Band 7.5 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 7.5 · Cambridge IELTS 11 · 2026-08-10
IELTS Writing Task 2 question
Some people say that the only reason for learning a foreign language is in order to travel to or work in a foreign country. Others say that these are not the only reasons why someone should learn a foreign language.
Discuss both these views and give your own opinion.
Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience.
Student answer (Band 7.5)
Learning a foreign language has become increasingly common in today’s globalised world. Some people argue that the main purpose of learning another language is to travel to or work in a foreign country, while others believe that there are several other important reasons. Although foreign languages are undoubtedly useful for travel and employment, I believe that their benefits extend far beyond these purposes.
On the one hand, there are strong reasons why people learn a foreign language for travelling or working abroad. Being able to communicate with local people can make travelling easier and more enjoyable, as visitors can ask for directions, order food and deal with everyday situations without relying entirely on translation tools. Similarly, knowledge of a foreign language can provide better employment opportunities. Many international companies prefer employees who can communicate with customers and colleagues from different countries. For example, someone who speaks English fluently may have a greater chance of finding employment in an international company or working in an English-speaking country.
On the other hand, learning a foreign language can be valuable even when a person has no intention of travelling or working abroad. Firstly, it can help people understand other cultures and develop better relationships with people from different backgrounds. Language is closely connected to a country's history, traditions and values, so learning it can provide a deeper understanding of another society. Secondly, studying a foreign language can improve mental abilities such as memory, concentration and problem-solving skills. In addition, people may learn a language simply because they enjoy it or want to access foreign books, films, music and other forms of entertainment in their original form.
In my opinion, travelling and working abroad are important reasons for learning a foreign language, but they are certainly not the only ones. The cultural, educational and personal benefits of language learning can be equally valuable, even for people who remain in their home country.
In conclusion, although foreign languages are particularly useful for international travel and employment, they also provide significant cultural and intellectual benefits. Therefore, I believe that people should learn foreign languages for a wide range of reasons rather than only for practical purposes abroad.
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 7.5 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 7.5 |
| Lexical Resource | 7.0 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 7.5 |
| Overall | 7.5 |
Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 7.5
The response fully addresses all parts of the task. You have clearly discussed both views—the practical necessity of language for travel and work, and the broader cultural and intellectual benefits—while maintaining a consistent personal position throughout. The ideas are well-developed and supported with relevant examples, such as the mention of international companies and the cognitive benefits of language acquisition. The structure is logical, and the conclusion effectively synthesizes your argument. You have provided a balanced and comprehensive response that meets all the requirements of the prompt.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 7.5
The essay is logically organized with a clear progression of ideas. Each paragraph has a central theme, and the transition between the two viewpoints is smooth, using effective signposting language like 'On the one hand' and 'On the other hand'. Cohesive devices are used naturally and accurately, such as 'Similarly', 'Firstly', and 'In addition'. Paragraphing is used appropriately to separate the different stages of your argument, ensuring the reader can follow your line of reasoning without difficulty. The flow of information is coherent throughout the entire piece.
Lexical Resource — Band 7.0
You demonstrate a good range of vocabulary that is appropriate for an academic context. Phrases such as 'increasingly common', 'globalised world', 'translation tools', and 'intellectual benefits' show a level of sophistication. The word choice is generally precise, and there are no significant errors in collocation. While the vocabulary is effective and conveys your meaning clearly, incorporating a few more idiomatic or less common academic collocations could elevate the response further. Overall, the lexical range is sufficient to express your ideas with precision and flexibility.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 7.5
The essay displays a wide range of grammatical structures, including complex sentences with subordinate clauses (e.g., 'Although foreign languages are undoubtedly useful... I believe that...'). The majority of your sentences are error-free, and your control over punctuation and tense usage is excellent. There are no noticeable grammatical slips that impede communication. The variety of sentence forms used—ranging from simple statements to more complex, multi-clause constructions—indicates a high level of grammatical competence and accuracy.
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