Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 5.5 · Cambridge IELTS 11 · 2026-10-29

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 regarding whether to learn international langiage or not. While some individuals contend that learning foreign language is only essential for travel or doing a work in abroad, others maintain that there are much other abundant reasons. This essay will examine both perspectives before presenting a personal assessment.

Those who advocate to learn a foreign language only for work or to travel there typically argue that it would not be possible to communicate with people, a claim that is largerly substantiated by we need for daily life, jobs and study. This is further reinforced by the fact that a student who want to study or work abroad requires IELTS to get admitted to a university in the UK or Australia and then needs English to follow lectures and make friends.

Conversely, proponents of the learning language for other reasons contend that it helps in reading as well as we can aware of other cultures through this. This position is further bolstered by that our entire system of a country is in english langauge. A relevant illustration of this can be seen here in Pakistan where our entire education system is in english langauge, which depicts how mandatory this langage is.

Having considered both sides, I am inclined to the view that Both arguements are valid, but learning a language is valuable beyond travel and work.

In conclusion, while both views have merit, learning a language is valuable beyond travel and work, because it opens up books, cultures and education. Schools should therefore teach foreign languages early.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 5.5

You address both views and state a clear overall opinion: language learning has value beyond travel and work. The examples about studying in the UK or Australia and English-medium education in Pakistan are relevant, and the conclusion reinforces your position. However, the discussion is uneven and some ideas remain unclear or insufficiently explained. The first view is mainly supported by the need to communicate, while the second mentions reading and cultural awareness without showing in detail how language learning enables these benefits. The claim that a country’s “entire system” is in English also needs qualification or explanation. Develop each side with a specific reason and example, and make your own assessment more explicit in the body as well as the conclusion.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 6.0

The response has a coherent overall arrangement: an introduction, separate paragraphs for the two views, a statement of opinion, and a conclusion. Signposting such as “Conversely” and “In conclusion” helps readers follow the discussion. However, some linking is mechanical or unclear, particularly the repeated formula “This is further reinforced” and “This position is further bolstered.” The sentence beginning “This is further reinforced by the fact that a student…” does not connect smoothly to the preceding claim, and “through this” has an unclear reference. The opinion paragraph is very brief and repeats the conclusion rather than advancing the argument. Use clearer links between each claim and its explanation, and develop the body paragraphs so the progression feels more continuous.

Lexical Resource: Band 5.5

You use some topic-appropriate vocabulary, including “advocate,” “proponents,” “substantiated,” and “mandatory,” and the reader can generally understand your main points. However, word choice and collocation are often inaccurate or awkward, as in “international langiage,” “doing a work in abroad,” “largerly substantiated by we need,” and “abundant reasons.” Spelling errors such as “langauge,” “langage,” and “arguements” also reduce accuracy. Some expressions, including “our entire system of a country,” are too broad to communicate the intended idea precisely. Aim for natural combinations such as “learn a foreign language,” “work abroad,” and “access other cultures,” and proofread spelling and word forms. This would make your vocabulary more precise and easier to follow.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 5.5

You attempt a mix of simple and complex sentences, including a relative clause in “a student who want to study or work abroad” and a contrast structure beginning “While some individuals contend…”. These attempts show some range, but errors in agreement, articles, and sentence construction remain. For example, “a student who want” should use a singular verb, and “learning foreign language” needs an article. The construction “it would not be possible to communicate with people, a claim that…” is difficult to follow, while “we can aware” lacks the required verb form. Capitalisation is also inconsistent in “Both” and “english.” Review sentence patterns and check each clause for a complete, correctly formed verb; clearer control would make the argument easier to read.

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