Band 6.5 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 6.5 · Cambridge IELTS 11 · 2026-09-20

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)

It is often argued that, a foreign language is only learned for the purpose of travel or work in a foreign country. On the other hand, some people believe that the reason for learning a foreign language is not limited to travel or work. In my opinion, learning a foreign language could help in building self-confidence, improving skills and protecting us from certain diseases.

On one hand, it is argued that learning a different language is only for the purpose of work and travel. Being multilingual could provide lucrative career options. People can gain opportunities to work in diverse countries. For instance, there are numerous companies who have a criterion that employees should know different languages, therefore they can communicate with clients in diverse languages. Furthermore, while travelling, multilingualism can bring benefits by communicating better with the country's natives and help to learn their culture.

On the other hand, some people believe that learning a language is not only related to work or travel, it can help people to enhance their skills and abilities. Learning a foreign language could help to build self-confidence and provide problem-solving skills. Moreover, it can help to make relationships internationally through various platforms. For example, people can make friends through social media, and can communicate through dissimilar websites. Furthermore, being multilingual will help to prevent diseases, like Alzheimer’s.

In my opinion, I acknowledge that learning a foreign language could help in building a career and help in travel. However, I believe that having knowledge about diverse languages could help in polishing skills and keeping us safe from diseases.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 6.5

The response addresses all parts of the task by discussing both views (that a foreign language is only for travel/work, and that there are other reasons) and clearly presents a personal opinion in the introduction and conclusion. Ideas are extended and supported, such as providing examples of career options, international relationships, and health benefits like preventing Alzheimer's. The position is clear throughout the essay. However, some arguments, particularly regarding health benefits, border on over-generalisation or tangential relevance, preventing it from reaching the highest band. Overall, the task is well handled, fulfilling all requirements of a Band 7 performance.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.5

The essay displays a clear logical organisation and progression throughout. Each paragraph has a distinct focus, beginning with a clear introduction, moving through well-demarcated body paragraphs using standard signposts like 'On one hand' and 'On the other hand', and concluding with a summary of the writer's stance. Cohesive devices such as 'Furthermore', 'For instance', and 'Moreover' are used adequately to guide the reader. Paragraphing is used appropriately. However, referencing and transitional links are occasionally mechanical or slightly repetitive in structure, keeping the performance at a Band 7 level.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.0

The student demonstrates a sufficient range of vocabulary for the task, allowing for some flexibility and precision. Phrases such as 'multilingualism', 'lucrative career options', and 'diverse countries' show an attempt to use less common items with appropriate awareness of style. There are some instances of slightly repetitive phrasing or minor collocation issues, such as 'communicate through dissimilar websites' rather than 'various platforms', but these lexical choices do not impede communication, aligning the response with Band 6.5 or a solid Band 7 descriptor.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 6.5

The writer uses a mix of simple and complex sentence forms, demonstrating control over relative clauses and modal verbs (e.g., 'Learning a foreign language could help to build self-confidence'). There are frequent error-free sentences, though a few minor punctuation or grammatical slips occur, such as the unnecessary comma in the opening sentence ('It is often argued that, a foreign language is...'). Overall, grammatical control is good, and structures are varied enough to support clear communication without interference from errors, fitting comfortably into Band 7.

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