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User-written IELTS example

Writing Academic Task 2 Band 9.0 Example

Original task prompt, user essay, band score, and related examples in the same report workspace.

294 words AcademicTask 2
Task 2

Illustrative target band for this original model answer.

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Ideas to explore

  • Specialising can provide the depth of knowledge and practical competence required by demanding professional qualifications.
  • Additional subjects can develop transferable abilities, such as communication and collaboration across professional fields.
  • A balanced position is to prioritise core degree requirements while choosing a limited number of useful electives.

Suggested structure

  1. Introduce both views and state a clear, qualified opinion.
  2. Explain why students may need to prioritise their main qualification.
  3. Present the benefits of studying beyond the major, supported by a relevant example.
  4. Conclude by defining a practical balance between specialist depth and broader learning.
Useful vocabulary & examples
develop deep expertise
build detailed knowledge and skill in a particular subject or profession

Focusing on core courses can help students develop deep expertise in their chosen field.

transferable skills
abilities that are useful in different jobs or areas of study

Electives can help students develop transferable skills such as communication and analysis.

complement a degree
add useful knowledge or skills to a main course of study

Courses in business can complement a science degree.

at the expense of
in a way that reduces or harms something else

Broader study is valuable, but it should not come at the expense of essential specialist learning.

Task Prompt

Many university students want to learn about different subjects in addition to their main subjects. Others feel it is important to give all their time and attention to studying for their qualification. Discuss both views and give your opinion.

User Essay Analysis

Review the public answer with report-style highlights.

Band 9.0

Some university students prefer concentrating their efforts on their major subjects while others are more open to studying different minor courses. The former group argues for the importance of specialization in a world where knowledge is expanding at an unprecedented pace. However, I agree with the latter group since interdisciplinary knowledge is crucial in a rapidly changing society.

Those who favour focusing exclusively on their qualification have a reasonable point. University courses are demanding, and students need to master a substantial amount of material before they can enter their chosen profession. Giving their main subject priority can help them develop deep expertise and achieve the qualifications required for employment. For example, students in fields such as medicine or engineering may have limited time for unrelated studies because their programmes involve extensive technical content and practical training. Spreading their attention too thinly could therefore undermine their progress.

Nevertheless, studying other subjects can complement, rather than distract from, a degree. Many careers require people to communicate clearly, analyse information and understand issues beyond their specialist field. A student who combines scientific knowledge with an understanding of business or communication, for instance, may be better prepared to collaborate with colleagues and explain complex ideas. Exposure to different disciplines can also help students make connections between ideas and adapt when their career responsibilities change.

In my view, students should maintain a strong focus on their major while making room for selected courses outside it. This approach protects the depth needed for a qualification but also develops a broader outlook and transferable skills. Universities could support this balance by allowing students to choose a small number of relevant electives. Therefore, learning beyond one’s main subject is valuable, provided it does not come at the expense of essential specialist study.

Targeted Improvement Tips

1
When giving an example, show the specific benefit of combining subjects—for instance, explain how communication skills help a specialist present technical information to non-specialists.
2
Keep the distinction between depth and breadth explicit: state what major-subject study provides, then contrast it with the additional skills gained through electives.
3
Replace broad or potentially ambiguous wording such as “minor courses” with a precise phrase like “electives outside their major.”

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