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User-written IELTS example

Writing Academic Task 2 Band 7.0 Example

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

304 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 7.0

It is debated whether students should divide their time between studying their majors and pursuing unrelated interests or prioritize only their qualifications. Some undergraduates consider specialization in one subject the key to success. However, I believe that people should gain knowledge from various areas to prepare themselves for their future. On the one hand, learning about a range of subjects can broaden students’ understanding and help them develop skills that are useful beyond their main field. For example, a science student who takes courses in communication or business may become better at explaining research and working with colleagues. Studying different subjects can also encourage creativity, as students encounter new ways of approaching problems. This broader education may therefore be valuable when graduates enter a workplace where they need to adapt to different tasks. On the other hand, there are good reasons to focus closely on a qualification. University programmes often contain demanding material, and students need time to attend classes, complete assignments and gain practical experience. If they spread their attention too widely, they may struggle to master essential knowledge in their chosen profession. This is particularly important in fields such as medicine or engineering, where a strong foundation in specialist subjects is necessary. In my view, students should give priority to their main course while making room for a manageable amount of study in other areas. They do not need to pursue several additional subjects in depth; a carefully chosen elective or short course can provide useful breadth without reducing the time available for their qualification. Universities can support this balance by offering flexible options that complement, rather than compete with, core study. In conclusion, while concentrating on a degree is essential for academic and professional preparation, learning beyond one’s major can develop wider abilities. A balanced approach is therefore the most beneficial.

Targeted Improvement Tips

1
In each body paragraph, develop one central reason through a cause-and-effect explanation before adding an example.
2
Make the distinction between broad learning and distraction explicit: explain that carefully selected courses can complement a degree, whereas excessive extra study may compete with it.
3
During proofreading, check collocations in the introduction and remove repeated general phrases such as “future,” “useful,” and “different areas” when a more precise expression is available.

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