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)

Many people have the idea that learning a new language is mostly related to getting a job or travelling to that country, while some people argue that these are not the only factors for gaining knowledge of a new language.

Firstly, learning a new language requires good intellectual skills. Although it might be helpful for people to land a good job in that particular country on the contrary it can also help in communication and better understanding of the people. Knowing a foreign language can also be very beneficial for getting education in a different country if they don't have other language options available.

Another point of view is that not every language is learned to get a job or education, or maybe visit that country but sometimes people tend to learn them to gain knowledge. This helps them improve their vocabulary and gives them an idea of that particular language. Some people love to learn new languages as a hobby while others prefer them as a means to enhance their knowledge. Versatility in linguistics can also help in the development of intellectual skills and improve brain memory function.

In my opinion, although learning new languages is an important factor as it can provide a good source of income to people in that country and it is also beneficial for communication with foreign people as it helps to better understand them, on the other hand I also believe that learning a new language can also be a source of gaining knowledge and improving vocabulary to bring versatility.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 5.5

You address both views and give a personal opinion, so the response is relevant to the task. The first body paragraph discusses work, communication and education abroad, while the next presents learning for knowledge, enjoyment and intellectual development. However, the two positions are not explored equally: the case for learning specifically to travel or work is only briefly developed, and the examples remain general rather than showing how these purposes differ. Your opinion appears mainly in the final paragraph, where it repeats earlier points instead of clearly weighing the views. To strengthen the response, explain each side with a specific example and state your position more directly, then support it with a reason that goes beyond listing benefits.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 5.5

The response has a recognisable structure, with an introduction, two body paragraphs and a concluding opinion. The sequence from practical reasons to personal or intellectual reasons is generally understandable. However, progression within paragraphs is sometimes loose: the first body paragraph moves from employment to communication and then education without explaining how these points connect. Linking phrases such as “Another point of view” and “In my opinion” help signal stages, but some transitions are mechanical, and “on the other hand” in the final sentence does not clearly connect the ideas that follow. Repeating “learning a new language” and “helps” also makes cohesion less effective. Group related reasons and use clearer references and transitions to show how each point develops.

Lexical Resource: Band 5.5

You use an adequate range of vocabulary for the topic, including “intellectual skills,” “means to enhance their knowledge,” and “versatility in linguistics.” These choices show an attempt to move beyond basic wording, and the overall meaning remains clear. However, some expressions are imprecise or unnatural, such as “gaining knowledge of a new language,” “improve brain memory function,” and “a good source of income to people in that country.” The repeated use of “help,” “language,” and “knowledge” also limits flexibility. Aim for more precise collocations and avoid abstract phrases when a direct expression would be clearer; for example, explain what language learning enables people to do rather than referring generally to “versatility.”

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 6.0

You use a mix of simple and complex sentence forms, including a concessive opening with “Although” and a longer sentence beginning “In my opinion.” Most sentences communicate their main meaning, and grammatical errors do not generally prevent understanding. Some sentence structures are awkward or insufficiently controlled, however. In “Although it might be helpful … on the contrary it can also help,” the contrast is not punctuated or structured clearly; a full stop or a properly formed contrast clause would improve it. The final sentence also combines several ideas with “although,” “on the other hand” and “also,” making the relationship difficult to follow. Practise dividing long sentences and checking clause boundaries, punctuation and pronoun references.

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