Band 6.5 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 6.5 · 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 6.5)
Some people argue that giving children complete freedom to make everyday choices may cause them to become selfish and focus only on their own desires. However, others believe that allowing children to make decisions about matters that affect them is an important part of their development. This essay will discuss both views and explain why I believe children should be given some freedom to make their own choices.
On the one hand, giving children too much freedom may encourage them to become self-centred. If children are always allowed to choose whatever they want, they may develop the habit of expecting their wishes to be fulfilled. For example, a child who can always decide what food to eat or what entertainment to watch may refuse to consider the preferences of other family members. As they grow older, this behaviour could make it difficult for them to cooperate with others or understand that sometimes they need to make compromises. Therefore, parents should set reasonable limits and teach children to respect other people's needs.
On the other hand, allowing children to make appropriate decisions can have several benefits. Firstly, it helps them become more independent and responsible. When children are allowed to choose their clothes, hobbies, or meals, they learn that their decisions have consequences. Secondly, making choices can improve their confidence and problem-solving abilities. For instance, parents could allow a child to choose between several healthy meals rather than simply deciding what the child must eat. In this way, children can develop decision-making skills while still receiving appropriate guidance from adults.
In my opinion, children should be given the opportunity to make
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 5.5 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 6.5 |
| Lexical Resource | 6.5 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 7.0 |
| Overall | 6.5 |
Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 5.5
The essay addresses both sides of the argument and presents a clear position. However, the response is incomplete as it ends abruptly mid-sentence in the final paragraph. While the ideas presented in the body paragraphs are relevant and well-supported with examples, the failure to complete the conclusion significantly impacts the development of the final position. To reach a higher band, ensure that the conclusion is fully articulated to provide a sense of closure and to reinforce the main arguments presented throughout the essay.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.5
The essay is logically organized with clear paragraphing. Each paragraph has a central topic, and the progression of ideas is easy to follow. Cohesive devices such as 'On the one hand', 'On the other hand', 'Firstly', and 'For instance' are used effectively to link ideas. However, because the essay is unfinished, the overall cohesion of the final paragraph is absent. Despite this, the internal structure of the completed sections is strong and demonstrates a good command of logical flow.
Lexical Resource — Band 6.5
The vocabulary is sufficient and appropriate for the task. You use a range of relevant terms such as 'self-centred', 'cooperate', 'compromises', and 'decision-making skills'. The language is natural and conveys your meaning clearly without any significant errors in word choice or collocation. To move into the higher bands, you could incorporate more sophisticated or less common lexical items, such as 'autonomy', 'nurture', or 'impulsive', to demonstrate a wider and more flexible range of vocabulary.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 7.0
The essay demonstrates a good mix of simple and complex sentence structures. You use conditional sentences ('If children are always allowed...') and relative clauses effectively. The grammar is generally accurate, with very few errors. Punctuation is handled well, and the sentence construction is clear. The grammatical control is consistent throughout the text. To improve further, ensure that you maintain this level of accuracy even when attempting more complex, multi-clause sentences, and ensure that all sentences are fully completed.
See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.
Browse more IELTS Writing model answers or get your own writing scored by the same AI examiner.