Band 6.5 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 6.5 · Cambridge IELTS 11 · 2026-10-11

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)

People have different opinions on why one learns a non-native language. While many individuals believe that the reason is to travel or work abroad, I have a view that this is not the only reason for learning a foreign language.

Learning a foreign language is essential for a person who dreams of making a career in another country. The language proficiency test is required by many international organisations. For instance, my uncle, who applied for a position in a UK firm, was asked to pass the General IELTS test. In addition, knowing a language is necessary to avoid the communication barrier when travelling abroad. As per statistics, people who fail to understand the native language or lingua franca of a foreign country have more chances of getting scammed and mugged since they can not grasp the situation they are facing.

Along with these two reasons, there are many other positive aspects of learning a different language. Learning a new language is important for cultural exchange. It creates a feeling of warmth, openness, and hospitality when hearing someone speak your language, even if it's just an online interaction. Secondly, there is an educational reason behind it as well; certain course programs such as philosophy, Literature, epistemology, and sociology require understanding the root of a word, its cultural background, and the history of the particular place; it is impossible to explore a community without knowing the basics of their language. One cannot study Shakespeare and his era without understanding his language.

In conclusion, learning a non-native language for travel and work purposes is not the only reason; it carries significance for other reasons too, such as educational and ethical reasons.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 6.5

You discuss both stated views and give a clear position: the opening says travel and work are not the only reasons, and the conclusion restates this. The work paragraph is supported with your uncle’s IELTS example, while the travel point explains how language can help people avoid scams or mugging. You also add cultural and educational reasons, including the example of studying Shakespeare. These relevant examples show some development, but the two additional reasons are not equally clear: the link between language learning and “ethical reasons” in the conclusion is not explained, and the educational point could be made more precise. To strengthen the response, explain each reason’s significance and connect the examples more directly to your argument.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 6.0

The response has a clear overall structure: an introduction, a paragraph on travel and work, a paragraph on other motivations, and a conclusion. Transitions such as “In addition,” “Along with these two reasons,” and “Secondly” help signal the progression. However, the second body paragraph combines cultural exchange with several academic subjects and Shakespeare, so its central focus becomes less clear. The conclusion also introduces “ethical reasons,” which has not been developed in the body. Some linking is therefore more mechanical than fully integrated. For stronger progression, organise each paragraph around one main idea, use references that clearly connect examples to that idea, and ensure the conclusion summarises points already established.

Lexical Resource: Band 7.0

You use a good range of topic vocabulary, including “language proficiency,” “communication barrier,” “cultural exchange,” and “cultural background.” Less common terms such as “lingua franca” and “epistemology” show ambition, and the meaning is generally clear. There are occasional awkward or imprecise choices, however: “the reason is to travel or work abroad” is vague, “more chances of getting scammed and mugged” is informal, and “ethical reasons” does not accurately summarise the cultural and educational benefits discussed. “General IELTS test” is also not the most precise description in this context. Aim for natural collocations and precise wording, especially when summarising your argument, while retaining the useful range already demonstrated.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 6.5

You use a mix of simple and complex structures, including a relative clause in “my uncle, who applied for a position” and a conditional construction in “even if it’s just an online interaction.” Most sentences communicate their meaning clearly. Some grammatical and punctuation issues remain: “people who fail to understand … have more chances” would be more naturally formed as “are more likely,” and “they can not grasp” is conventionally written as “cannot grasp.” The semicolon before “it is impossible” joins two closely related independent clauses, but the sentence would be clearer if the relationship were expressed with a conjunction or a full stop. Review sentence boundaries and aim for consistently controlled complex sentences to improve accuracy.

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