Band 6.5 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 6.5 · Cambridge IELTS 11 · 2026-09-11

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)

Nowadays, learning a foreign language has become common among people around the world. While some believe that the main purpose of learning another language is to travel or work abroad, others argue that there are many other benefits. I believe that foreign languages are useful for several reasons beyond travel and employment.

On the one hand, some people believe that a foreign language is useful when people travel or work abroad. One main reason is that knowing the local language makes communication easier in a foreign country. This is because when people can speak the local language, they can communicate with local residents without depending on translators. They can also understand important information and express their needs more clearly. As a result, travelling becomes more convenient and working abroad becomes easier. For example, a tourist who speaks English can easily ask for directions, book a hotel and communicate with local people in many countries.

On the other hand, Other believe that people can learn languages for reasons other than travel and employment. One important reason is that learning a foreign language helps people understand other cultures. This can lead to as a result, they can become more open-minded and respectful towards other cultures. For instance, a person learning Japanese may also become familiar with Japanese traditions, food and social customs. I believe this view is more convincing because this is because language is closely connected with the traditions, lifestyle and values of a society.

In conclusion, travelling and working in another country are important reasons for learning a foreign language. However, learning another language can also improve cultural understanding, personal development and communication skills. Therefore, I believe there are many valuable reasons to learn a foreign language.

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 generally well-supported, such as the example of a tourist using English or the cultural benefits of learning Japanese. However, the development of the second viewpoint could be more nuanced. While the position is clear, some arguments are slightly repetitive, particularly in the second body paragraph where the explanation of why language is connected to culture is somewhat circular. Overall, the response meets the requirements for a Band 7, as the position is consistent and the main ideas are extended, though they could benefit from more depth to reach a higher band.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.5

The essay is logically organized with a clear introduction, two body paragraphs, and a conclusion. Paragraphing is used appropriately to separate the two viewpoints. Cohesive devices such as 'On the one hand', 'On the other hand', 'As a result', and 'In conclusion' are used effectively to guide the reader. However, there are minor issues with cohesion, such as the phrase 'This can lead to as a result', which is redundant and slightly awkward. Despite this, the progression of ideas is clear throughout the text, and referencing is generally well-managed, justifying a Band 7 score.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.0

The vocabulary is sufficient for the task and allows for some flexibility. You use appropriate topic-specific terms like 'local residents', 'open-minded', and 'social customs'. There are some minor issues with word choice and repetition, such as the phrase 'this is because... because' in the second body paragraph, which indicates a slight lack of precision. While you demonstrate an ability to use a range of vocabulary, it does not consistently reach the level of sophistication required for a Band 8. The errors present do not impede communication, making this a solid Band 6.5 or 7.0 performance.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 6.0

You demonstrate a mix of simple and complex sentence structures. Most sentences are clear and error-free, which ensures that the meaning is always conveyed successfully. There are some minor grammatical slips, such as 'Other believe' (should be 'Others believe') and the aforementioned redundant phrasing in the second paragraph. You show good control over punctuation and sentence construction, but the range of complex structures is somewhat limited. To achieve a higher band, try to incorporate a wider variety of subordinate clauses and more sophisticated grammatical forms. The current level of accuracy is consistent with a Band 6.5.

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