Band 6.0 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 6.0 · Cambridge IELTS 11 · 2026-09-30

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 6.0)

Some people say that the main purpose of learning a foreign language is only travel or work in other countries. But some argue that there are some other reasons to learn foreign languages. I believe that learning others languages gives more benefits in work and communication. In this essay, I will explore both views and conclude with my opinion.

On the one hand, learning a foreign language for work and traveling is better because when people travel in other countries, it is very difficult for them to communicate with others unless they know the local language. They can communicate with them ,ask directions and also work. If they do not know the language they will face more difficulties like language barrier, and lack of understanding. For instance, a person who is going to Germany, needs to learn the German language, for communication, study and for working. Therefore, learning foreign language is crucial for both potential workers and aspiring students.

On the other hand, some people believe that there are many other reasons to learn a foreign language. People who learn a foreign language do not only learn it for travel or working purposes, they have other motives as well. They can learn a language for understanding the culture of the people and to know about the remedies, the recipes and overall contemporary information. It also allows a person to enjoy different languages books and music, according to what the author intended and to understand deep intonations and develop inference.

Admittedly, learning a foreign language for work and for travel is the most pragmatic approach to language learning, as learning a language is a long and arduous process, which can involve months and even years, so learning a foreign language for working or settling in a foreign nation would be the best approach. For instance, someone who appreciates the culture and tradition of Japan, can learn Japanese to get a better understanding of Japanese culture, however in real life value, it would be a waste, rather that person would benefit more from learning a language of a country, he actually wants to settle down in. So that he can utilize that language properly.

In conclusion, learning another language can also increase cultural understanding, develop personal skills and help people communicate with others around the world.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 6.0

The student addresses all parts of the prompt by discussing both views—that learning a language is solely for travel and work, and that there are broader reasons—while also providing a personal opinion. The position is generally clear, although the introduction states 'learning others languages gives more benefits in work and communication,' which slightly misaligns with the subsequent body paragraphs that discuss cultural and personal enrichment. Ideas are extended and supported with examples, such as the mention of traveling to Germany and the reference to exploring Japanese culture, though some points in the third and fourth paragraphs become slightly repetitive or convoluted regarding the practical value of learning a language. Overall, the task is well-addressed, fulfilling the core requirements of a Band 6.5 or 7, comfortably landing at a Band 6.5 due to minor contradictions in the stance development.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 6.0

The essay displays a coherent overall arrangement with a clear logical progression from introduction to body paragraphs and a concluding summary. Paragraphing is used appropriately, with each main idea housed in its own distinct section. Cohesive devices are employed to guide the reader, using phrases like 'On the one hand,' 'On the other hand,' 'Admittedly,' and 'In conclusion.' However, some referencing is slightly clunky or mechanical, such as 'They can communicate with them ,ask directions' with punctuation spacing issues, and the transition in the fourth paragraph ('Admittedly...') feels a bit repetitive in recycling the work/travel theme rather than introducing a fresh concession. Despite these minor lapses in fluid referencing and mechanical cohesion, the organization is clear throughout, warranting a Band 6.5.

Lexical Resource: Band 5.5

The student demonstrates an adequate range of vocabulary for the task, successfully attempting less common items such as 'pragmatic approach,' 'arduous process,' 'contemporary information,' and 'intonations.' However, there are noticeable word choice and collocation inaccuracies throughout the text, such as 'travel or work' instead of 'traveling or working' in the first sentence, 'learning others languages' (plurality error), and 'real life value, it would be a waste, rather that person would benefit more...' where phrasing is awkward and imprecise. Spelling is generally accurate, but the occasional lexical inaccuracies and slightly unnatural phrasings place this response firmly in the Band 6 category, as the vocabulary is sufficient to communicate the ideas clearly despite some slips.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 5.5

The writer attempts a mix of simple and complex sentence forms, demonstrating varying degrees of success. Complex structures are used, such as conditional and subordinate clauses (e.g., 'unless they know the local language' and 'If they do not know the language they will face more difficulties'). However, there are several grammatical errors and punctuation flaws, including comma splices and missing articles, such as 'learning foreign language is crucial' (missing article 'a') and 'needs to learn the German language, for communication' (unnecessary comma). Longer sentences, such as the convoluted sentence starting with 'For instance, someone who appreciates the culture...', exhibit weak syntactic control and run-on tendencies. These errors do not impede communication, but they occur frequently enough to prevent the score from reaching a Band 7.

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