IELTS Writing Task 2: The Benefits of Studying Abroad – Sample Essays Band 6-9 with Analysis

Introduction

Studying abroad is one of the most frequently appearing topics in IELTS Writing Task 2, with questions appearing consistently across test centers worldwide. This topic holds particular significance as it relates directly to the aspirations of many test-takers who are themselves planning to study internationally. Understanding how to effectively address this topic is crucial for achieving your target band score.

In this comprehensive guide, you’ll discover three complete sample essays ranging from Band 5-6 to Band 8-9, detailed scoring analysis for each essay, essential vocabulary with practical usage examples, and high-scoring grammatical structures that will elevate your writing. We’ll examine verified past exam questions and provide you with actionable strategies to improve your performance.

Verified Past IELTS Questions on This Topic:

1. “Some people believe that studying at university or college is the best route to a successful career, while others believe that it is better to get a job straight after school and develop work experience. Discuss both views and give your opinion.” (British Council, 2023)

2. “Students who study abroad often experience significant personal and academic benefits. However, there are also challenges. Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of studying in a foreign country.” (IDP, 2022)

3. “The best way to learn about a foreign culture is to live and study in that country. To what extent do you agree or disagree?” (IELTS Blog, 2023)

For this detailed analysis, we’ll focus on Question 2, which directly addresses the benefits and challenges of international education, making it highly relevant for understanding what are the advantages and disadvantages of studying abroad from multiple perspectives.

Question & Analysis

Students who study abroad often experience significant personal and academic benefits. However, there are also challenges. Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of studying in a foreign country.

Question Type: Advantages and Disadvantages

Key Requirements:

• Discuss both advantages and disadvantages (balanced approach required)
• Focus on studying in a foreign country specifically
• Must address personal and academic dimensions
• Clear position/conclusion needed

Key Terms Explained:

• Significant benefits: Major positive outcomes that have lasting impact
• Challenges: Difficulties or obstacles that students face
• Personal and academic: Covers both life skills/character development and educational outcomes

Common Pitfalls:

1. Discussing only advantages or only disadvantages
2. Writing about working abroad instead of studying
3. Providing general travel benefits rather than study-specific points
4. Failing to support points with relevant examples
5. Not addressing both personal and academic aspects

Strategic Approach:

• Introduction: Paraphrase question + thesis statement
• Body Paragraph 1: 2-3 advantages with explanations and examples
• Body Paragraph 2: 2-3 disadvantages with explanations and examples
• Conclusion: Summarize main points + balanced final thought

Band 8-9 Sample Essay

What Makes This Band 8-9:
This essay demonstrates sophisticated vocabulary use, complex grammatical structures, fully developed ideas with relevant examples, and excellent coherence through skillful use of cohesive devices. The writer presents a nuanced, balanced argument with clear progression throughout.

International education has become increasingly accessible in recent decades, prompting more students to pursue their degrees in foreign countries. While this trend offers substantial benefits in terms of academic quality and personal development, it also presents considerable challenges that warrant careful consideration.

On the positive side, studying abroad provides unparalleled opportunities for academic advancement. Students gain access to world-class universities with cutting-edge research facilities and distinguished faculty members who are leaders in their respective fields. For instance, an engineering student studying at MIT benefits not only from advanced laboratory equipment but also from collaborative projects with industry partners, which would be unavailable in many home countries. Furthermore, exposure to diverse educational methodologies enhances critical thinking skills as students learn to approach problems from multiple perspectives. Beyond academics, the personal growth derived from navigating a foreign culture is invaluable. Living independently in an unfamiliar environment fosters resilience, adaptability, and cross-cultural communication skills—attributes highly valued by multinational employers.

However, these advantages come with significant drawbacks that cannot be overlooked. The financial burden represents the most substantial challenge, with tuition fees and living expenses in countries like the United States or United Kingdom often exceeding $50,000 annually. This financial strain frequently necessitates part-time employment, which can detract from academic focus. Additionally, the psychological toll of cultural adjustment and homesickness can be debilitating, particularly during the initial months. Students may struggle with language barriers, different social norms, and isolation from family support systems. Research from the International Student Office at Oxford University indicates that nearly 40% of international students experience moderate to severe anxiety during their first semester, which can negatively impact academic performance and overall well-being.

In conclusion, while studying abroad undoubtedly offers exceptional educational and developmental opportunities, prospective students must realistically assess whether they possess the financial resources and emotional resilience required to overcome the inherent challenges. For those adequately prepared, the long-term benefits typically outweigh the short-term difficulties.

(Word count: 318)

Band Score Analysis

Why This Essay Excels:

1. Sophisticated thesis statement that previews the balanced discussion: “offers substantial benefits…also presents considerable challenges”

2. Specific, relevant examples that add credibility: MIT engineering facilities, Oxford University research statistics

3. Advanced vocabulary in context: “unparalleled opportunities,” “debilitating,” “warrant careful consideration”

4. Complex sentence structures that maintain clarity: “Research from the International Student Office at Oxford University indicates that nearly 40% of international students experience moderate to severe anxiety during their first semester, which can negatively impact academic performance”

5. Natural cohesive devices that guide the reader smoothly: “On the positive side,” “Furthermore,” “However,” “Additionally”

6. Nuanced conclusion that synthesizes both sides: acknowledges benefits while emphasizing the need for realistic self-assessment

7. Consistent academic tone throughout without being artificially complex or verbose

International students engaging in academic discussion at university campus showcasing benefits of studying abroad

Band 6.5-7 Sample Essay

What Makes This Band 6.5-7:
This essay demonstrates good control of language with clear organization and relevant ideas. While vocabulary and grammar are generally accurate, they lack the sophistication and precision of Band 8-9. Development is adequate but less extended.

Nowadays, many students choose to study in foreign countries to get better education. This decision has both positive and negative aspects that students should think about carefully.

There are several important advantages of studying abroad. Firstly, students can study at famous universities that have better facilities and teachers compared to their home country. For example, students from Vietnam who study in Australia can use modern libraries and laboratories that help them learn more effectively. Secondly, living in another country helps students become more independent and confident. They have to manage their own money, cook their own food, and solve problems by themselves. This experience makes them more mature and ready for their future career. Another benefit is that students can improve their English skills because they use English every day for studying and communicating with local people.

On the other hand, there are some disadvantages that make studying abroad difficult. The biggest problem is the cost, which is very high. Students need to pay expensive tuition fees and also pay for accommodation, food, and other living expenses. Many families cannot afford these costs, so students have to work part-time while studying. This can make them tired and affect their grades. Furthermore, students often feel homesick and lonely, especially at the beginning. They miss their family and friends, and sometimes find it hard to make new friends because of cultural differences. The weather and food in the foreign country might also be very different from what they are used to.

In conclusion, studying abroad has many benefits for personal growth and education, but it also has challenges related to money and emotional difficulties. Students should consider both sides before making this important decision.

(Word count: 292)

Band Score Analysis

Direct Comparison with Band 8-9:

Understanding studying abroad: pros and cons can significantly enhance your ability to develop balanced arguments like these demonstrated in both essay samples.

Band 5-6 Sample Essay

What Makes This Band 5-6:
This essay shows basic competence with simple sentence structures and limited vocabulary range. Organization is present but basic. Ideas are relevant but underdeveloped with noticeable errors that occasionally impede communication.

Many students want to study in foreign country for their future. I think studying abroad have good things and bad things.

First, studying abroad is good because students can learn in good university. Good university have good teacher and good equipment for study. Students can learn many thing and get good knowledge. Also, students can learn speak English better when they live in English country. English is important for get good job. Another good thing is students can meet many people from different country and learn about their culture. This is interesting experience.

But studying abroad also have problem. The biggest problem is money. Foreign university is very expensive and student need pay a lot of money. Accommodation and food also cost a lot. If students don’t have enough money, they cannot study abroad. Another problem is students feel sad because they miss family. They are far from home and cannot see family and friends. Some students feel lonely and this is not good for study. The food in foreign country is different too, so students maybe don’t like the food.

In conclusion, study abroad have advantage and disadvantage. It is good for education and English, but it cost a lot of money and students feel homesick. Student need to think before they decide to study abroad.

(Word count: 253)

Band Score Analysis

Learning from Mistakes

How to Improve from Band 6 to 7:

1. Expand Vocabulary Range: Replace repetitive basic words with synonyms and topic-specific vocabulary

   • Instead of “good” repeatedly: prestigious, renowned, high-quality, advantageous
   • Instead of “problem”: challenge, obstacle, drawback, difficulty

2. Master Subject-Verb Agreement: Always check if subjects and verbs match in number

   • Practice identifying singular gerund subjects: “Studying abroad has…”
   • Review third-person singular rules with institutional subjects: “The university offers…”

3. Use Complex Sentences Correctly: Combine ideas with subordinating conjunctions

   • “Although studying abroad is expensive, it provides valuable experience.”
   • “Students who study overseas often develop independence.”

4. Develop Ideas More Fully: Add explanations and specific examples

   • Band 5-6: “Good university have good teacher”
   • Band 7: “Prestigious universities employ distinguished faculty members who conduct cutting-edge research, providing students with mentorship opportunities unavailable elsewhere”

5. Improve Cohesive Devices: Move beyond basic connectors

   • Replace “Also” with “Furthermore,” “Moreover,” “In addition”
   • Replace “But” with “However,” “Nevertheless,” “On the contrary”

6. Use Accurate Academic Collocations:

   • “gain valuable experience” not “get good experience”
   • “face financial challenges” not “have money problem”
   • “enhance language proficiency” not “learn speak English better”

International student reviewing financial planning documents for studying abroad expenses and scholarships

For students considering international education, understanding both study abroad programs: cultural immersion benefits and financial implications is crucial for making informed decisions.

Essential Vocabulary

High-Scoring Sentence Structures

Structure 1: Non-Defining Relative Clause for Adding Information

Formula: Main clause + , + which/who + additional information

Example from Band 8-9 essay:
“Research from the International Student Office at Oxford University indicates that nearly 40% of international students experience moderate to severe anxiety during their first semester, which can negatively impact academic performance and overall well-being.”

Why It Scores Well: This structure demonstrates grammatical sophistication by seamlessly integrating additional relevant information. The non-defining clause adds depth without creating a new sentence, showing control of punctuation and subordination.

Additional Examples:

1. “International students often develop remarkable cross-cultural communication skills, which are highly valued by multinational corporations.”
2. “The financial burden of studying abroad can exceed $60,000 annually, which forces many students to seek part-time employment.”
3. “Universities increasingly offer orientation programs, which help mitigate the challenges of cultural adjustment.”

Common Mistakes to Avoid:

• ❌ Omitting the comma: “Students gain independence which is valuable”
• ✅ Correct: “Students gain independence, which is valuable”
• ❌ Using “that” instead of “which”: “Students face challenges, that can be overwhelming”
• ✅ Correct: “Students face challenges, which can be overwhelming”

Structure 2: Participle Phrase for Conciseness

Formula: -ing/-ed phrase + , + main clause OR main clause + , + -ing/-ed phrase

Example from Band 8-9 essay:
“Living independently in an unfamiliar environment fosters resilience, adaptability, and cross-cultural communication skills—attributes highly valued by multinational employers.”

Why It Scores Well: Participle phrases eliminate unnecessary words and demonstrate advanced grammatical control. They create sophisticated sentence variety while maintaining clarity.

Additional Examples:

1. “Faced with language barriers and cultural differences, international students develop remarkable problem-solving abilities.”
2. “Having completed their degrees abroad, graduates often find themselves more competitive in the global job market.”
3. “Students immerse themselves in local communities, gaining invaluable insights into different cultural perspectives.”

Common Mistakes to Avoid:

• ❌ Dangling participle: “Walking through campus, the library was impressive”
• ✅ Correct: “Walking through campus, students found the library impressive”
• ❌ Incorrect tense: “Finish their studies, students return home”
• ✅ Correct: “Having finished their studies, students return home”

Structure 3: Cleft Sentence for Emphasis

Formula: It is/was + noun phrase + that/who + clause

Example from Band 8-9 essay:
“It is the psychological toll of cultural adjustment and homesickness that can be debilitating, particularly during the initial months.”

Why It Scores Well: Cleft sentences emphasize specific information, demonstrating sophisticated discourse management. They guide the reader’s attention to the most important points.

Additional Examples:

1. “It is the exposure to diverse educational methodologies that truly enhances critical thinking skills.”
2. “It was the financial constraints that prevented many talented students from pursuing international education.”
3. “It is through daily interaction with native speakers that language proficiency improves most rapidly.”

Common Mistakes to Avoid:

• ❌ Wrong connector: “It is the cost which concerns students most”
• ✅ Correct: “It is the cost that concerns students most”
• ❌ Incomplete structure: “It is because of expenses students worry”
• ✅ Correct: “It is because of expenses that students worry”

Structure 4: Complex Conditional for Hypothetical Situations

Formula: If + past perfect, would/could/might have + past participle (Third conditional)

Example Application:
“If international students had received adequate preparation for culture shock, they might have experienced fewer psychological difficulties during their transition period.”

Why It Scores Well: Advanced conditional structures demonstrate grammatical range and the ability to discuss hypothetical scenarios, particularly useful in advantages/disadvantages essays.

Additional Examples:

1. “Had universities provided more comprehensive financial aid, more students from disadvantaged backgrounds would have accessed international education.”
2. “If students were to underestimate the challenges of living abroad, they could face overwhelming difficulties.”
3. “Should universities invest more in student support services, the retention rates of international students would likely improve significantly.”

Common Mistakes to Avoid:

• ❌ Mixed conditional: “If students had prepared, they would adapt better”
• ✅ Correct: “If students had prepared, they would have adapted better”
• ❌ Wrong auxiliary: “If I would have known, I would apply”
• ✅ Correct: “If I had known, I would have applied”

Structure 5: Inversion for Formal Emphasis

Formula: Negative adverb + auxiliary verb + subject + main verb

Example Application:
“Not only does studying abroad enhance academic credentials, but it also develops crucial life skills such as independence and adaptability.”

Why It Scores Well: Inversion is characteristic of formal academic writing, demonstrating advanced grammatical control and adding sophisticated variety to sentence structures.

Additional Examples:

1. “Rarely do students regret their decision to study abroad, despite the challenges they face.”
2. “Never before have international students had such extensive access to scholarship opportunities.”
3. “Only by immersing themselves completely in the host culture can students fully benefit from the experience.”

Common Mistakes to Avoid:

• ❌ Forgetting auxiliary: “Never students experienced such challenges”
• ✅ Correct: “Never have students experienced such challenges”
• ❌ Wrong word order: “Not only studying abroad enhances skills”
• ✅ Correct: “Not only does studying abroad enhance skills”

Structure 6: Nominalization for Academic Tone

Formula: Convert verbs/adjectives to nouns to create more formal, academic expressions

Example from Band 8-9 essay:
“The financial burden represents the most substantial challenge” (instead of “Paying for education challenges students most”)

Why It Scores Well: Nominalization creates a more academic, sophisticated tone and allows for more concise expression of complex ideas, characteristic of high-level academic writing.

Additional Examples:

1. “The acquisition of cross-cultural competencies significantly enhances future career prospects.” (vs. “Learning about cultures helps careers”)
2. “The development of independence occurs naturally when students live abroad.” (vs. “Students become independent when they live abroad”)
3. “Student participation in local community activities facilitates cultural integration.” (vs. “When students participate, they integrate better”)

Common Mistakes to Avoid:

• ❌ Overuse creating awkwardness: “The occurrence of the learning of the language”
• ✅ Better: “Language acquisition” or “Learning the language”
• ❌ Incorrect form: “The independency of students”
• ✅ Correct: “Student independence” or “The independence of students”

IELTS Writing Task 2 preparation materials and study resources for band score improvement

Self-Assessment Checklist

Before Writing (5 minutes)

Task Analysis:

• [ ] Have I identified the exact question type? (Discuss both views, advantages/disadvantages, agree/disagree, etc.)
• [ ] Have I underlined key words in the question?
• [ ] Do I understand what the examiner expects? (balanced view, clear position, both sides, etc.)
• [ ] Have I brainstormed 2-3 main ideas for each side/paragraph?
• [ ] Are my examples specific and relevant?

Planning:

• [ ] Have I created a simple outline with introduction, 2 body paragraphs, and conclusion?
• [ ] Is my thesis statement clear and directly addresses the question?
• [ ] Have I allocated one clear central idea per body paragraph?
• [ ] Do I have topic sentences planned for each paragraph?

While Writing (35 minutes)

Structure and Content:

• [ ] Does my introduction paraphrase the question (not copy)?
• [ ] Is my position/thesis clear in the introduction?
• [ ] Does each body paragraph start with a clear topic sentence?
• [ ] Am I developing each idea with explanation + example/evidence?
• [ ] Am I addressing ALL parts of the question equally?
• [ ] Am I maintaining an academic, formal tone throughout?

Language Use:

• [ ] Am I varying my sentence structures (simple, compound, complex)?
• [ ] Am I using topic-specific vocabulary naturally?
• [ ] Are my cohesive devices varied and appropriate?
• [ ] Am I avoiding repetition through synonyms and paraphrasing?
• [ ] Am I checking subject-verb agreement as I write?
• [ ] Are my pronouns clear and consistent?

Time Management:

• [ ] 5 min: Planning ⏰
• [ ] 10 min: Introduction + Body Paragraph 1 ⏰
• [ ] 10 min: Body Paragraph 2 ⏰
• [ ] 5 min: Conclusion ⏰
• [ ] 5 min: Checking ⏰

After Writing (5 minutes)

Content Review:

• [ ] Is my essay 250-280+ words? (Count quickly by lines)
• [ ] Have I fully answered the question?
• [ ] Is my position consistent throughout?
• [ ] Are my examples relevant and specific?
• [ ] Does my conclusion summarize without introducing new ideas?

Language Review (Priority Order):

1. [ ] Subject-verb agreement: Check every verb matches its subject
2. [ ] Articles: Scan for missing “a/an/the” before singular countable nouns
3. [ ] Plural forms: Check noun endings (-s/-es)
4. [ ] Verb forms: Check tenses are consistent and correct (especially after modals, infinitives)
5. [ ] Punctuation: Capital letters at sentence starts, commas in complex sentences
6. [ ] Spelling: Focus on words you commonly misspell

Quick Error Check Strategy:

• Read each sentence backward to catch grammar errors
• Read once focusing only on verbs
• Read once focusing only on nouns and articles
• Circle any word you’re unsure about and consider alternatives

Realistic Time Allocation:

• Spending 30+ minutes writing means insufficient checking time
• Spending 10+ minutes planning means rushing the actual writing
• Balance is crucial: 5-35-5 (plan-write-check) works best for most students

Conclusion

Mastering IELTS Writing Task 2 essays on “the benefits of studying abroad” requires understanding the nuanced balance between advantages and challenges, developing your ideas with specific examples, and demonstrating sophisticated language control. The three sample essays presented here illustrate the clear progression from Band 5-6 to Band 8-9, highlighting that the difference lies not just in vocabulary or grammar, but in how thoroughly and naturally you develop your arguments.

Key Takeaways:

1. Always address all parts of the question – For advantages/disadvantages essays, genuinely discuss both sides with equal depth
2. Specific examples matter – Generic statements score lower than precise, relevant illustrations
3. Language sophistication comes from variety – Mix sentence structures, use advanced cohesive devices naturally, and employ topic-specific vocabulary
4. Coherence is as important as vocabulary – Ideas must flow logically with clear progression
5. Accuracy trumps ambition – Better to use simpler structures correctly than complex ones with errors

Your Path to Improvement:

If you’re currently scoring Band 5-6, focus intensively on eliminating fundamental grammar errors (subject-verb agreement, articles, plural forms) and expanding basic vocabulary. Aim for error-free simple and compound sentences before attempting complex structures. Realistic timeline: 2-3 months of focused practice.

If you’re at Band 6.5-7, work on diversifying your vocabulary with topic-specific collocations, incorporating more complex sentence structures naturally, and developing ideas more fully with specific examples. Realistic timeline: 1-2 months of targeted improvement.

If you’re targeting Band 8-9, refine your sophistication through advanced grammatical structures used naturally, precise vocabulary choices, and nuanced argumentation with concrete evidence. Realistic timeline: 3-6 weeks of fine-tuning.

Take Action Now:

Practice writing your own response to the question analyzed in this guide. Time yourself strictly (40 minutes), then compare your essay to the sample essays at different band levels. Identify which band your essay most closely resembles and use the specific improvement strategies outlined in this guide.

For a deeper understanding of different perspectives on international education, consider exploring the benefits of gap year before university and whether should students have the option to study abroad for free, as these topics often appear in similar IELTS questions and will broaden your argumentation range.

Additional Resources:

• Official IELTS band descriptors (available on ielts.org)
• Cambridge IELTS practice test series (Books 14-18 contain recent authentic questions)
• Academic Word List for IELTS-appropriate vocabulary building
• Online writing correction services for personalized feedback

Remember, consistent practice with honest self-assessment is the only proven path to score improvement. Write at least three essays per week, seek feedback from experienced instructors or proficient English speakers, and systematically work on your identified weaknesses. Share your practice essays and questions in the comments below—engaging with a community of learners accelerates improvement significantly.

The journey from Band 6 to Band 7+ requires dedication, but with the strategies, structures, and vocabulary provided in this comprehensive guide, you now have a clear roadmap to success. Start practicing today, and track your progress week by week. Your target band score is achievable with systematic, focused effort.