Band 6.5 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 6.5 · Cambridge IELTS 11 · 2026-09-14

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 a new language is a topic of considerable debate. Some people argue that the primary reason for acquiring a foreign language is to travel to or work in a foreign country. Others believe that there are additional important reasons for learning a new language beyond these practical purposes. This essay will explore both perspectives before presenting my own view.

On the one hand, many individuals learn a second language primarily to facilitate travel or enhance their job prospects abroad. For travelers, knowing the local language can greatly improve their experience by allowing for more meaningful interactions with locals and a deeper understanding of the culture. Similarly for those seeking employment in a foreign country, proficiency in the local language is often essential. without it effective communication with colleagues and clients can be challenging , potentially hindering professional success.

On the other hand, learning a foreign language offers benefits that extend beyond more travel or work. For example language skills can provide valuable insights into different cultures, as language is closely tied to cultural identity and traditions. Additionally, speaking multiple languages can help individuals build relationships with people from diverse backgrounds, whether through social media, online communities, or international networks, this can lead to greater cultural awareness and personal growth. Furthermore, multilingualism can enhance cognitive abilities and improve problem solving skills, making it a valuable asset in various aspects of life.

In my opinion, the reasons for learning a foreign language are diverse and should not be confined to just travel or work in today's globalized world, the ability to communicate across languages offers numerous advantages, including personal enrichment, cultural understanding, and cognitive development. As such, the significance of learning a new language extends far beyond practical necessities.

In conclusion, while traveling and working abroad are valid reasons for learning a foreign language, they are not the only ones. The broader benefits of language acquisition, such as cultural insights and cognitive enhancement, illustrate the multifaceted value of being multilingual.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 6.5

The student has successfully addressed all parts of the task. Both views regarding the purpose of learning a foreign language are discussed in detail, and a clear, well-supported personal opinion is presented throughout the essay. The response begins with a balanced introduction and moves smoothly into examining practical reasons such as travel and employment in the second paragraph. The third paragraph successfully introduces broader benefits, including cognitive enhancement and cultural understanding. The ideas are well-developed and supported with relevant explanations and examples, fulfilling the criteria for Band 7.0.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.5

The essay demonstrates a clear logical organisation and progression throughout. Information and ideas are structured coherently across distinct paragraphs, each serving a specific function. Cohesive devices such as 'On the one hand', 'On the other hand', 'Furthermore', and 'In conclusion' are used appropriately to guide the reader through the arguments. Paragraphing is handled sufficiently and effectively. While referencing is generally clear, occasional mechanical transitions prevent the response from reaching the highest bands, placing it solidly at Band 7.0.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.5

The student uses a sufficient range of vocabulary with some flexibility and precision to discuss the topic. Less common lexical items are attempted, such as 'multilingualism', 'cognitive abilities', 'cultural identity', and 'multifaceted value'. There are, however, occasional minor lexical inaccuracies or awkward phrasings, such as 'beyond more travel' instead of 'beyond mere travel'. Despite these minor errors, the vocabulary is adequate to convey precise meanings without impeding communication, demonstrating the characteristics of Band 7.0.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 6.5

The writer demonstrates a good command of grammatical structures, successfully integrating a variety of complex sentence forms alongside simpler structures. Frequent error-free sentences are produced, and punctuation is generally well handled. However, there are a few punctuation and capitalization slips, notably in the second paragraph ('without it effective communication... challenging , potentially...'). Another minor comma splice occurs in the third paragraph ('...international networks, this can lead...'). These minor errors do not impede communication and align well with the Band 7.0 descriptor.

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