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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.

297 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 6.0

In this contemporary society, opinions are divided into whether university students should focus only on their major or widen their choices by attending other subjects. In my opinion, although I acknowledge the importance of the former, I prefer the latter because students may be equipped with diverse experiences before deciding what they love to focus on in the future.

Those who support studying a wider range of subjects believe that it helps students develop skills outside their main field. For example, a student studying science could take a course in communication or business. These additional subjects may help them explain their ideas clearly and work well with people from different backgrounds. They can also give students a better understanding of the world and help them discover interests that they had not considered before. This could be useful when choosing a career after graduation.

On the other hand, concentrating on a qualification has clear advantages. University courses can be demanding, and students need to spend considerable time reading, completing assignments and preparing for examinations. If they take too many unrelated subjects, they may have less time to understand the key ideas in their major. This is particularly important in fields that require specialised knowledge, because students need a strong foundation to perform well in their future jobs. Focusing on their main subject may therefore help them achieve better results and graduate with the necessary expertise.

In my view, students should be able to study some subjects beyond their major, but their qualification should remain their main priority. A balanced approach allows them to gain broader knowledge without neglecting the subject they have chosen to study. Universities could offer a small number of optional courses so students can explore other interests while still giving enough attention to their degree.

Targeted Improvement Tips

1
Replace “opinions are divided into whether” with “opinions are divided on whether,” and check prepositions in other common academic phrases.
2
Add one specific example to each side, then explain its result—for instance, how an optional communication course might help a science student in a future role.
3
In the conclusion, state the balance as a practical recommendation: keep the major as the priority while limiting the number of optional subjects.

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