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User-written IELTS example

Writing Academic Task 2 Band 8.0 Example

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

293 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 8.0

Many university students are now inclined to divide their time between studying for their major and pursuing interests in unrelated subjects. In my opinion, it is crucial for undergraduates to learn about a wide range of disciplines in order to best prepare themselves for the future. Those who support prioritizing one’s major argue the importance of concentrating on their qualification, as university courses are demanding and require sustained effort. Students who spread themselves too thinly may achieve weaker results or fail to gain the specialist knowledge needed for professions such as medicine, engineering or law. Moreover, focusing on a single subject can make it easier to complete assignments on time and graduate with a strong academic record.

However, learning beyond one’s main field can also be highly valuable. Many modern problems require people to combine knowledge from different areas. For example, a business student who understands psychology may communicate more effectively with customers, while a science student with some knowledge of ethics may consider the wider consequences of research. Studying other subjects can also help students discover new interests and develop adaptable skills, such as critical thinking and clear communication, which are useful in many careers.

In my view, students should give their qualification priority but still make room for other subjects. Their main course should remain the central commitment, especially during busy periods, yet taking an elective or attending occasional lectures outside their field can broaden their perspective without undermining their results. Universities can support this balance by offering flexible electives that fit around core requirements.

Overall, specialization is necessary for academic success, but it should not prevent students from exploring other disciplines. A balanced approach enables undergraduates to graduate with both strong subject expertise and a broader understanding of the world.

Targeted Improvement Tips

1
Make the balance in your opinion more operational by stating when students should prioritize their major and when they can take electives.
2
After each example, add a short explanation of how the subject combination creates a practical benefit, such as better communication or more responsible research.
3
During proofreading, check collocations such as “argue the importance” and replace them with more idiomatic combinations such as “stress the importance.”

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