Band 7.0 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 7.0 · 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 7.0)

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 before presenting my own viewpoint.

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 7.0

The response fully addresses all parts of the prompt. You have clearly discussed both perspectives—the concern that autonomy leads to selfishness and the argument that it fosters independence—and provided a clear, personal opinion in the introduction and conclusion. The ideas are well-developed, with relevant examples such as the choice of junk food versus healthy meals and the impact of decision-making on family bonds. The position is consistent throughout the essay, and the arguments are logically extended. The essay is well-structured and directly answers the prompt's requirement to discuss both views and provide an opinion.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 7.0

The essay demonstrates a clear logical progression. Each paragraph has a central topic, and the transition between paragraphs is smooth, using effective cohesive devices such as 'On the one hand,' 'On the other hand,' and 'Moreover.' The sequencing of ideas is logical, moving from the potential downsides of autonomy to the benefits, and finally to a balanced synthesis. Paragraphing is used appropriately to separate distinct ideas. The use of referencing is clear, and the overall structure is coherent, making the argument easy to follow from start to finish.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.5

You have used a sufficient range of vocabulary to convey your ideas with precision. Phrases such as 'constant gratification,' 'collective needs,' and 'well-rounded individuals' demonstrate a good command of language. The vocabulary is natural and appropriate for an academic essay. While the range is solid, it could be further enhanced by incorporating more sophisticated, less common collocations or idiomatic expressions to reach the highest band. However, the current usage is accurate, and there are no errors in word choice that impede communication.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 7.0

The essay displays a good variety of complex sentence structures, such as the use of conditional clauses ('When children are allowed...') and concessive clauses ('While unrestricted freedom may lead to...'). The majority of sentences are error-free, and the punctuation is used correctly throughout. The grammar is controlled, and there are no significant errors that distract the reader or cause confusion. The control over complex structures is consistent, which supports the clarity of your arguments. The writing is fluent and demonstrates a high level of grammatical accuracy.

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