Band 5.0 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 5.0 · 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 5.0)

Some people believe that if children are allowed to make their own choices regarding every little things they may become selfish, while others believe that its important for children to make own decision because this helps to make responsible. Although the latter opinion can be beneficial in some cases, I believe that its important for children to make own decision but in limited area.

If parents give children complete freedom in every time, the children may become self centered. If child always choose their own choice its chance to learn ignore other opinions. It is possible that they not understand the importance of sharing, compromise and discipline. For example if a child takes a junk food on daily basis and his parents not insist to healthy food, then its effect on his health.

Take responsibility of his decision then children became independent and responsible. that children who takes decision on his small age they learned how life works. That way to develop confidence, self responsibility and decision making on children. If children have these qualities in their small age when they become adult they give more value to their society. For example if parents allowed to choose dressing then a child express his preference.

In conclusion, although its better for children to make their own choices and they become selfish but i believe that its important for children to make their own decision.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 5.0

The response addresses both sides of the argument and provides a personal opinion, meeting the basic requirements of the prompt. However, the essay is under the 250-word minimum, which negatively impacts the development of ideas. The arguments are somewhat repetitive and lack depth; for instance, the point about junk food is mentioned but not fully explored in terms of its long-term societal impact. Furthermore, the conclusion contains a logical error, stating that children become selfish when they make their own choices, which contradicts the earlier argument about fostering independence. To improve, you should expand your examples and ensure your position remains consistent throughout the essay.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.5

The essay is organized into paragraphs, which helps the reader follow the structure. However, the use of cohesive devices is quite limited and sometimes mechanical. Transitions between sentences are often abrupt, such as the start of the third paragraph: 'Take responsibility of his decision then children became independent'. The lack of varied linking words makes the flow feel disjointed. Additionally, the referencing is occasionally unclear, making it difficult to track the subject of the sentences. To achieve a higher band, you should use a wider range of cohesive devices (e.g., 'consequently', 'furthermore', 'in contrast') to connect ideas more fluidly.

Lexical Resource — Band 5.0

The vocabulary is generally adequate for the task but lacks the precision and variety required for a higher score. You rely on basic terms like 'every little things', 'good', and 'small age', which are repetitive. There are also issues with word formation and collocation, such as 'takes a junk food' instead of 'consumes junk food' and 'in small age' instead of 'at a young age'. To improve, focus on learning collocations and using more academic vocabulary to express your ideas with greater sophistication and accuracy.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.0

The essay contains a high frequency of grammatical errors that occasionally impede communication. There are consistent issues with subject-verb agreement (e.g., 'child always choose', 'children became independent'), article usage, and sentence structure. Many sentences are fragmented or lack necessary components, such as 'If parents allowed to choose dressing then a child express his preference'. While you attempt some complex structures, they are often faulty. To improve, focus on mastering basic sentence construction, ensuring subjects and verbs agree, and proofreading for missing articles and prepositions.

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

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