Band 7.0 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 7.0 · Cambridge IELTS 11 · 2026-09-15

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 7.0)

There is an ongoing debate about whether learning a foreign language is mainly useful for travelling or working abroad, or whether it has other important benefits. While being able to communicate in another language is certainly valuable for people who live or work overseas, I believe that there are several other reasons for learning a foreign language.

On the one hand, travelling and working in a foreign country are two major reasons why people choose to learn another language. Firstly, knowing the local language can make travelling much easier and more enjoyable. Tourists who can communicate with local people are more likely to find their way around, ask for information and deal with practical situations such as booking accommodation or ordering food. Secondly, language skills can be essential for people who plan to work abroad. Employees who speak the language of their colleagues and customers can communicate more effectively and may have better career opportunities. For example, an international company may prefer to employ someone who can communicate with clients in their native language.

On the other hand, there are many other benefits of learning a foreign language. One important reason is that it allows people to understand different cultures more deeply. Language is closely connected to a country's traditions, history and way of life, so learning it can help people appreciate cultural differences and become more open-minded. In addition, studying another language can improve certain mental skills, such as memory, concentration and problem-solving. It can also be useful for people who have no intention of travelling abroad, since they can use their language skills to communicate with international friends, access foreign books and films, or study information that is not available in their native language.

In my opinion, although travelling and working abroad are strong motivations for learning a foreign language, they are certainly not the only ones. The cultural and personal benefits of language learning are equally important. For instance, someone who learns Spanish may never live in a Spanish-speaking country, but they can still communicate with millions of people online and gain a better understanding of Spanish-speaking cultures.

In conclusion, learning a foreign language is undoubtedly useful for travelling and employment overseas. However, it also provides cultural, intellectual and social benefits, meaning that people can gain a great deal from learning another language even if they never go abroad.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 7.5

The response fully addresses all parts of the task by discussing both views on why people learn foreign languages—namely, travel and work abroad versus broader cultural, cognitive, and personal benefits—and presents a clear, well-developed personal opinion throughout. The introduction establishes the writer's stance, which is then thoroughly supported in the body paragraphs. The first body paragraph explores the practical advantages of travel and employment, while the second expands effectively into cultural appreciation, cognitive enhancement, and personal hobbies. Ideas are extended with relevant, realistic examples, such as the mention of Spanish speakers and international communication. The response meets all the requirements of Band 8 for this criterion.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.5

The essay displays a clear logical organization and progression from introduction to conclusion. Ideas are logically sequenced, with each paragraph having a distinct central topic. Cohesive devices such as 'On the one hand', 'On the other hand', 'Firstly', 'Secondly', and 'In addition' are used effectively to guide the reader through the argument without feeling mechanical. Paragraphing is used sufficiently and appropriately, clearly separating the different viewpoints and the writer's opinion. Referencing is clear throughout, and the overall progression of the essay is smooth and easy to follow, aligning well with the Band 7 descriptors.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.5

The student demonstrates a sufficient range of vocabulary with some flexibility and precision, suitable for an academic task. Less common lexical items are used with an awareness of style and collocation, such as 'ongoing debate', 'practical situations', 'career opportunities', and 'open-minded'. Word choices are generally accurate and natural, contributing to effective communication. While the vocabulary does not consistently reach the sophisticated control required for Band 8, it comfortably exceeds Band 6 by showing variety, appropriate phrasing, and precise terms like 'cognitive skills' or 'cultural differences' without noticeable awkwardness.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 7.5

The writer employs a wide variety of complex structures alongside simple sentences with good control. Examples of complex clauses include 'While being able to communicate in another language is certainly valuable...' and 'Tourists who can communicate with local people are more likely to...'. The majority of sentences are error-free, and punctuation is handled correctly throughout the essay. Grammatical errors are practically non-existent, and where complex structures are attempted, they are executed accurately. This demonstrates the high level of control and variety characteristic of a Band 8 performance.

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