Band 6.0 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 6.0 · Cambridge IELTS 12 · 2026-10-27

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)

Humans are a slave to their habits. Habits, especially those formed in childhood, can dictate how a person behaves later in life, shaping their personality. One such habit is for children to make their own choices on daily matters such as food, clothes or entertainment.

One common belief regarding this is that allowing children to make their own choices on everything might make them selfish or self-absorbed who only think about their own choices. This is quite possible considering that the children might become less understanding towards different perspectives if they always get their way. They might also be less willing to compromise or settle on things for everyone's benefit.

On the other hand, there are some who believe that it is important for children to make their own decisions. It gives them a sense of autonomy and helps them to be more self dependent as they grow up. It can also help them form an opinion on their own preferences early on in life.

I lean more towards the second perspective, with a little emphasis on balance with the first. I believe children should have the autonomy to make decisions on the matter that affect them. However, often times, the decisions they make might not be good for them. For example, most children don't like to eat vegetables and are more likely to opt for an unhealthy meal option if given the choice. So, in these cases I believe the parents should make the child understand why this is not a good decision and help them change their decisions.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 5.5

You discuss both views and state a clear preference for children having some autonomy, while recognising that parental guidance is needed. The explanation that unrestricted choice may reduce willingness to compromise is relevant, and the vegetable example supports your qualification. However, the two perspectives are not developed equally: the case for autonomy is mainly listed (“a sense of autonomy” and forming preferences) rather than illustrated or explained in depth. Your conclusion is also implicit rather than clearly summarising your position. The response is 242 words, so it is 8 words below the required minimum; the 18 words copied from the task prompt were not counted. Develop the benefits with a specific example and make your final judgement explicit.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 6.0

The response has a coherent overall arrangement: an introduction, a paragraph for each view, and a final paragraph that gives your position and qualification. Transitions such as “On the other hand” and “However” help readers follow the contrast. Some links are less precise or slightly mechanical, particularly the repeated references to “choices” and “decisions,” and “this” in “this is not a good decision” has a broad reference. The final paragraph combines your opinion, a counterpoint, an example, and advice, so its progression could be clearer if divided or more explicitly signposted. Use clearer references and connect each example directly to the point it supports.

Lexical Resource: Band 6.0

You use an adequate range for the topic, including “self-absorbed,” “perspectives,” “compromise,” and “autonomy.” These choices communicate the main ideas, and the vocabulary is generally understandable. There are, however, some imprecise or unnatural expressions: “a slave to their habits” is an awkward generalisation, “self dependent” is not the natural form, and “make the child understand” sounds less idiomatic than a phrase such as “explain to the child.” Repetition of “choices” and “decisions” also limits flexibility. Aim for more precise collocations and vary key terms—for example, use “independent” and “exercise judgement”—while keeping the wording natural and accurate.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 6.0

You use a mix of simple and complex sentence forms, including subordinate clauses with “if” and “considering that,” and most sentences communicate their meaning clearly. Some grammatical errors remain. The opening, “Humans are a slave,” has a subject–complement agreement problem; “self-absorbed who only think” has an unclear grammatical construction; and “the matter that affect them” needs plural agreement (“matters that affect them”). “Often times” is also better written as “often” or “often, however,” though this is primarily a usage issue. Review agreement, clause construction, and punctuation, and proofread longer sentences. More consistently accurate complex sentences would strengthen control without sacrificing the range you already attempt.

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