Back to Writing Hub

User-written IELTS example

Writing Academic Task 2 Band 6.0 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

Try your own response before reading the samples.

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 6.0

It is frequently argued that college students should only focus on the specific subjects that are relevant to their major. However, in recent days, many universities offer general classes to complement the highlighted courseworks. A far as I am concerned, these subjects are necessary and beneficial to students, even most of the times they are not directly related to their main qualification.

On the one hand, focusing mainly on a qualification can help students gain the detailed knowledge they need for their future careers. University courses often contain a large amount of material, and students have assignments and examinations to prepare for. If they spend too much time on unrelated subjects, they may have less time to practise the skills required in their main field. For example, a student studying medicine needs to understand specialist knowledge, so this should remain their priority.

On the other hand, learning about different subjects can give students useful skills that are not taught in their main course. Classes in areas such as communication, business or technology may help them work with people from different backgrounds and solve a wider range of problems. In addition, these subjects can make university more interesting and allow students to discover new interests. This knowledge may be useful in many careers, even if it is not directly connected to their degree.

In my opinion, students should give most of their time to their qualification, but they should also have the opportunity to study other subjects. A balanced approach would allow them to develop expertise while gaining broader knowledge. Universities could make these additional classes optional or offer a limited number, so that students can benefit from them without neglecting their main studies.

Targeted Improvement Tips

1
Replace vague wording such as “highlighted courseworks” with a precise term like “core coursework” or “general education classes.”
2
Develop each side with a specific example and explain its consequence, such as how an elective could help students communicate in their future careers.
3
Proofread the introduction separately for fixed expressions and common noun forms, especially “as far as” and “coursework.”

Related examples for this topic

Compare different bands on the same IELTS prompt.

Browse all