Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 5.5 · Cambridge IELTS 11 · 2026-09-19

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 5.5)

In this regard, there are two popular prevailing notions. One believes that the only reason for learning a foreign language is in order to travel to or work in a foreign country while other claims that these are not the only reasons why someone should learn a foreign language. I tend to argue on both schools of thought and share my opinion.

In the first place, the people, who assume learning a foriegn language for travel or work. Its true that if you do not know the foreign language you cannot not communicate with the local people. For example, if you know a foreign language, the biggest benefit is that you will have great job oppertunities. Thus, it is pertinent to say that Learning a language makes things much easier for us.

On the other hand, who oppose the first notion, also possess some logical point to get themselves heard. Initially, they believe that travel and work are not the only reasons for learning a foreign language a foreign language. There are many other reasons as well. For example, if you obtain residency in another country, you should know about their language. Moreover, they also stress on a point that  if you want read historical docoments, knowing the original language is necessary to understand the text fully. Hence, it is worth saying that learning a new language, is good for brain health and memory.

In a nutshell, after considering all the above-mentioned arguments we can reach a logical conclusion that while work and travel are major reasons to learn a foreign language, there are many other valuable personal, cognitive, cultural benefits as well.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 5.5

The response addresses both parts of the task by discussing the views that foreign languages are solely for travel or work versus other broader reasons, and provides an opinion in the conclusion. However, the development of ideas is somewhat limited and repetitive. For example, in the second paragraph, the sentence 'Its true that if you do not know the foreign language you cannot not communicate' contains basic support that lacks depth. The student attempts to outline multiple viewpoints, such as residency and reading historical documents, but the explanations remain brief and under-developed. While a clear position is present, the arguments would benefit from greater elaboration and specific real-world examples. This performance aligns well with the Band 6 descriptors, as all parts of the task are addressed, but some areas lack sufficient extension.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.5

The essay displays a coherent overall arrangement with a recognizable introduction, body paragraphs, and conclusion. Paragraphing is used sufficiently to separate the different views. However, the progression is sometimes hindered by mechanical or faulty cohesive devices. For instance, the transition 'In the first place, the people, who assume learning a foriegn language for travel or work' is grammatically incomplete and awkwardly linked to the subsequent sentence ('Its true that...'). Additionally, referencing is occasionally unclear, as seen in the opening of the third paragraph where the subject 'who oppose the first notion' lacks a clear main verb. Cohesive devices such as 'Initially' and 'Hence' are attempted, but their usage feels rigid. These features place the response firmly at Band 5.5 to 6.0; Band 6 is appropriate here because the organization is generally logical despite mechanical cohesion.

Lexical Resource — Band 5.5

The student demonstrates an adequate vocabulary range to communicate ideas about learning foreign languages, using terms like 'prevailing notions', 'pertinent', 'cognitive', and 'cultural benefits'. However, there are notable spelling errors and inaccurate word choices throughout the text, such as 'foriegn' (foreign), 'oppertunities' (opportunities), 'docoments' (documents), and the phrase 'One believes that' where a plural subject or noun phrase is expected. The attempt to use less common vocabulary is evident, but the frequency of spelling mistakes and slight collocated inaccuracies prevent the score from reaching higher bands. Communication is not seriously impeded, which satisfies the requirements for Band 6.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.5

The writer attempts a mix of simple and complex sentence forms, such as conditional structures ('if you know a foreign language...') and subordinate clauses. However, grammatical accuracy is inconsistent. There are several structural errors and fragments, including 'One believes that the only reason... while other claims that...', 'the people, who assume learning a foriegn language for travel or work. Its true that...', and 'Moreover, they also stress on a point that if you want read...'. Punctuation and article usage also show frequent lapses. Because errors in grammar and punctuation occur regularly—though they rarely completely impede communication—the performance corresponds to a Band 5.5.

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