Band 7.5 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 7.5 · Cambridge IELTS 11 · 2026-08-26

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)

It is often argued that learning a foreign language is mainly useful for people who intend to travel to or work in another country. However, others believe that there are many additional reasons for acquiring a second language. In my opinion, although international travel and employment are important motivations, learning another language also provides significant educational, cultural and personal benefits.

On the one hand, there are practical reasons why people learn foreign languages. The most obvious benefit is that knowing the local language makes travelling considerably easier. Tourists can communicate with local people, ask for directions, understand signs and deal with everyday situations without relying entirely on translation applications. Similarly, people who plan to work abroad can benefit greatly from being able to communicate with colleagues and customers in their language. For example, an Indian engineer working in Germany would have better opportunities to integrate into the workplace and build professional relationships if he or she could speak German.

On the other hand, travelling and employment are not the only reasons to learn another language. Firstly, language learning can provide a deeper understanding of other cultures. A person who learns Japanese, for instance, may develop a better appreciation of Japanese traditions, literature and social values. Language is closely connected to culture, so learning it can help people understand perspectives that may be difficult to appreciate through translation alone. Secondly, learning a foreign language can improve cognitive skills such as memory, concentration and problem-solving. It can also give students access to books, films, research and other information that may not be available in their native language.

In my view, the cultural and intellectual benefits of language learning are just as important as its practical advantages. Even if someone never travels or works abroad, learning another language can broaden their worldview and enable them to communicate with a wider range of people. For example, a student who learns Spanish may use it to make international friends or enjoy Spanish-language films and literature, without ever visiting a Spanish-speaking country.

In conclusion, although travelling and working overseas are major reasons for learning a foreign language, they are certainly not the only ones. Foreign-language education can also promote cultural understanding, improve mental abilities and broaden people's access to knowledge. Therefore, I believe that learning another language is valuable regardless of whether a person plans to live or work abroad.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 7.5

The response fully addresses all parts of the prompt. You clearly identify both sides of the argument—the practical necessity of language for travel and work, and the broader cultural and cognitive benefits. Your position is established in the introduction and maintained consistently throughout the essay. Each paragraph is well-developed with relevant examples, such as the Indian engineer in Germany and the student learning Spanish. The ideas are extended logically, providing a balanced discussion that directly answers the task requirements. The conclusion effectively synthesises your arguments and reaffirms your stance.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 7.5

The essay is logically organised with a clear progression of ideas. Each paragraph has a central topic sentence, and the transition between paragraphs is smooth, using effective cohesive devices such as 'On the one hand', 'On the other hand', and 'In conclusion'. Referencing is clear, and the use of linking words is natural rather than mechanical. The structure is well-balanced, and the paragraphing is used appropriately to separate the different viewpoints and your own opinion, which helps the reader follow your argument without any confusion.

Lexical Resource — Band 7.0

You demonstrate a good range of vocabulary that is appropriate for an academic context. Phrases such as 'acquiring a second language', 'integrate into the workplace', 'broaden their worldview', and 'cognitive skills' show a level of precision and flexibility. While the vocabulary is accurate and fits the context well, it could be slightly more sophisticated to reach the highest band. However, the current range is sufficient to convey your ideas clearly and effectively, with no errors in word choice or collocation that impede communication.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 7.5

The essay displays a wide range of grammatical structures, including complex sentences with subordinate clauses (e.g., 'Even if someone never travels or works abroad, learning another language can...'). The majority of your sentences are error-free, and your control over punctuation and tense usage is strong. There are no significant grammatical errors that hinder the reader's understanding. The writing is fluent and demonstrates a high level of accuracy, consistent with the requirements for a high band score.

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