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)

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 views and give your own opinion.

There are different opinions about whether children should be allowed to make their own decisions in daily life. While some people argue that giving children too much freedom may encourage selfish behaviour, others believe that making their own choices is an important part of growing up. In my opinion, children should be given the opportunity to make age-appropriate decisions under the guidance of their parents.

On the one hand, those who oppose giving children complete freedom believe that it may lead to self-centred attitudes. If children are always allowed to choose what they eat, wear or do for entertainment, they may become used to getting everything they want. As a result, they may find it difficult to respect other people’s opinions or accept disappointment. For example, a child who refuses to eat healthy food because they prefer fast food may develop unhealthy habits as well as an unwillingness to follow rules.

On the other hand, allowing children to make decisions can help them become more responsible and independent. When children are trusted to choose their clothes, hobbies or after-school activities, they learn to think carefully about the consequences of their actions. They also gain confidence because they feel that their opinions are valued. For instance, a child who chooses to join a sports club instead of being forced by parents is more likely to remain committed and enjoy the activity.

In my view, children should not have unlimited freedom, but they should gradually be given more responsibility as they grow older. Parents should provide guidance and set reasonable limits while encouraging children to make suitable choices. This balanced approach helps children develop decision-making skills without becoming selfish.

In conclusion, although excessive freedom may encourage children to think only about themselves, allowing them to make appropriate everyday decisions is essential for developing independence, confidence and responsibility.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 6.5

The response fully addresses all parts of the task. You have clearly presented both sides of the argument and provided a consistent, well-reasoned personal opinion. The ideas are well-developed, with relevant examples such as the mention of healthy eating habits and sports club participation to illustrate the points. The position is clear throughout the essay, and the conclusion effectively synthesises the arguments presented. The response is balanced and demonstrates a strong understanding of the prompt requirements.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.5

The essay is logically organised with a clear progression of ideas. Each paragraph has a central topic sentence, and the transition between paragraphs is smooth, using cohesive devices such as 'On the one hand', 'On the other hand', and 'In conclusion' effectively. The use of referencing is precise, and the paragraphing is used appropriately to separate the different viewpoints. The flow of information is natural and easy to follow, meeting the requirements for a high band score in this criterion.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.0

You demonstrate a sufficient range of vocabulary to discuss the topic with precision. Phrases like 'age-appropriate decisions', 'self-centred attitudes', and 'unlimited freedom' show a good command of language. While the vocabulary is accurate and appropriate for the context, it could be slightly more sophisticated to reach the highest band. There are no significant errors in word choice or collocation, and the language used is natural and conveys your meaning clearly throughout the essay.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 6.0

The essay displays a good variety of complex structures, such as conditional sentences ('If children are always allowed...') and subordinate clauses ('...because they feel that their opinions are valued'). The majority of sentences are error-free, and your control over punctuation and grammar is strong. There are no frequent errors that impede communication. To move higher, you could incorporate a wider variety of more complex sentence structures or more nuanced grammatical forms, but the current level is already quite high and accurate.

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

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