Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 5.5 · Cambridge IELTS 11 · 2026-08-14

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 5.5)

There has long been debate over whether that learning a foreign languages is the only reason in order to travel to or work in a foreign country. Other people say that these are not only the reasons to learn a foreign languages. Advocates of this perspective maintains that learning overseas languages help us a lot in study, work, job and travel. International languages help people to run their businesses very easily. Students can easily adjust in their environment. They can make progress, grow and proceed in their education. They can also do a part-time job. Conversely, critics argue that if someone has knowledge about non-native languages such as Italian, Greek, Arabic, Persian, Chinese, Spanish and Russian, he can easily understand different cultures, customs and traditions of different countries. These languages also help us to communicate with people and read their mind. We can easily adjust in their lifestyles. In addition to, we have a greater opportunity to import and export in foreign countries. While both perspectives have merit, I am inclined to believe that learning a foreign languages is very valuable thing in every aspect of life not only for study and work. In the modern age, mostly people prefer to go to abroad for study and also for earning money, so learning different languages prove to be a very beneficial for them. Having weighed both perspectives, ultimately, the former viewpoint appears more convincing that government should invest money. They should organize institutions that give knowledge about international languages so, that people feel comfortable and enjoy themselves in different countries. People should learn foreign languages because linguistic diversity is important.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 5.5

The response addresses both sides of the prompt, but the development of ideas is somewhat superficial. While you mention that languages help with study and work, and also provide cultural benefits, the arguments lack depth and specific examples. The conclusion introduces a new, slightly off-topic point about government investment, which is not directly related to the prompt's core question about the reasons for learning a language. To improve, ensure that each paragraph focuses on expanding a single, clear argument with a concrete example or logical explanation, and maintain a consistent focus on the prompt throughout the essay.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.5

The essay is organized into paragraphs, but the logical flow between sentences is occasionally disjointed. You use some cohesive devices like 'Conversely' and 'In addition to', but 'In addition to' is used incorrectly as a sentence starter without an object. The progression of ideas is sometimes repetitive, particularly in the discussion of study and work. To reach a higher band, focus on using a wider variety of linking words more accurately and ensure that each sentence builds logically upon the previous one to create a smoother, more cohesive argument.

Lexical Resource — Band 5.5

The vocabulary is generally adequate for the task but lacks precision and variety. There are several instances of awkward phrasing, such as 'read their mind' (which is likely meant to be 'understand their perspective') and 'go to abroad'. You rely on basic vocabulary and repeat terms like 'foreign languages' and 'study and work' frequently. To improve, try to incorporate more sophisticated synonyms and collocations. For example, instead of 'help us a lot', use 'facilitate' or 'enhance'. Focus on using words in their correct context to avoid unnatural expressions.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.5

There are frequent grammatical errors throughout the text, including issues with articles ('a foreign languages'), subject-verb agreement ('Advocates... maintains'), and sentence structure. Many sentences are simple, and attempts at complex structures often contain errors, such as 'so, that people feel comfortable'. These errors are noticeable and occasionally distract the reader, although they do not fully impede communication. To improve, focus on mastering basic subject-verb agreement and article usage. Additionally, practice combining simple sentences into complex ones using accurate relative clauses and subordinating conjunctions.

See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.

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