Band 7.0 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 7.0 · Cambridge IELTS 11 · 2026-09-26

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)

It is widely believed that learning a foreign language is primarily beneficial for people who intend to travel to or work in another country. However, others argue that language acquisition has a much broader range of advantages. In my view, although international travel and employment are important motivations, there are several equally significant reasons for learning another language.

On the one hand, foreign-language proficiency can be extremely valuable for international mobility and professional development. When people travel abroad, the ability to communicate in the local language enables them to interact more effectively with residents, understand cultural norms and navigate unfamiliar surroundings with greater confidence. Similarly, in an increasingly globalised labour market, multilingual employees may be able to communicate with international clients and colleagues more efficiently. Consequently, linguistic skills can facilitate professional communication and expand career opportunities.

On the other hand, learning another language offers benefits that extend considerably beyond travel and employment. Most importantly, it can broaden people's cultural horizons by allowing them to gain a deeper insight into the traditions, values and perspectives of other societies. Language learning can also foster cross-cultural understanding, which is particularly important in multicultural communities. Furthermore, studying a new language can contribute to intellectual development because learners must understand unfamiliar vocabulary, grammatical structures and ways of expressing ideas. It can also help people establish meaningful relationships with individuals from different linguistic and cultural backgrounds.

In conclusion, while learning a foreign language can undoubtedly enhance travel experiences and professional prospects, its significance is not confined to these practical purposes. I firmly believe that language acquisition is also an effective means of promoting cultural awareness, intellectual development and meaningful human interaction.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 7.5

The student fully addresses all parts of the task by discussing both views on foreign language learning—its role in travel and work versus its broader advantages—while clearly stating their own opinion in the introduction and conclusion. The response is well-developed, with distinct body paragraphs dedicated to each viewpoint. For instance, the first body paragraph thoughtfully explores international mobility and professional development, while the second expands upon cultural horizons, intellectual development, and cross-cultural understanding. Ideas are extended and supported with relevant explanations and clear examples, meeting all the requirements of the prompt effectively. This aligns well with the Band 8 descriptor, as all parts of the task are covered thoroughly and ideas are well developed.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 6.5

The response demonstrates a clear logical organisation and progression throughout. Information and ideas are coherently sequenced, moving smoothly from the introductory thesis to the two main body paragraphs and finally to a concise conclusion. Cohesive devices are used flexibly and appropriately without being overly mechanical, as seen with transition words like 'On the one hand', 'On the other hand', and 'Consequently'. Paragraphing is used sufficiently and appropriately, with each paragraph focusing on a distinct central topic. Referencing throughout the essay is clear and easy to follow, making the reading experience seamless. This performance easily satisfies the requirements for a Band 7.0.

Lexical Resource: Band 6.5

The student uses a sufficient range of vocabulary with some flexibility and precision, demonstrating an ability to incorporate less common lexical items with good awareness of style and collocation. Examples include 'international mobility', 'globalised labour market', 'cultural horizons', and 'cross-cultural understanding'. Word choices are generally natural and accurate, allowing the message to be conveyed effortlessly. Although there are no glaring lexical errors, the vocabulary remains somewhat standard for a high-intermediate level rather than displaying the fully sophisticated control or wide-ranging uncommon phrases typical of Band 8. Therefore, a solid Band 7 is awarded for lexical resource.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 6.5

The writer displays a commendable variety of complex structures, including conditional-like statements, participial phrases, and subordinate clauses (e.g., 'When people travel abroad, the ability to communicate... enables them to...'). A frequent proportion of sentences are error-free, and there is a strong overall control of grammar and punctuation. While occasional minor awkwardness might exist, there are no systematic errors that impede communication. The structural variety and high degree of accuracy closely match the Band 7 criteria, where good control is maintained over complex sentence forms.

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