Band 7.0 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 7.0 · Cambridge IELTS 12 · 2026-08-24

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)

Nowadays, there is a debate about whether children should be allowed to make their own choices or whether parents should make most decisions for them. Some people believe that too much freedom can make children selfish, while others think that making decisions is important for their development. This essay will discuss both views and give my opinion.

On the one hand, giving children complete freedom may encourage them to think mainly about their own wishes. Young children may not understand what is good or bad for them, so they can make unsuitable choices. For example, they may always choose fast food, expensive clothes or too much screen entertainment instead of healthier options. If parents allow this without any limits, children may become less concerned about other people's needs. Therefore, parents should provide clear rules and guidance.

On the other hand, allowing children to make some decisions can help them become independent and responsible. When children choose their clothes, hobbies or food, they learn to understand the results of their choices. This can also improve their confidence and decision-making skills. For instance, if a child is allowed to choose an activity such as reading, drawing or playing a sport, they can discover their interests and become more responsible for their time.

In my opinion, children should be allowed to make everyday choices, but parents should set reasonable limits. This approach gives children independence while ensuring that their decisions remain safe and appropriate.

In conclusion, although too much freedom can make children self-centred, allowing them to make suitable choices is important for developing independence and responsibility. A balance between freedom and parental guidance is therefore the best approach.

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 relevant and logically developed, such as the discussion on children learning from the consequences of their choices. The position is consistent throughout the essay. To reach a higher band, the development could be slightly more nuanced; for example, exploring the long-term societal implications of these parenting styles rather than focusing primarily on individual child development. However, the response is well-structured and fully satisfies the requirements of the task.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 7.5

The essay is logically organized with a clear progression of ideas. Each paragraph has a central topic, and the transition between the two viewpoints is smooth, using standard cohesive devices like 'On the one hand' and 'On the other hand'. Paragraphing is used effectively to separate the introduction, body paragraphs, and conclusion. The flow of information is natural, and referencing is clear throughout. The use of cohesive devices is functional and appropriate, though it could be slightly more varied to achieve a higher level of sophistication.

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 'independent', 'responsible', 'decision-making skills', and 'parental guidance'. While the vocabulary is accurate and conveys meaning clearly, it is somewhat functional and lacks a wider range of less common or idiomatic expressions that would characterize a higher band. There are no significant spelling or word-choice errors, and the language used is natural and fits the academic context well.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 7.0

The essay demonstrates a good control of grammar with a mix of simple and complex sentence structures. Most sentences are error-free, and the punctuation is accurate. The student successfully uses conditional structures ('If parents allow this...', 'if a child is allowed to choose...') and relative clauses, which shows a good grasp of complex grammar. While the range of structures is solid, it does not consistently display the high level of flexibility or the sophisticated variety of complex forms required for the highest bands. Nevertheless, the writing is clear and free of significant errors.

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

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