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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.

276 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

Studying at university is considered a crucial step in preparing for real life. While some students prefer to explore various subjects during their university years, others focus solely on their chosen field of study. Although specialized knowledge can enhance job prospects, learning different subjects alongside the main one can be more beneficial mentally and financially. There are compelling reasons for concentrating on a qualification. Specialist programmes are designed as connected sequences of knowledge, and an incomplete understanding of one stage may obstruct the next. A medical student, for instance, cannot replace a sound grasp of anatomy with general knowledge of history or business. Since employers and professional bodies expect graduates to demonstrate competence in their chosen discipline, sustained attention to core modules remains essential.

Nevertheless, a limited selection of complementary subjects can produce a more adaptable graduate. An engineering student who studies communication may explain technical proposals more convincingly, while a business student with language skills may work more effectively with overseas clients. These combinations do not automatically guarantee higher earnings, but they can widen the range of roles a graduate is prepared to consider. Exploring unfamiliar ideas can also make study intellectually stimulating and help students connect problems across disciplines.

The decisive issue is therefore balance rather than an absolute choice between depth and breadth. Electives should be relevant to a student's interests and manageable alongside compulsory coursework. If additional commitments begin to compromise essential assessments, they should be reduced.

In conclusion, a strong qualification is the foundation of a university education, yet carefully chosen additional subjects can enrich it. I favour academic breadth provided that students retain sufficient time to master their main field.

Targeted Improvement Tips

1
Develop one example for each view by explaining how the course choice affects the student’s study or work.
2
State the workload condition in the introduction as well as the conclusion so the position remains consistent.
3
Proofread the exact introductory phrases listed in the corrections before adding more complex vocabulary.

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