Band 6.5 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 6.5 · Cambridge IELTS 11 · 2026-08-29
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 6.5)
Learning foreign language has become increasingly important in today's world. Some people believe that the main purpose of learning another language is to travel or work abroad, while others argue that there are many other benefits. This essay will discuss both views and explain why believe learning a foreign language is useful for several reasons.
On the one hand, many people learn a foreign language to communicate effectively when they travel or work in another country. Knowing the local language helps individuals understand directions, interact with local people, and adapt more easily to a new environment. In addition, multinational companies often prefer employees who can speak more than one language, as this improves communication with international clients and colleagues. Therefore, language skills can create better job opportunities and make overseas travel more convenient.
On the other hand, there are many reasons to learn a foreign language apart from travelling or working abroad. Learning a new language allows people to understand different cultures, traditions and ways of thinking. It can also improve memory, concentration and problem-solving skills. Furthermore, many people learn languages for education, entertainment or personal interest. To cite an example, students may need a foreign language to access academic materials, while others may enjoy watching films or reading books in their original language.
To sum up, although travelling and working overseas are important reasons for learning a foreign language, I believe they are not the only reasons. Learning another language offers educational, cultural and personal benefits that can improve a person's benefits that can improve a person's life in many ways.
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 6.5 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 7.0 |
| Lexical Resource | 6.0 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 7.0 |
| Overall | 6.5 |
Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 6.5
The response addresses all parts of the prompt. You clearly discuss both views—the necessity of language for travel/work and the broader personal/educational benefits—and provide a clear personal opinion in the introduction and conclusion. The ideas are relevant and logically extended. To reach a higher band, you could provide more specific, nuanced examples. For instance, instead of just mentioning 'academic materials,' you could briefly explain how language proficiency allows researchers to access primary sources in fields like history or literature. Overall, the development is sufficient and the position is consistent throughout the essay.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 7.0
The essay is well-organized with a clear progression of ideas. Each paragraph has a central topic, and the transition between the two viewpoints is smooth, using standard cohesive devices like 'On the one hand' and 'On the other hand.' Paragraphing is used effectively to separate the different arguments. The flow is logical and easy to follow. To improve, you could vary your cohesive devices slightly more to avoid a somewhat mechanical feel, but the current structure is perfectly adequate for a clear, coherent response.
Lexical Resource — Band 6.0
You demonstrate an adequate range of vocabulary for the task, using terms like 'multinational companies,' 'effectively,' and 'adapt.' The language is natural and conveys your meaning clearly. However, the vocabulary is somewhat functional and lacks the 'less common' or 'sophisticated' items required for higher bands. There is also a minor repetition error in the conclusion where you repeat the phrase 'benefits that can improve a person's' twice. Expanding your range to include more precise academic collocations would help elevate your score.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 7.0
The essay displays a good mix of simple and complex sentence structures. You use complex sentences effectively, such as 'Although travelling and working overseas are important reasons..., I believe they are not the only reasons.' There are very few grammatical errors, and those that exist do not impede communication. A minor slip occurs in the introduction: 'why believe learning' should be 'why I believe learning.' Overall, your control over grammar is strong, and the majority of your sentences are error-free, which is characteristic of a high-scoring response.
See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.
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