Band 8.5 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 8.5 · Cambridge IELTS 12 · 2026-07-29
IELTS Writing Task 2 question
Some people believe that allowing children to make their own choices on everyday matters (such as food, clothes and entertainment) is likely to result in a society of individuals who only think about their own wishes. Other people believe that it is important for children to make decisions about matters that affect them.
Discuss both these views and give your own opinion.
Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience.
Student answer (Band 8.5)
Some people believe that children should be free to make their own decisions in everyday matters, while others argue that this may encourage them to become selfish. In my opinion, children should gradually be given the freedom to make choices because it helps them become independent and responsible adults. This essay will discuss both views
On the one hand, those who oppose giving children too much freedom believe that they may start prioritizing their own desires over the needs of others. If children are always allowed to choose what they eat, wear or do for entertainment, they may become unwilling to accept rules or compromise. As a result, they could develop a self-centred attitude that negatively affects their relationships with family, friends and society. For example, a child who is never taught to consider others may find it difficult to cooperate in school or the workplace.
On the other hand, allowing children to make decisions about matters that affect them is an important part of their development. Making choices teaches them responsibility, problem-solving skills and confidence. Although they may occasionally make poor decisions, they can learn valuable lessons from their mistakes with guidance from their parents. For instance, letting a child choose their hobbies or clothing can help them develop their personality while still respecting reasonable boundaries.
In conclusion, although unlimited freedom may encourage selfish behaviour, I believe that children should be given appropriate opportunities to make their own decisions under parental guidance. This approach helps them become independent, confident and responsible members of society.
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 8.5 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 8.5 |
| Lexical Resource | 8.0 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 8.5 |
| Overall | 8.5 |
Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 8.5
The response fully addresses all parts of the prompt. You have clearly discussed both perspectives—the concern regarding selfishness and the benefits of autonomy—and provided a well-reasoned personal opinion. The ideas are relevant and logically extended, such as the link between decision-making and the development of problem-solving skills. The position is consistent throughout the essay, from the introduction to the conclusion. To reach the highest band, you could further elaborate on the 'parental guidance' aspect by providing a more specific example of how this balance is struck in a real-world scenario, which would add even more depth to your argument.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 8.5
The essay is logically organized with a clear progression of ideas. Each paragraph has a central theme, and the transition between the two opposing views is smooth, utilizing appropriate cohesive devices such as 'On the one hand' and 'On the other hand'. The introduction and conclusion are well-structured, framing the discussion effectively. The use of referencing is clear, and the flow of information is natural. The paragraphing is logical and contributes to the overall clarity of the argument. The response is easy to follow, and the relationship between sentences is well-managed throughout.
Lexical Resource — Band 8.0
You demonstrate a good range of vocabulary that is appropriate for an academic essay. Phrases like 'prioritizing their own desires', 'self-centred attitude', and 'appropriate opportunities' show a solid command of language. The vocabulary is precise and used accurately to convey your meaning. While the range is sufficient and effective, incorporating a few more sophisticated or less common collocations could elevate the score further. For instance, instead of 'make decisions', you could occasionally use 'exercise autonomy' or 'make informed choices'. Overall, the lexical control is strong and supports the clarity of your arguments well.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 8.5
The essay displays a good variety of complex sentence structures, such as the use of conditional sentences ('If children are always allowed...') and concessive clauses ('Although they may occasionally...'). The grammar is generally accurate, with the majority of sentences being error-free. Punctuation is used correctly to support the structure of your arguments. There are no significant grammatical errors that impede communication. To reach a higher band, ensure that you maintain this level of accuracy while experimenting with even more diverse sentence patterns, such as inversion or more advanced relative clauses, to demonstrate full flexibility.
Browse more IELTS Writing model answers or get your own writing scored by the same AI examiner.