Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 5.5 · Cambridge IELTS 11 · 2026-08-24
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)
NO one can deny that some people belive that learning a foreign language is in order to travel to or work in a foreign country, while others prefer to think that these are not the only reasons. It is important to admit that both views have their own benefits and detriments. In this essay i will discuss the possible reasons that support each view, and what benefits they bring to the society.
On the one hand, the option to think that one who will learn the foreign language for work and travel will gain better understanding of communication, will enjoy the work culture and explore more by knowing their local language has its benefits for many convincing reasons. Most importantly, The perfect example to illustrate this is one who is good with their local language will get the preference at the workplace so, that local clients could understand in their own language. On the contrary the major benefit of work and travel is not the only reasons why someone should learn a foreign language it has other reasons also like one could be keen to learn foreign language and knowing the culture of the foreign country where they will learn about various new things and explore about the country. To exemplify, it is very exicting to learn new language for example some people love to share their experince and intract with other people.
On the other hand, despite the above argument, other people choose to belive that both the views has many drawbacks which cannot be ignored like learning foreign language forb work and travel, so the language will be spoken for limited time period. For example one who is traveling to Paris will speak french for limited time period only. However, while learning foreign language there will be no seriousness to utilize it in daily life. For an instance if one who is speaking their mother tongue will not speak a foreign language at home.
In conclusion, I pen down highlighting that, it seems to me that both the aspects has its pros and cons and choosing the right fit is a good idea as per the convenience. But I believe one should not learn the foreign language only for work and travel one should bring the foreign langua
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 5.5 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 5.5 |
| Lexical Resource | 5.5 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 5.0 |
| Overall | 5.5 |
Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 5.5
The essay addresses both views regarding the reasons for learning a foreign language. However, the development of ideas is inconsistent. While you attempt to discuss the benefits of learning for work and travel, the arguments are somewhat repetitive and lack depth. The second body paragraph is particularly unclear, as it struggles to articulate why learning a language for travel might be considered a 'drawback' or why it lacks 'seriousness.' Furthermore, the conclusion is incomplete, cutting off mid-sentence, which prevents a clear final position from being established. To improve, ensure each paragraph focuses on a single, well-supported idea and always complete your final summary.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.5
The essay is organised into paragraphs, but the logical flow is frequently disrupted by unclear phrasing and awkward transitions. For example, the transition 'On the contrary the major benefit of work and travel is not the only reasons' is confusing and does not effectively contrast the previous point. Referencing is sometimes ambiguous, making it difficult for the reader to follow your line of reasoning. While you use some cohesive devices like 'On the one hand' and 'To exemplify,' their impact is diminished by the underlying structural issues and the incomplete conclusion. Improving the clarity of your topic sentences would significantly enhance the overall coherence.
Lexical Resource — Band 5.5
Your vocabulary is generally adequate for the task but lacks the precision and variety required for a higher band. You rely on basic terms and occasionally use words incorrectly, such as 'detriments' (which is usually used in the plural 'detrimental effects' or 'drawbacks') and 'exicting' (spelling error). Phrases like 'the option to think that one who will learn' are wordy and unnatural. To reach a higher band, focus on using more precise collocations and avoiding repetitive phrasing. Expanding your range to include more academic vocabulary related to linguistics or cultural exchange would also be beneficial.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.0
There is a mix of simple and complex sentence structures, but the essay contains frequent grammatical errors that occasionally impede communication. Common issues include subject-verb agreement (e.g., 'both views has,' 'both the aspects has'), missing articles, and awkward sentence construction (e.g., 'I pen down highlighting that'). Punctuation is also inconsistent, particularly with comma usage. While the meaning is usually discernable, the high frequency of errors in basic grammar prevents the essay from reaching a higher band. Focus on proofreading for subject-verb agreement and ensuring that your sentences are grammatically complete.
See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.
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