Back to Writing Hub

User-written IELTS example

Writing Academic Task 2 Band 4.0 Example

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

305 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 4.0

 While some college students seek to learn and add many teachings onto their main major, others think that it’s crucial to devote all their time and attention to work on one licence. I believe that, gaining knowledge and eligibility in different fields besides the main one people have is more practical and convenient. Academicians who favour one subject often point to the difficult work needed for a degree. Students cannot understand everything from a few lessons and they must practise their main skills. For instance, people who study medicine need much time to learn how the body works. If they take too many extra classes, they may have less time for these important lessons. Getting the main qualification is also the reason why many students pay to attend university.

However, different subjects can help a student in real life. A business student who learns a language can speak to customers from other countries. A science student can learn how to give presentations and explain his ideas more clearly. These are useful combinations because work often needs more than one ability. Students can also learn new ways to think about a problem and discover another interest.

There should be a limit to this additional learning. Students need to look at their timetable before they choose an extra course. They should choose a subject that is useful to them and not simply take every class that seems interesting. If the main assignments are not finished, it shows that the student has taken too much work.

In conclusion, concentrating on one qualification helps students to become skilled in their main field. Yet I think learning some other subjects is more practical because it gives them extra abilities. Their main degree should still get most of their attention, and additional study must be possible within the time they have.

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.

Related examples for this topic

Compare different bands on the same IELTS prompt.

Browse all