Band 7.5 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 7.5 · Cambridge IELTS 12 · 2026-09-07

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 7.5)

There is ongoing debate about whether children should be given the freedom to make decisions about everyday matters or whether doing so may encourage them to become self-centred. While excessive freedom can undoubtedly foster a sense of entitlement, I believe that allowing children to make age-appropriate choices is essential for developing independence, confidence and a sense of responsibility.

On the one hand, giving children unrestricted control over everyday decisions may cause them to become overly focused on their own preferences. Children who are consistently allowed to have whatever they want may come to regard their wishes as more important than those of other people. For example, if parents always allow a child to decide what the family eats, watches or does together, without requiring any compromise, the child may gradually develop the expectation that others should accommodate them. This attitude can become problematic as they grow older, particularly when they enter environments such as schools and workplaces where cooperation and consideration for others are essential. Therefore, the concern that excessive freedom can contribute to self-centred behaviour is justified.

On the other hand, allowing children to make reasonable decisions about matters that directly affect them can be highly beneficial. Making choices gives children opportunities to express their preferences, solve problems and take responsibility for the consequences of their decisions. A child who is allowed to choose an extracurricular activity, for instance, is not merely exercising personal preference; they are also learning to evaluate alternatives and commit to a decision. Such experiences can gradually build self-confidence and independence. Moreover, children who are encouraged to express their views are more likely to develop the confidence to speak up when they encounter difficulties, such as bullying or inappropriate behaviour. These are valuable skills that cannot be acquired simply by being told what to do.

In my view, the most appropriate approach is therefore neither complete freedom nor excessive parental control. Children should be allowed to make choices that are appropriate for their age and maturity, while parents should establish boundaries where necessary and teach them to consider the consequences of their decisions. For instance, a parent might allow a child to choose their clothes or lunch while explaining why certain choices may not always be practical or healthy. This approach enables children to exercise autonomy without losing sight of their responsibilities towards others.

In conclusion, although giving children excessive freedom may encourage selfishness and entitlement, allowing them to make appropriate decisions is an important part of their development. The key is for parents to strike a balance between autonomy and guidance, so that children learn not only to make their own choices but also to respect the needs and opinions of others.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 7.5

The response fully addresses all parts of the task. You have clearly discussed both perspectives—the potential for self-centredness and the benefits of autonomy—and provided a well-reasoned personal opinion. The ideas are well-developed, with relevant examples such as extracurricular activities and daily choices like clothing or food. The position is consistent throughout the essay, and the conclusion effectively synthesises the arguments presented. The response is balanced, logical, and directly answers the prompt without any omissions.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 7.5

The essay demonstrates a clear logical progression. Each paragraph has a central topic, and the transition between the two viewpoints is smooth, using effective signposting such as 'On the one hand' and 'On the other hand'. Cohesive devices are used naturally and flexibly, such as 'Moreover', 'Therefore', and 'For instance', which help to guide the reader through your argument. Paragraphing is used appropriately, with each section serving a distinct purpose in the overall structure of the essay. The flow of ideas is coherent and easy to follow throughout.

Lexical Resource — Band 7.5

You demonstrate a wide and flexible range of vocabulary, which is used with precision. Phrases such as 'foster a sense of entitlement', 'accommodate them', and 'exercise autonomy' show a sophisticated command of language. The vocabulary is appropriate for an academic context and contributes to the clarity of your arguments. There are no noticeable errors in word choice or collocation, and the language is used naturally to convey complex ideas. The range is sufficient to allow for precise expression of your thoughts.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 7.5

The essay displays a wide range of grammatical structures, including complex sentences with subordinate clauses and conditional structures. The majority of sentences are error-free, and your control over punctuation and syntax is excellent. You use a variety of sentence forms effectively to maintain interest and clarity. There are no significant grammatical errors that impede communication, and the overall accuracy is high, reflecting a strong command of English grammar suitable for this level.

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