Band 8.5 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

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

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)

Whether children should be given autonomy over daily choices—such as what to eat, wear, or watch—is a widely debated topic in parenting and child development. While critics fear this approach produces self-centered adults, proponents argue it builds essential decision-making skills. In my opinion, allowing age-appropriate choices is crucial for developing self-reliance, provided parents set clear boundaries.

On the one hand, those who oppose giving children too much freedom argue that it encourages self-indulgence and disregard for others. When children always get to choose their meal, outfit, or entertainment, they may come to expect that their preferences should always take priority. In the long run, this habit can lead to difficulty in compromising, cooperating, or respecting rules within a group setting. For instance, a child accustomed to choosing their own dinner every night might struggle to adapt to shared family meals or communal dining in school environments, fostering an individualistic mindset rather than a sense of shared responsibility.

On the other hand, supporters believe that making choices on everyday matters builds crucial life skills. Decisions regarding clothing or entertainment are low-stakes opportunities for children to learn cause and effect, develop personal taste, and gain self-confidence. When children are allowed to choose their clothes—even if the combinations are mismatched—they learn self-expression and feel respected. Furthermore, practicing decision-making at a young age prevents over-dependence on adults later in life, making the transition into adulthood and independent living much smoother.

In my opinion, early autonomy is highly beneficial, but it must exist within structured limits. Giving a child unrestricted freedom can lead to poor health or behavioral issues, such as choosing sugary food over balanced nutrition. However, offering limited choices—such as asking a child to choose between two healthy meals or two acceptable outfits—strikes a balance. It provides the child with a sense of control while keeping them grounded within safe and reasonable boundaries set by parents.

In conclusion, while unrestricted personal choice carries the risk of nurturing self-centeredness, guided independence in daily decisions is vital for personal growth. When balanced with parental structure, everyday choice-making produces confident, self-reliant individuals rather than selfish ones.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 8.0

The response fully addresses all parts of the prompt. You have clearly discussed both perspectives—the concern regarding self-centeredness and the benefits of fostering decision-making skills—and provided a well-supported personal opinion. The ideas are logically developed and extended with relevant examples, such as the comparison between communal dining and individualistic mindsets. The position is consistent and clearly stated in the introduction and conclusion, demonstrating a sophisticated approach to the task requirements. The balance between the two sides is well-maintained, and the conclusion effectively synthesizes the arguments presented.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 8.5

The essay is logically organized with a clear progression of ideas. Each paragraph has a central theme, and the transition between paragraphs is smooth, using effective 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 and appropriate. The flow of the argument is natural, and the relationship between the ideas is always clear, which makes the text very easy to follow. There is no evidence of mechanical or repetitive use of cohesive devices.

Lexical Resource — Band 8.0

You demonstrate a wide and flexible range of vocabulary, using sophisticated terms such as 'autonomy,' 'self-indulgence,' 'communal,' and 'nurturing.' The word choices are precise and contribute to the academic tone of the essay. Collocations are natural, and there are no noticeable errors in word choice or spelling. The vocabulary is used with a high degree of control, allowing for nuanced expression of complex ideas, which is characteristic of a high-level response.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 8.5

The essay displays a wide range of grammatical structures, including complex sentences with subordinate clauses and varied sentence beginnings. The majority of sentences are error-free, and the punctuation is used accurately to enhance clarity. There is a high level of control over tense and agreement. The structures used are sophisticated and contribute to the overall fluency of the writing. The response is virtually free of grammatical errors, reflecting a high level of proficiency.

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