, but they must follow their course schedule first.

In conclusion, students should study other subjects also because they provide basic understanding but the time table of their course subjects should be followed by them.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 6.0

You address both views and give a clear preference: students should explore other subjects, but prioritise their course schedule. The discussion of broader knowledge is relevant, and the example of arts students learning about the human body helps illustrate your point. You also explain the opposing concern through attendance requirements and possible exam consequences. However, some reasoning is not fully developed: the link between missing classes and studying other subjects is asserted rather than explored, and the benefits of wider study remain quite general. The conclusion repeats your position but does not add much synthesis. Develop each argument with a more specific example and explain more clearly how it supports your view.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 6.5

The response has a clear overall structure: an introduction, separate paragraphs for the two views, your opinion, and a conclusion. Signposts such as “On the one hand,” “On the other hand,” and “In my opinion” make the progression easy to follow, and the main ideas are generally grouped appropriately. This meets the lower-band expectations securely and shows some features of stronger organisation. To make the flow more consistently smooth, reduce repetition between the opinion paragraph and conclusion, and make links between claims more explicit. For example, the attendance example would connect more logically if you explained why taking additional subjects would cause students to miss required classes. Some transitions currently feel formulaic rather than integrated into the argument.

Lexical Resource: Band 6.0

You use an adequate range of vocabulary to discuss education, including “confined to a specific subject,” “basic concepts,” “precious time,” and “attendance.” These choices communicate the main ideas, and attempts at more academic phrasing are evident. However, some word choices and collocations are inaccurate or unnatural, such as “focused about their main goals,” “basic phenomena of universe,” and “better understanding of environment.” Repetition of “subjects,” “basic,” and “time” also limits flexibility. Aim for more precise academic expressions and check whether words naturally combine in English. For instance, describe students as focusing “on their degree subject” and refer to “a broader understanding of the world” rather than relying on repeated general terms.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 5.5

You attempt a mix of simple and complex structures, including conditional sentences (“If students focus…”) and a concession in your opinion paragraph. The overall meaning remains understandable, but some grammatical errors recur and occasionally make sentences awkward. Examples include “If they does not have” instead of “If they do not have,” “they will not be allow” instead of “they will not be allowed,” and “arts student usually don’t know,” where the subject needs plural agreement or an article. The final opinion sentence also needs clearer clause structure: “although …, but …” combines two contrasting patterns. Practise subject–verb agreement, passive forms, articles, and punctuation, while keeping complex sentences controlled.

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