This Band 5 IELTS writing task 2 essay discusses the topic of university students' subject choices. It identifies clarity issues in argument development and examples, which are crucial for achieving a higher score.
IELTS Writing Task 2 Question
Discuss both views Β· University Students Β· 40 min
There are two opposing views on whether university students should be free to choose their own subjects or whether they should only be allowed to study subjects that will be useful in the future, such as those related to science and technology. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
Write at least 250 words.
Score Breakdown
IELTS Writing Band Scores (1β9)
Summary: The essay meets the minimum word count (290 words). It addresses both views and presents an opinion, but the arguments are underdeveloped and sometimes lack clarity. There are frequent errors in grammar, spelling, and word choice, which hinder communication and coherence. The essay structure is present but could be improved with better linking and paragraph development.
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some people belive that college students are free to choose their own course while other argue that they should only permitted to study the course that will be more contribute to their future such as technology and sciences. although there are drawbacks, this essay agree that choose their own course will giving a positive impacts.
One view is that choosing the subject that student most likely wanted to is more beneficial to individuals. This is because they learn something that they actually wanted, so it doesnt become some obligation for students to do. Another reason is students know their own capability base on the major, in addition they unlikely get bad scores for the assignment or exam. For example, students tend to be more confident about the subject that they choose by themselves, thus they will work hard to learn about the material because its based on something that not get forced to do it.
On the other hands, some people argues that rather student choosing their own subject it will be better if they take classes that will be more convient for their future. Students tend to unresponsible about their own time management and become uncertain about their own path for following materials in class, with a structured class scheduled it will expand their opportunity in learning and understanding the material of the courses. This can lead them for more brightest future. For instance, many companies choose their own workers based the knowledge that suit on the prospect of the work.
in conclusion, while it will be more usefull to choose subject due to the opportunity in the future, i belive that it is more beneficial to choose subject that the student likes because it makes them more confident
AI Feedback Report Details
Spelling Β· Grammar Β· Vocabulary Β· Criteria Analysis
Spelling Mistakes
5 errors| Misspelled Word | Corrected Word |
|---|---|
| belive | believe |
| doesnt | doesn't |
| unresponsible | irresponsible |
| convient | convenient |
| usefull | useful |
Grammatical Mistakes
17 errors| Mistake | Correction | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| while other argue | while others argue | Subject-verb agreement: 'other' should be plural 'others' to refer to people, and 'argue' is correct for plural subject |
| should only permitted | should only be permitted | Missing auxiliary verb 'be' in passive construction |
| will be more contribute | will contribute more | Verb form error: 'contribute' should be used as a verb with adverb 'more', not as adjective 'contributive' |
| this essay agree | this essay agrees | Subject-verb agreement: singular subject 'essay' requires third-person singular verb 'agrees' |
| will giving a positive impacts | will have a positive impact | Verb form error: 'giving' should be 'have'; noun number: 'impact' should be singular after 'a' |
| student most likely wanted to | students most likely want to | Subject-verb agreement and tense: 'students' plural, and present tense 'want' is more appropriate than past 'wanted' |
| it doesnt become some obligation | it doesn't become an obligation | Article misuse: 'some' is vague; use 'an' for singular countable noun 'obligation' |
| capability base on the major | capabilities based on their major | Word form and pronoun: 'capabilities' plural noun; 'based' past participle; add possessive 'their' |
| they unlikely get bad scores | they are unlikely to get bad scores | Missing verb: 'are' needed before 'unlikely'; infinitive 'to get' required after 'unlikely' |
| because its based on something that not get forced to do it | because it is based on something that they are not forced to do | Multiple errors: 'its' should be 'it is'; missing subject 'they' and verb 'are'; remove redundant 'it' |
| On the other hands | On the other hand | Idiomatic expression: always singular 'hand' |
| some people argues | some people argue | Subject-verb agreement: plural subject 'people' requires plural verb 'argue' |
| rather student choosing their own subject | rather than students choosing their own subjects | Comparison structure: 'rather than' required; plural 'students' and 'subjects' for consistency |
| Students tend to unresponsible about their own time management | Students tend to be irresponsible about their own time management | Missing verb 'be' before adjective 'irresponsible'; spelling corrected |
| with a structured class scheduled it will expand their opportunity | with a structured class schedule, it will expand their opportunities | Word form: 'schedule' is noun, not 'scheduled'; plural 'opportunities' for countable noun |
| This can lead them for more brightest future | This can lead them to a brighter future | Preposition error: 'lead to' not 'lead for'; comparative form: 'brighter' not 'more brightest' |
| based the knowledge that suit on the prospect | based on the knowledge that suits the prospects | Missing preposition: 'based on'; verb agreement: 'knowledge' singular so 'suits'; plural 'prospects' |
Vocabulary Improvements
12 suggestions| Original Word/Phrase | Improved Word/Phrase | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| more contribute | contribute more | Awkward phrasing; in academic writing, use adverb 'more' with verb 'contribute' for clarity |
| giving a positive impacts | having a positive impact | Wrong collocation; 'have an impact' is standard, not 'give impacts' |
| some obligation | an obligation | Vague determiner; 'an' is more precise and formal for singular noun |
| capability base on | capabilities based on | Incorrect word form; use plural noun 'capabilities' and past participle 'based' for academic tone |
| unlikely get | unlikely to receive | Informal construction; use infinitive 'to receive' after 'unlikely' for better style |
| forced to do it | forced to study | Vague reference; specify 'study' for clarity and conciseness |
| convient for their future | beneficial for their future | Imprecise word choice; 'beneficial' is more academic and context-appropriate than 'convenient' |
| structured class scheduled | structured class schedule | Wrong word form; 'schedule' is the noun, 'scheduled' is adjective or verb form |
| expand their opportunity | expand their opportunities | Collocation error; 'opportunities' is countable and often plural in such contexts |
| more brightest future | brighter future | Redundant comparative; use 'brighter' alone for correct comparative form |
| based the knowledge | based on the knowledge | Missing preposition; 'based on' is the correct collocation for reliance or foundation |
| suit on the prospect | match the requirements | Incorrect preposition and vague word; 'match the requirements' is more precise for job contexts |
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Detailed Criteria Feedback
AI-powered analysis for each scoring criterion
Task Response5
Evaluation
The candidate addresses both views and gives an opinion, but the development is limited. Some ideas are not fully extended, and the second paragraph introduces arguments about time management and structured classes that are not directly relevant to the debate about studying 'useful' subjects. The position is clear (in favor of free choice), but the support is not always effective.
Examples
For example, the first body paragraph states that free choice leads to confidence and hard work, but the example is vague. The second body paragraph argues for useful subjects but focuses on time management and structured schedules, which are tangential.
How to Improve
Develop each viewpoint with more specific, relevant examples. Clearly explain why studying only 'useful' subjects is beneficial (e.g., job prospects, societal needs) and why free choice is valuable (e.g., personal fulfillment, diverse skills). Ensure all arguments directly relate to the topic.
Coherence & Cohesion5
Evaluation
The essay has a basic structure with an introduction, two body paragraphs, and a conclusion. However, the logical flow within paragraphs is sometimes disrupted by unclear connections and grammatical errors. Linking words are used but not always accurately.
Examples
Transitions like 'On the other hands' and 'in addition' are used incorrectly. The second paragraph jumps from time management to future opportunities without a clear link. The conclusion is brief but reiterates the opinion.
How to Improve
Use a range of cohesive devices accurately (e.g., 'On the other hand,' 'Furthermore,' 'For instance'). Ensure each paragraph has a clear central topic and that ideas progress logically. Proofread to improve sentence clarity.
Lexical Resource5
Evaluation
Vocabulary is limited and contains several spelling errors and inappropriate word choices. There is some repetition, and the range of vocabulary is not sufficient for a higher band.
Examples
Misspellings: 'belive' (believe), 'convient' (convenient), 'usefull' (useful), 'unresponsible' (irresponsible). Inappropriate word choice: 'more contribute' (more useful/beneficial), 'positive impacts' (positive impact).
How to Improve
Expand vocabulary by learning topic-related words (e.g., 'academic freedom,' 'vocational training,' 'employability'). Practice spelling and use a dictionary to check word forms. Avoid repeating phrases like 'choose their own course.'
Grammatical Range & Accuracy5
Evaluation
There are frequent grammatical errors throughout, including subject-verb agreement, verb tense, articles, prepositions, and sentence structure. Both simple and complex sentences are attempted but with mistakes that sometimes hinder meaning.
Examples
Errors: 'this essay agree' (agrees), 'will giving a positive impacts' (will give a positive impact), 'they should only permitted' (should only be permitted), 'its based on something that not get forced' (it is based on something they are not forced to do), 'lead them for more brightest future' (lead them to a brighter future).
How to Improve
Review basic grammar rules, especially subject-verb agreement, verb forms, articles, and prepositions. Practice writing complex sentences with clauses. Proofread essays to identify and correct errors.
Tip: Review the Band 9 model answer to see how a high-scoring essay structures arguments, uses advanced vocabulary, and maintains coherence throughout.
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