Band 7.0 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 7.0 · Cambridge IELTS 12 · 2026-08-30

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)

Some people believe that children should not be allowed to make their own choices because this may make them selfish in the future. However, others think that children should have the freedom to make decisions about things that affect their daily lives. This essay will discuss both views and explain why I believe that children should be given some freedom to make their own choices.

On the one hand, giving children too much freedom can have negative effects. If children always get what they want, they may become selfish and think that their wishes are more important than other people's needs. For example, if parents allow their children to choose expensive clothes, toys or food whenever they want, children may not understand the value of money. They may also become less willing to accept rules or listen to their parents. As a result, they could find it difficult to adjust to a society where they need to consider the feelings and needs of other people.

On the other hand, allowing children to make some decisions can help them become more responsible and independent. When children are allowed to choose their own clothes, food or hobbies, they learn how to make decisions and understand the results of their choices. For instance, a child who is allowed to choose between different healthy foods may gradually learn which food is better for their health. Similarly, choosing their own hobbies can help children discover their interests and develop confidence. These skills can be very useful when they become adults.

In conclusion, too much freedom may make children selfish, but allowing them to make suitable choices can help them become responsible and independent. Parents should therefore give children choices while teaching them to consider other people's needs.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 7.0

The response addresses all parts of the prompt effectively. You have discussed both perspectives—the potential for selfishness and the benefits of independence—and clearly stated your own opinion in the introduction and conclusion. The ideas are well-developed with relevant examples, such as the mention of financial awareness and healthy food choices. The position is consistent throughout the essay. To reach a higher band, you could expand slightly more on the 'middle ground' mentioned in the conclusion, perhaps by providing a specific example of how parents can balance these two approaches in practice.

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 opposing views is handled smoothly using cohesive devices like 'On the one hand' and 'On the other hand'. The use of referencing (e.g., 'These skills', 'such choices') is effective and helps maintain flow. The paragraphing is appropriate, with a clear introduction, two body paragraphs, and a concise conclusion. The structure is coherent and easy to follow throughout.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.5

You demonstrate a sufficient range of vocabulary to discuss the topic with precision. Phrases like 'adjust to a society', 'value of money', and 'develop confidence' are used accurately. While the vocabulary is appropriate and natural, it is largely functional. To achieve a higher band, you could incorporate more sophisticated or less common lexical items to demonstrate greater flexibility, such as using 'autonomy' instead of 'freedom' or 'nurture' instead of 'teach'. There are no spelling or word-choice errors that impede communication.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 7.0

The essay displays a good mix of simple and complex sentence structures. You use conditional sentences ('If children always get what they want...') and relative clauses effectively. The grammar is generally accurate, with very few errors. Punctuation is used correctly to support the clarity of your arguments. The majority of your sentences are error-free, which is a strong indicator of good control. To aim for a higher band, you could experiment with a wider variety of complex structures, such as inversion or more advanced passive constructions, to show greater grammatical flexibility.

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