Band 8.5 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 8.5 · Cambridge IELTS 12 · 2026-08-01

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 allowing children to make their own choices in everyday matters, such as food, clothes and entertainment, may lead to a society of self-centred individuals who only care about their own desires. Others argue that it is important for children to make decisions about issues that affect their lives. This essay will discuss both views before presenting my own opinion.

On the one hand, giving children complete freedom to choose everything may encourage selfish behaviour. Children are naturally attracted to things that provide immediate pleasure rather than long-term benefits. For example, if they are always allowed to decide what they eat, many may prefer fast food and unhealthy snacks instead of nutritious meals. Similarly, if their wishes are fulfilled without limitations, they may become less willing to consider the needs and opinions of others. As a result, they could develop an attitude that their personal desires are more important than collective interests, which may negatively affect society in the future.

On the other hand, allowing children to make certain decisions is an essential part of their development. Decision-making helps children become more independent, responsible and confident. When children are given opportunities to choose their clothes, hobbies or extracurricular activities, they learn to evaluate options and accept the consequences of their choices. These experiences prepare them for adulthood, when they will need to make more significant decisions regarding education, careers and personal relationships. Furthermore, involving children in decisions that affect them can improve their problem-solving abilities and critical thinking skills.

In my opinion, children should be encouraged to make decisions, but within reasonable limits set by parents. While parents should guide children in important matters such as health and education, children should still have some freedom to make age-appropriate choices. This balanced approach helps them develop independence without becoming overly self-focused.

In conclusion, although excessive freedom may encourage selfish attitudes among children, allowing them to make appropriate decisions is crucial for their personal growth. Therefore, a combination of parental guidance and children's independence is the most effective approach.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 8.5

The response fully addresses all parts of the task. You have clearly discussed both perspectives—the potential for selfishness and the benefits of independence—and provided a well-reasoned personal opinion. The ideas are well-developed, such as the example of fast food to illustrate the risks of unlimited choice, and the connection between childhood decision-making and future adult responsibilities. The position is consistent throughout the essay, and the conclusion effectively synthesizes the arguments presented. The essay is balanced and demonstrates a clear understanding of the prompt's requirements.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 8.5

The essay is logically organized with a clear progression of ideas. Each paragraph has a central topic, and the transition between the two opposing views is smooth, using appropriate cohesive devices such as 'On the one hand', 'On the other hand', and 'Furthermore'. The use of referencing is precise, and the paragraphing is logical, which helps the reader follow your argument without effort. The flow of information is natural, and the relationship between sentences is clearly established, meeting the criteria for a high band score.

Lexical Resource — Band 8.0

You demonstrate a good range of vocabulary that is appropriate for an academic context. Phrases like 'immediate pleasure', 'long-term benefits', 'collective interests', and 'age-appropriate choices' show a level of precision and flexibility. While the vocabulary is accurate and fits the context well, there is room to incorporate more sophisticated or less common collocations to reach the highest band. However, the current range is sufficient to convey complex ideas clearly and effectively without any noticeable errors in word choice or spelling.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 8.5

The essay displays a wide range of grammatical structures, including complex sentences with subordinate clauses (e.g., 'While parents should guide children in important matters..., children should still have some freedom...'). The majority of your sentences are error-free, and your control over punctuation and tense usage is excellent. There are no significant grammatical slips that impede communication. The writing is fluent and demonstrates a high level of accuracy, consistent with the requirements for a band 8.0 performance.

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