Band 6.5 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 6.5 · Barron's Writing · 2026-08-04

IELTS Writing Task 2 question

Some parents send their children to preschool when they are three or four years old. Other parents wait until their children are old enough for primary school before they send them to school.

Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of sending children to preschool at a young age.
Give reasons for your answer, and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience.

Student answer (Band 6.5)

In recent years, an increasing number of parents have chosen to enrol their children in preschool at a young age, while others prefer to wait until their child is old enough to begin primary school. This essay will discuss the pros and cons of the former approach.

There are several notable benefits to sending children to preschool early. Firstly, preschool provides a playful and structured environment in which children can develop essential social skills such as sharing, cooperation, and empathy, particularly for those who are only children and may otherwise struggle with these traits. In addition, regular interaction with peers helps children become more sociable, making it easier for them to form friendships both at this stage and later in life. Spending time away from parents, who may consciously or unconsciously overindulge them, can also help children build a stronger character and develop greater independence.

However, this approach is not without its drawbacks. Being separated from family at such a young age can leave some children feeling insecure or anxious, particularly if they have not been adequately prepared for the transition. Without sufficient emotional support beforehand, this early separation may, in some cases, contribute to psychological difficulties later in life. Furthermore, preschool programmes can be costly, placing an additional financial burden on families who may not view this early education as a necessity.

In conclusion, both approaches carry certain merits and drawbacks, and the most suitable choice largely depends on individual family circumstances. Ultimately, whether or not preschool is involved, providing children with supportive parents, encouraging teachers, and access to appropriate government resources remains the most important factor in ensuring their overall development.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 6.5

The response addresses all parts of the prompt by discussing both the advantages and disadvantages of early preschool attendance. The position is clear from the introduction and is maintained throughout the essay. Ideas are well-developed, particularly the points regarding social skill development and the potential for emotional anxiety. The inclusion of the 'only child' example adds depth to the argument. The conclusion effectively synthesizes the points made and provides a balanced final thought. The response is fully relevant and meets the requirements of the task well.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.5

The essay is logically organized with a clear progression of ideas. Each paragraph has a central theme, and the transition between the benefits and drawbacks is smooth, using appropriate linking phrases such as 'However' and 'Furthermore'. Cohesive devices are used effectively and naturally, such as 'In addition' and 'In conclusion'. The paragraphing is logical and contributes to the overall flow of the argument. There is no evidence of mechanical or repetitive use of cohesive devices, and the referencing is clear throughout the text.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.0

The vocabulary is precise and well-suited to the academic tone of the essay. The writer demonstrates a good range of vocabulary, including terms like 'enrol', 'overindulge', 'transition', and 'psychological difficulties'. The collocations are natural, such as 'financial burden' and 'essential social skills'. There are no significant errors in word choice or spelling. The range is sufficient to convey complex ideas with precision, showing a good level of flexibility and control over the language used.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 6.5

The essay displays a wide range of grammatical structures, including complex sentences with subordinate clauses (e.g., '...particularly for those who are only children and may otherwise struggle with these traits'). The majority of sentences are error-free, and the punctuation is used correctly to enhance clarity. The control over verb tenses and modal verbs is consistent. There are no noticeable grammatical errors that impede communication, and the writing style is sophisticated and accurate throughout the response.

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