Band 7.0 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 7.0 · Cambridge IELTS 12 · 2026-09-22

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)

It is often argued that giving children full freedom to make everyday decisions produces self-centred adults, while others believe children should have a say in matters that affect them. This essay will discuss both perspectives before presenting my own opinion.

On one hand, there is a valid concern that excessive freedom for children can lead to selfishness. When children are allowed to decide everything for themselves, from what they eat to how they spend their time, they rarely learn to consider the needs of others or accept boundaries. For example, a child who is never told to eat vegetables or limit screen time may grow up believing that their personal preferences should always take priority, regardless of the consequences for their health or their relationships with others. Over time, such individuals may struggle to compromise or cooperate in wider society.

On the other hand, allowing children some degree of choice is essential for their development. Making decisions, even small ones like choosing their clothes or hobbies, helps children build confidence, responsibility and critical thinking skills. If every decision is made for them by parents, children may grow into adults who are indecisive and overly dependent on others. For instance, a child who is encouraged to choose their own extracurricular activities is more likely to develop genuine interests and a sense of independence than one who is simply told what to do.

In my opinion, the key lies in balance rather than extremes. Children should be given the freedom to make decisions in low-risk areas, such as clothing or hobbies, while parents continue to guide them on matters with long-term consequences, such as diet or education. This approach allows children to develop autonomy without becoming entirely self-focused.

In conclusion, while unrestricted freedom can foster selfishness, some level of choice is necessary for healthy development. A balanced approach, where guidance and independence coexist, is most likely to produce responsible and well-rounded individuals.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 7.5

The response fully addresses all parts of the task by discussing both views—the risk of creating self-centred individuals and the benefits of decision-making for child development—and providing a clear, well-supported personal opinion. The writer establishes a consistent and well-developed position throughout the essay. Ideas are extended effectively, such as exploring the contrast between low-risk choices like clothing and high-risk matters like diet and education. The arguments presented are logical and directly relevant to the prompt, meeting all the requirements of a Band 8 performance.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 7.5

The essay demonstrates clear logical organisation and progression throughout. Information and ideas are coherently linked, starting with a clear introduction, moving through balanced body paragraphs, and concluding with a succinct summary. Cohesive devices such as 'On one hand', 'On the other hand', and 'In my opinion' are used naturally and effectively to guide the reader. Paragraphing is used sufficiently and appropriately, with each paragraph focusing on a distinct aspect of the prompt, resulting in a cohesive and well-managed piece of writing that fits the Band 8 criteria.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.5

The student uses a sufficient and flexible range of vocabulary appropriate for an academic discussion, such as 'excessive freedom', 'self-centred', 'compromise or cooperate', and 'autonomy'. There is an awareness of collocation and style, demonstrated by phrases like 'genuine interests' and 'long-term consequences'. While the vocabulary is fluent and precise, it lacks the exceptional sophistication and rare idiomatic control required for a Band 8 or 9. Spelling and word choice are accurate throughout, supporting smooth communication.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 7.0

The writer demonstrates a good variety of complex structures, such as concessive clauses ('While unrestricted freedom can foster selfishness...') and conditional structures ('If every decision is made for them...'). The majority of sentences are error-free, and control over grammar and punctuation is strong. While there are minor instances where phrasing could be slightly more polished, errors are virtually absent and do not impede communication in any way. This reflects the characteristics of a strong Band 7 or lower Band 8, comfortably resting at a 7.5.

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

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