Band 6.5 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 6.5 · Cambridge IELTS 12 · 2026-08-06

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)

In recent years, there has been considerable debate about whether children should be given the freedom to make their own decisions in everyday life. While some people argue that excessive freedom may encourage selfish behaviour, others believe that allowing children to make age-appropriate decisions is essential for their personal development. This essay will discuss both perspectives before arguing that children should be encouraged to make their own choices under parental guidance.

On the one hand, allowing children to make every decision independently may foster a self-centred attitude. Since young children often lack maturity and self-discipline, they tend to prioritise their own desires over the needs of others. For example, if children are always permitted to choose what they eat, they may prefer unhealthy fast food instead of nutritious meals, which could negatively affect their health. Likewise, children who are never taught to compromise may become less considerate of others' opinions and struggle to cooperate in school or the workplace later in life. Therefore, parental guidance and reasonable limits are necessary to teach children responsibility and respect for others.

On the other hand, giving children the opportunity to make decisions about matters that affect them helps them develop essential life skills. Making simple choices, such as selecting their clothes, hobbies or extracurricular activities, encourages independence, confidence and critical thinking. Furthermore, when children experience the consequences of their decisions, they learn valuable lessons about responsibility and problem-solving. For instance, a child who chooses to spend all of their pocket money at once may realise the importance of budgeting for future needs. Such experiences prepare young people to make wiser and more informed decisions as adults.

In my opinion, children should neither be given complete freedom nor be prevented from making decisions altogether. Instead, parents should allow them to make appropriate choices according to their age while continuing to provide guidance on more significant issues such as education, health and safety. This balanced approach enables children to become independent without losing the moral values and discipline needed to function effectively in society.

In conclusion, although unrestricted freedom may encourage selfish behaviour, allowing children to make suitable decisions is highly beneficial because it promotes independence, confidence and responsibility. With proper parental supervision, children can develop into capable and considerate adults.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 6.5

The response fully addresses all parts of the prompt. You have clearly discussed both perspectives—the potential for selfishness and the benefits of autonomy—and provided a well-reasoned personal opinion. The ideas are extended and supported with relevant examples, such as the mention of pocket money and dietary choices. The position is consistent throughout the essay, and the conclusion effectively synthesizes the arguments presented. The development is logical and balanced, meeting the requirements for a high band score by providing a nuanced view rather than a one-sided argument.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.5

The essay demonstrates a clear logical progression. Each paragraph has a central theme, and the transition between paragraphs 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 used effectively to structure the argument. The flow of ideas is natural, and the relationship between the arguments is easy to follow, which is characteristic of a high-level response.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.5

You have used a wide range of vocabulary with precision and flexibility. Phrases such as 'age-appropriate decisions,' 'foster a self-centred attitude,' and 'unrestricted freedom' demonstrate a sophisticated command of language. The collocations are natural, and there is an awareness of style appropriate for an academic essay. There are no noticeable errors in word choice, and the vocabulary used is more than sufficient to convey complex ideas clearly and effectively.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 6.5

The essay displays a wide range of complex structures, including conditional sentences and subordinate clauses, used with high accuracy. The majority of sentences are error-free, and the punctuation is handled correctly throughout. The control over grammar is consistent, and the sophisticated sentence structures contribute to the overall clarity and professional tone of the writing. There are no significant errors that impede communication, and the grammatical control is highly developed.

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