Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 5.5 · Cambridge IELTS 11 · 2026-10-16

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)

A lot of people think that learning a foreign langauge is just for individuals who are planning to travel and migrate to other country. However, for some it could be part of self-development and cultural development. This essay would discuss both views.

In my opinion, being eloquent in foreign language is beneficial in several ways. I would argue that having the priviledge to know one or more foreign language could be an advantage in migrating abroad, however I also believe that this could be a way to enhance one's personal knowledge and cultural involvement. For example, a group of travellers who plan to visit Japan know Nihonggo, I highly believe that having the advantage of conversing with the Japanese in their native language can be a great experience that would show that they are indulging themselves in the Japanese culture. In addition, it could also be way of boosting ones self. Being multi-lingual could be a great achievement, especially that it can be included in the curicullum vitae as part of your professional skills. This would also helps in job searching. Several organizations nowadays, look up to applicants who can speak different language, and this employments are evidently with higher pay than other jobs in the industry.

In conclusion, Learning a different language than the native one can be beneficial in numerous many ways, not limited to, travelling, migrating and working abroad. This can boost confidence, enhance skills, broaden the choices of employment, encourage cultural development and involvement, and elevate self development.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 5.5

You present a relevant opinion: learning languages can support migration and employment, but also personal and cultural development. The Japan example helps illustrate the cultural benefit, and the conclusion restates your broader view. However, the task asks you to discuss both views, and the view that language learning is primarily for travel or work abroad is not explored as a distinct argument; it is mainly mentioned before you move to your own position. The employment point is also asserted rather than supported with a specific explanation or example. Develop each side in a separate, balanced way, then make your position explicit and support it with more precise reasoning.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 5.5

The response has a recognisable introduction, a main discussion paragraph and a conclusion, and signposts such as “However,” “In addition” and “In conclusion” help readers follow the broad direction. Nevertheless, the main paragraph combines several points—migration, cultural experience, self-esteem and employment—without clear internal organisation, so the progression is not consistently easy to follow. The first view also lacks its own developed paragraph. Some links are mechanical, and “This would also helps” makes the connection between multilingualism and job searching less clear. Organise the essay around the two views, use topic sentences to signal each paragraph’s focus, and make references such as “this” clearly point to a specific idea.

Lexical Resource: Band 6.0

You use an adequate range for the topic, including “self-development,” “cultural involvement,” “multi-lingual” and “professional skills.” These choices allow you to express several relevant benefits, and the meaning is generally clear. There are, however, noticeable spelling and word-choice problems, including “langauge,” “priviledge,” “Nihonggo” and “curicullum vitae.” Some phrases are also unnatural or imprecise: “being eloquent in foreign language,” “boosting ones self” and “numerous many ways.” Aim for accurate, natural collocations and check spelling carefully. More precise language for the travel/work argument would also help you distinguish practical reasons from cultural and personal motivations.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 5.5

You attempt both simple and more complex sentence forms, including a conditional example beginning “For example, a group of travellers who plan to visit Japan…” and a sentence using “especially that.” The overall meaning remains understandable, but some grammatical errors recur. Examples include the missing article in “in foreign language” and “could also be way,” the agreement error “This would also helps,” and the unclear construction “especially that it can be included.” The long sentence about travellers is also difficult to control. Use articles consistently, check subject–verb agreement, and divide long sentences when they contain several linked ideas. Practising accurate complex clauses will help you express your reasoning more clearly.

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