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User-written IELTS example

Writing Academic Task 2 Band 5.0 Example

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

283 words AcademicTask 2
Task 2

Illustrative target band for this original model answer.

Plan your 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 5.0

Opinions are diverge whether it is better to acquire variety of subjects in addition with main one or students should solely focus on their target subjects. I believe that students not only should be preoccupied with their ultimate studying subjects but enhance their world outlook by gaining other skills. On the one hand , being focused on the qualification can help students understand difficult knowledge more clearly. In some courses, students have many assignments and they need time to practise. For example, students studying medicine must learn about the human body before they can work with patients. If they spend too much time on other courses, they may not finish their main work properly.

On the other hand, learning different subjects is useful because it brings new skills. A student studying business can also learn a foreign language. This may help him communicate with people from another country when he starts working. Also, studying computer skills can be helpful for students from many courses because computers are used in many workplaces. These subjects can make students more interested in education and help them see different ways of solving a problem.

However, students should not choose too many extra subjects at the same time. They should first check their timetable and make sure that their main assignments are completed. Learning another subject is good when it supports the main qualification, but it becomes a problem when students cannot manage all their work.

In conclusion, giving attention to the main subject is important for getting a qualification. I still believe students should learn some other useful subjects, because these can improve their skills and understanding, as long as they have enough time for their main studies.

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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