Band 6.5 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 6.5 · Cambridge IELTS 12 · 2026-08-05

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 6.5)

It is undeniable that, in today's society, the question of how much autonomy children should have in making everyday decisions has sparked considerable debate. While some argue that too much freedom can create self-centered individuals, others believe that allowing children to make choices fosters independence and confidence. This essay will discuss both perspectives but also my opinion which is in favor of former point of view which will outline in forthcoming fragments with logical conclusion.

On the one hand, those who caution against giving children too much freedom claim that it may lead to a generation of selfish adults. When children are allowed to decide everything from what they eat to how they dress without guidance, they may begin to expect constant gratification and resist compromise. For example, a child who always chooses junk food over healthy meals may not only harm their health but also develop habits that ignore long-term consequences. These patterns, critics argue, can translate into adulthood, where the individual prioritizes personal desires over collective needs.

On the other hand, supporters of child autonomy argue that making choices is an essential part of growing up. When children are allowed to express preferences, they learn responsibility and develop decision-making skills. For instance, choosing their own clothes or hobbies encourages creativity and a sense of self. Moreover, when adults involve children in meaningful decisions, it shows respect for their opinions, which can strengthen family bonds and boost self-esteem.

In my view, a balanced approach is essential. While unrestricted freedom may lead to self-indulgent behavior, complete control can hinder a child's personal development. Parents should provide guidance and boundaries while also encouraging children to make age-appropriate decisions. This way, children can grow into thoughtful individuals who value both personal freedom and social responsibility.

In conclusion, although concerns about excessive freedom are valid, denying children the chance to make their own choices can also be detrimental. A balanced method, where children are guided but also trusted to decide in certain areas, is the most effective path to raising well-rounded individuals.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 6.0

The response addresses all parts of the prompt, discussing both perspectives and providing a clear personal opinion. The ideas are well-developed, particularly the arguments regarding the potential for self-centeredness versus the benefits of autonomy. The position is consistent throughout the essay. However, the introduction contains a slight contradiction; you state your opinion is in favor of the 'former point of view' (that children become self-centered), but your subsequent paragraphs and conclusion argue for a 'balanced approach.' This inconsistency slightly impacts the clarity of your position. To reach a higher band, ensure your thesis statement perfectly aligns with the arguments presented in the body paragraphs.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.5

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 handled well using standard cohesive devices like 'On the one hand' and 'On the other hand.' Paragraphing is used effectively to separate the different stages of the argument. The flow is generally smooth, though some transitions could be more sophisticated. For instance, the link between the introduction and the body could be improved by avoiding phrases like 'forthcoming fragments,' which sounds slightly unnatural. Overall, the structure is clear and easy to follow.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.0

You demonstrate a sufficient range of vocabulary to discuss the topic with precision. Phrases such as 'constant gratification,' 'collective needs,' and 'well-rounded individuals' are used effectively. There is an attempt to use less common items, and the meaning is always clear. While the vocabulary is adequate and appropriate for the task, it lacks the consistent 'sophisticated control' or 'skilful use of uncommon items' required for a band 8.0. The word choices are accurate but generally standard. Expanding your repertoire of collocations and idiomatic expressions would help elevate your score in this criterion.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 6.5

The essay displays a good variety of complex structures, such as conditional sentences ('When children are allowed...') and subordinate clauses. The majority of your sentences are error-free, and your control of punctuation is generally good. There are very few grammatical slips, and those that exist do not impede communication. The sentence structure is varied, which helps maintain the reader's interest. To move toward a higher band, focus on incorporating even more diverse grammatical structures, such as inversion or more complex passive constructions, while maintaining the high level of accuracy you have already achieved.

See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.

Browse more IELTS Writing model answers or get your own writing scored by the same AI examiner.