Band 5.0 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 5.0 · Cambridge IELTS 11 · 2026-10-18

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 5.0)

Most individuals say that people learn a foreign language only for travelling or working internationally, while others argue that these are not the main reasons to learn a different languages. This essay will discuss from the both perspectives before giving my own opinion.

People prefer to learn a local language in advance to travel or work abroad because it makes the adaptation easier and more comfortable. When people step into completely new environment, they tend to experience cultural shock and loneliness due to the fundamental difference of mindset and lifestyle of the receiving country. However, if the person at least speaks their language, it will be easier to communicate with local residents and get basic services when travelling. Also, people will adapt more easily in the work environment and get to know the colleagues if they already know the language.

In contrast, some people prefer to learn a different language just because they enjoy learning about different cultures and making international friends without physically going abroad by the help of the technological advances. There are many websites and applications which connects people around the world. Therefore, some people might enjoy learning new language and experiencing different lifestyles through these platforms.

In my opinion, people learn a new language out of necessity rather than enjoyment because it requires much time and effort. Therefore, I believe only a dedicated person can learn local language by adapting local mindset and logic behind the language itself. It takes a long time

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 4.5

You address both views: the first body paragraph explains practical benefits for travel and work, while the next gives cultural interest and online friendships as other motives. However, the discussion is only partial and the ideas are under-developed. The second view is supported mainly by a general reference to websites and applications, without a specific example or fuller explanation. Your opinion—that necessity is a stronger motive than enjoyment—is stated, but the final paragraph ends abruptly at “It takes a long time,” so the reasoning is incomplete and the conclusion is missing. The response also falls three words short of the required minimum. Develop each view with a concrete example, explain your position more fully, and finish with a clear concluding sentence.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 5.0

The response has a recognisable structure: an introduction, separate paragraphs for the two views, and a paragraph beginning “In my opinion.” This helps the reader follow the broad direction of the discussion. Basic linking expressions such as “However,” “Also,” and “Therefore” are used to connect points. Nevertheless, progression is limited: the final paragraph stops mid-thought, leaving the argument without a proper ending, and the introduction promises a discussion “from the both perspectives,” an awkward reference that weakens clarity. Some links are mechanical, and the relationship between learning for enjoyment and learning through technology could be explained more explicitly. Use clearer transitions between claims and examples, and complete the final paragraph with a concise summary of your position.

Lexical Resource: Band 5.5

You use a reasonably varied set of topic-related vocabulary, including “cultural shock,” “adaptation,” “local residents,” “work environment,” and “technological advances.” These choices help communicate the main ideas, and some phrases show an attempt to discuss more than basic travel vocabulary. However, several word choices or collocations are inaccurate or unnatural, such as “learn a local language,” “receiving country,” and “adapting local mindset and logic.” There is also repetition of “learn” and “language,” and “different languages” does not fit the singular meaning intended in the introduction. Aim for more precise, natural combinations and vary repeated terms—for example, use “acquire a foreign language” or “host country” where appropriate.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 5.0

You attempt a mix of simple and complex sentences, including clauses with “because,” “when,” and “if,” as in “When people step into completely new environment…” and “if the person at least speaks their language…”. These structures make the response more varied than a sequence of short statements. However, errors occur frequently and sometimes make sentences awkward to process. Examples include “the both perspectives,” “a completely new environment,” and “applications which connects,” where article use, word order, and subject–verb agreement need attention. The final sentence, “It takes a long time,” is incomplete in context because the thought is left unfinished. Practise checking articles, singular/plural agreement, and sentence completion, while keeping complex sentences manageable.

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