Band 6.0 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 6.0 · Cambridge IELTS 12 · 2026-08-31

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 6.0)

Some individuals believe that allowing children to make their own decisions on daily matters such as clothing, food or entertainment would result in a society of people who only think about themselves. On the other hand some believe that is important for children to make decisions about that affects them most.

People who think that giving permission to children to make their own choices everyday would result in a society of people who only think for themselves. Although giving such permission will give confidence to children but would definitely result in a more selfish society. A society in which people will only think of their own wishes even if they had to sacrifice the needs and wishes of others. Lets take an example of a person who had been really spoiled by his parents since he was a kid and he always made his own decisions everyday, and his parents never interfered, now when he will be a grown man he would never listen to anyone and will try to get whatever he needs by any means, good or bad.

But on the other hand if children only make decisions for what really matters would result in a responsible and flourishing society. As these people will not try to get things just for sake of their wish but for what really they need.

In my experience, I would like to have such people around me who are not selfish but rather take their decisions based on what really matters. Having a selfish person who only thinks for himself would be a disaster and means of my own frustration.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 6.0

The response addresses both sides of the argument and provides a personal opinion. However, the development of ideas is somewhat limited. The argument regarding the 'selfish society' is repetitive, and the example provided is a bit simplistic. To reach a higher band, you should expand on the reasoning behind why children making decisions might lead to positive outcomes, such as developing critical thinking or autonomy. The conclusion is brief and could more effectively synthesize the two viewpoints discussed. While the task is addressed, the depth of analysis is insufficient for a higher score.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.0

The essay is organized into paragraphs, which helps the reader follow the structure. However, the use of cohesive devices is somewhat mechanical and repetitive. For example, the phrase 'on the other hand' is used twice in close proximity, and some transitions between sentences feel abrupt. The logical progression of ideas is present, but the flow could be improved by using a wider variety of linking words and ensuring that each paragraph has a clear topic sentence that connects back to the prompt. Referencing is generally clear, but the overall cohesion lacks sophistication.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.0

The vocabulary is adequate for the task but lacks the range and precision required for a higher band. You rely on basic terms like 'good or bad', 'really matters', and 'things'. There are some attempts at more academic phrasing, but they are often used in a repetitive manner. To improve, try to incorporate more precise collocations and topic-specific vocabulary related to child development and societal impact. The word choice is generally functional and does not impede communication, but it does not demonstrate the flexibility or sophistication expected at higher levels.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.5

The essay contains a mix of simple and complex sentence structures. However, there are frequent grammatical errors that affect the fluency of the text. For instance, 'giving permission to children to make their own choices everyday would result' lacks a subject in the first clause, and 'if children only make decisions for what really matters would result' is grammatically incomplete. There are also issues with article usage and verb agreement (e.g., 'a person who had been really spoiled'). While the meaning is generally clear, the frequency of these errors prevents a higher score.

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

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