Band 6.0 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 6.0 · Cambridge IELTS 11 · 2026-08-23

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 6.0)

Some people believe that the only important reason for learning a foreign language is to travel or work in another country . However , others argue that there are many other reasons for learning a foreign language . This essay will discuss both views and explain why I believe that learning another language has benefits beyond travelling and employment.

On the one hand , learning a foreign language is particularly useful for people who plan to travel or work abroad. When travelling , people often need to communicate with local residents , ask for directions , order food and deal with different situations. Knowing the local language can make a trip easier and enjoyable. Similarly, who work in foreign country need to communicate with colleagues, customers and managers. A person who speaks the local language may also have more job opportunities and find it easier to build professional relationships. For example, an international company may prefer an employee who can communicate with foreign customers without depending on a translator .

On the other hand , travelling and working are not the only reasons to learn another language . Firstly , learning a foreign language can help people understand other cultures and traditions . Language is closely connected with the history and lifestyle of society , so learning it can give people a deeper understanding of different cultures. Secondly, studying an other language can improve mental abilities such as memory , concentration and problem solving skills. It can also a person’s confidence when communicate with people from different backgrounds . Furthermore, student can enjoy foreign films , books , music and education material in another language.

In my opinion, travelling and working abroad are more important reasons for learning a foreign language , but they are certainly not the only ones . A foreign language can provide cultural , educational and personal benefits.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 6.5

The response addresses all parts of the prompt, discussing both views and providing a clear personal opinion. The ideas are relevant and logically extended, such as the discussion on cognitive benefits and cultural understanding. However, the development is slightly uneven; while the arguments for travel and work are well-supported, the section on personal benefits could be further elaborated with more specific examples to reach a higher band. The position is consistent throughout the essay, and the conclusion effectively synthesizes the main points. To improve, ensure that each supporting point is fully explored with a concrete example or a deeper explanation of the 'why' behind the argument.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.5

The essay is logically organized with a clear introduction, body paragraphs, and a conclusion. Each paragraph has a central topic, and the progression of ideas is easy to follow. Cohesive devices such as 'On the one hand', 'Similarly', and 'Furthermore' are used effectively to link ideas. However, there is some minor mechanical use of transitions, and the referencing could be more varied to improve the flow. Paragraphing is used appropriately to separate the different viewpoints, which helps the reader navigate the argument. Overall, the structure is clear and supports the development of the topic well.

Lexical Resource — Band 5.5

The vocabulary is adequate for the task, allowing the writer to express ideas clearly. There is a sufficient range of topic-specific vocabulary, such as 'professional relationships', 'cognitive abilities', and 'local residents'. However, the range is somewhat limited, and there are occasional inaccuracies in word choice, such as 'education material' instead of 'educational materials'. To reach a higher band, the student should aim to incorporate more sophisticated collocations and less common lexical items. The current vocabulary is functional but lacks the precision and variety required for a higher score.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.5

The essay demonstrates a mix of simple and complex sentence structures. While the meaning is generally clear, there are several grammatical errors, such as 'who work in foreign country' (missing article), 'can also a person’s confidence' (missing verb), and 'when communicate' (incorrect verb form). These errors occur frequently enough to be noticeable but do not impede communication. To improve, the student should focus on subject-verb agreement, article usage, and ensuring that complex structures are formed accurately. Increasing the variety of complex sentence forms while reducing these recurring errors will help improve the score.

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