Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 5.5 · Cambridge IELTS 11 · 2026-10-21
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)
There has been an ongoing debate about whether learning a foreign language only for work or for another reasons also. Some individuals believe that studying foreign language is for travel or work in abroad, whereas other argue that learning foreign langauge is not only for these work. This essay will discuss both perspectives before presenting my own opinion.
On the one hand, proponents of travel or work argue that abroad langauge is only beneficial for travelling or working in foreign countries. This is primarily because majority of public or community visit the remote areas for their office work or for enjoying the tourist destinations of the abroad. In addition to this, another languages in not used in our country, we basically use our local langauge. A notable example of this is, an employee conduct a meeting with their local staff then he/she usually communicate in their local langauge, however if someone want to talk with foreign employer then he/she specifically employ foreign language. Therefore, it is often claimed that abroad language is not used for any other purpose instead of work or travel.
On the other hand, critics contend that learning foreign language is also advantageous for reasons not only for work or travel. This viewpoint is supported by the fact that it also utilize to store new vocabulary and rules exercises both short-term and long-term memory system. Moreover, it is not only for better memory, but also contributes to sharper focus. For instance, regulalry switching between languages trains your brain to ignore distractions and improve concentration. As a result, they believe that learning foreign languages is also significant for brain and cognitive health.
In conclusion, while both views have their own merits, I believe that learning language is not only for work or travel, but it also crucial for other factos such as brain, cognitive health, social growth as it is more practical and benefical in the long run
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 6.0 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 6.5 |
| Lexical Resource | 5.0 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 5.0 |
| Overall | 5.5 |
Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 6.0
You address both views and state your own position: the first body paragraph explains language use for travel and work, while the second introduces cognitive benefits, and the conclusion supports learning for broader reasons. These points are relevant, but they are not developed equally. The travel/work argument relies on broad claims about local language use and gives only a brief workplace example; the second view is more specific, with memory and concentration as reasons, though these could be explained further. The discussion also focuses mainly on practical and cognitive benefits, leaving other possible reasons, such as cultural understanding or relationships, unexplored. To strengthen the response, explain each main reason more fully and make the examples clearly demonstrate why it matters.
Coherence and Cohesion: Band 6.5
The response has a clear overall structure: an introduction, two contrasting body paragraphs, and a conclusion. Paragraph openings such as “On the one hand” and “On the other hand” make the discussion easy to follow, and “For instance” introduces a relevant example. This coherent arrangement meets the expected level, while the progression within paragraphs is sometimes less smooth. For example, the move from local language use to the claim that foreign languages have no other purpose is abrupt, and “In addition to this” does not clearly connect the point that follows. Some references, including “this” in “This viewpoint is supported,” are broad. Use more precise links between claims and examples, and ensure each sentence develops the paragraph’s central idea.
Lexical Resource: Band 5.0
You use some topic-related vocabulary, including “proponents,” “cognitive health,” “concentration,” and “perspectives,” which helps communicate the main ideas. However, the range and control are limited by repeated use of “language” and several inaccurate or unnatural expressions. Phrases such as “abroad language,” “another languages,” “for any other purpose instead of,” and “other factos” make parts of the argument difficult to interpret. Spelling slips such as “langauge,” “regulalry,” and “benefical” also reduce accuracy. Aim to use more natural collocations and vary repeated terms—for example, “foreign-language skills” or “learning another language”—and check spelling and word forms carefully.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 5.0
You attempt a mix of simple and complex sentences, including contrast clauses with “whereas” and conditional phrasing such as “if someone want to talk.” The overall meaning is usually recoverable, but errors in agreement, articles, and sentence construction occur often enough to make some sentences awkward or unclear. Examples include “other argue,” “majority of public,” “another languages in not used,” and “an employee conduct a meeting.” The sentence beginning “A notable example of this is” also has an unclear structure and punctuation. Practise checking subject–verb agreement, singular and plural forms, and article use, then revise complex sentences to ensure each clause is complete and logically connected.
See this exact question answered at other band scores. The same prompt compared across bands.
Browse more IELTS Writing model answers or get your own writing scored by the same AI examiner.