Band 7.0 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 7.0 · Cambridge IELTS 12 · 2026-08-18

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)

There is an ongoing debate about whether children should be allowed to make their won decisions in everyday matters. While some people argue that excessive freedom may create self-centred individuals, others believe that decision-making is essential for a child`s develpoment. In my view, children should be given a reasonable degree of independence under parental guidance.

On the one hand, allowing children to make every decision themselves may have negative consequences. Young children generally lack the maturity and experience required to asses the long-term effects of their choices. For instance, if children are free to choose their food, they may frequently prefer fast food and sugary snacks over nutritious meals. Similarly, unrestricted access to entertainment could encourage excessive screen time, potentially affecting their studies and social development. As a result, children who are accustomed to having their wishes fulfilled may become less considerate of others.

On the other hand, involving children in decisions that affect them can develop valuable life skills. When youngsters are allowed to choose their clothes, hobbies or extracurricular activities, they learn to express their preferences and accept responsibility for the consequences. This can gradually build confidence, independence and critical thinking skills. For example, a child who is encouraged to select a sport is more likely to remain committed to it because the decision reflects their own interests.

In conclusion, although unlimited freedom may encourage selfish behaviour, completely controlling children is equally undesirable. Parents should therefore establish sensible boundaries while allowing children to age-appropriate choices. This balanced approach can help them become both independent and responsible members of society.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 7.0

The response addresses all parts of the prompt, discussing both perspectives and providing a clear personal opinion. The ideas are well-developed, with relevant examples such as fast food and sports choices used to illustrate the arguments. The position is consistent throughout the essay. To reach a higher band, the student could further extend the analysis of the 'self-centred' society argument, perhaps by linking it more explicitly to long-term societal impacts rather than just individual behavior. Overall, the response is well-focused and fully satisfies the requirements of the task.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 7.5

The essay is logically organized with a clear introduction, two body paragraphs, and a conclusion. Cohesive devices such as 'On the one hand,' 'On the other hand,' 'For instance,' and 'As a result' are used effectively to guide the reader through the argument. Paragraphing is used appropriately to separate the two opposing views. The progression of ideas is smooth, and the relationship between sentences is clear. The essay demonstrates a good command of organizational features, making it easy to follow.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.5

The vocabulary is sufficient and appropriate for the task. The student uses a range of topic-specific terms such as 'nutritious meals,' 'unrestricted access,' 'extrinsic interests,' and 'age-appropriate.' There are a few minor spelling errors, such as 'won' instead of 'own,' 'develpoment' instead of 'development,' and 'asses' instead of 'assess.' Despite these slips, the range of vocabulary is adequate to convey complex ideas with precision. The use of collocations is generally natural and supports the overall clarity of the writing.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 7.0

The essay demonstrates a good mix of simple and complex sentence structures. The student uses complex sentences effectively, such as 'When youngsters are allowed to choose their clothes... they learn to express their preferences.' There are very few grammatical errors, and those present (like the minor punctuation slip with the backtick instead of an apostrophe) do not impede communication. The majority of sentences are error-free, showing good control over grammar and punctuation. The writing is accurate and flows well.

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