Band 7.5 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 7.5 · Cambridge IELTS 11 · 2026-08-18

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)

Some individuals argue that the primary purpose of acquiring a foreign language is to facilitate travel or employment in another nation, whereas others contend that these are not the sole motivations for learning a new language.

On the one hand, many people believe that learning a foreign language is primarily driven by practical needs such as travelling or working abroad, as effective communication becomes essential in unfamiliar environments. Without a shared language, individuals may struggle to perform basic tasks, including asking for directions, understanding instructions, or integrating into a professional setting. For instance, a person who moves to an English-speaking country for employment would find it extremely challenging to collaborate with colleagues or meet job requirements without sufficient language proficiency. Consequently, mastering the local language not only enhances workplace efficiency but also helps individuals adapt more smoothly to a new cultural and social environment.

Alternatively, many individuals assert that the value of learning a foreign language extends far beyond occupational or travel-related purposes, since it plays a crucial role in intellectual and personal development. Gaining proficiency in another language enables people to engage with different cultures, ideas, and worldviews, thereby enriching their perspective and critical thinking abilities. For instance, someone who studies French can read classic literature or watch films in their original form, which provides a deeper and more authentic cultural experience. Hence, language acquisition is not merely a practical skill but also a gateway to cultural enrichment and lifelong learning.

In my opinion, learning a foreign language should not be limited to practical purposes like travelling or working abroad; rather, it ought to be viewed as a comprehensive tool for personal and intellectual enrichment. While professional and travel-related benefits are undeniably significant, restricting language learning to these aspects seems overly narrow and short-sighted. A foreign language opens the door to diverse cultures, enhances cognitive flexibility, and allows individuals to connect with people from different backgrounds on a deeper level. For example, many learners study English not only for career advancement but also to access global knowledge, entertainment, and communication platforms, which greatly broadens their worldview. Therefore, I strongly support the view that language learning has multifaceted advantages that extend well beyond mere practicality.

In conclusion, while practical needs may motivate some learners, acquiring a foreign language should be seen as a valuable skill that enriches both the mind and overall life experience.

AI examiner evaluation

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 intellectual and cultural benefits—while maintaining a consistent personal position throughout. The ideas are well-developed and supported with relevant examples, such as the mention of classic literature and films to illustrate cultural enrichment. The structure is logical, and the conclusion effectively synthesizes the arguments presented. The response is balanced and demonstrates a clear understanding of the prompt requirements, meeting the criteria for a high band score.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 7.5

The essay is logically organized with a clear progression of ideas. Each paragraph has a central topic, and the transition between paragraphs is smooth, using cohesive devices such as 'On the one hand', 'Alternatively', and 'In conclusion'. The use of referencing and substitution is effective, ensuring that the text flows naturally. Paragraphing is used appropriately to separate distinct arguments, and there is a good balance of cohesive links without them feeling mechanical or repetitive. The overall structure is coherent and easy to follow, reflecting a sophisticated control of discourse markers.

Lexical Resource — Band 7.5

You demonstrate a wide and flexible range of vocabulary, which allows for precise expression of ideas. Phrases such as 'facilitate travel', 'occupational or travel-related purposes', 'cognitive flexibility', and 'multifaceted advantages' show a strong command of academic language. There is a good awareness of collocation and style, and the vocabulary is used accurately throughout the text. While the language is consistently appropriate and sophisticated, it stops just short of the 'very natural, sophisticated control' required for a band 9, but it is certainly well within the band 8 range.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 7.5

The essay displays a wide range of grammatical structures, including complex sentences with subordinate clauses (e.g., 'While professional and travel-related benefits are undeniably significant, restricting language learning...'). The majority of sentences are error-free, and the punctuation is used accurately to enhance clarity. There is a high level of control over tense, aspect, and agreement. The writing is fluent and demonstrates a high degree of grammatical accuracy, with only rare, minor slips that do not impede communication. The variety of sentence forms used is appropriate for an academic task.

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