Band 8.0 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 8.0 · Barron's Writing · 2026-07-28

IELTS Writing Task 2 question

Some people say that physical education classes are an important part of a child's education. Others believe that it is more important to focus on academics during school time.

Discuss both these views, and give your opinion.

Give reasons for your answer, and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience.

Student answer (Band 8.0)

The role of physical education (PE) in schools is a subject of ongoing debate. While some argue that academic subjects should take precedence, others believe that physical education is vital for a child's overall development. This essay will examine both perspectives before explaining why a balanced approach is best.

On the one hand, proponents of prioritizing academic study emphasize its direct link to career success. In today’s competitive global economy, high grades in core subjects like mathematics and science are essential for university admission. Furthermore, because school hours are limited, dedicating this time solely to academics ensures that teachers can cover complex syllabus thoroughly, giving students the best chance to excel in high-stakes examinations.

On the other hand, a strong case can be made for mandatory physical education. Regular exercise is crucial for combating health issues like childhood obesity. Beyond physical health, PE classes serve as an essential outlet for stress relief, which indirectly supports academic performance. Additionally, team sports teach children vital life skills such as teamwork, discipline, and leadership that cannot be learned from textbooks alone. PE also encourage students to achieve excellence in extra curriculum activities and can also make careers in future.

In my opinion, these two viewpoints are complementary rather than mutually exclusive. Physical health directly influences cognitive function. Regular physical activity increases oxygen flow to the brain, which enhances concentration and memory retention.

In conclusion, while academic excellence is indispensable for future career prospects, physical education is equally vital for well-being. Schools should implement a balanced curriculum that integrates both disciplines to foster healthy, high-achieving individuals.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 8.0

The response addresses all parts of the prompt, discussing both viewpoints and providing a clear personal opinion. The ideas are relevant and well-supported, particularly the link between physical activity and cognitive function. The essay is balanced, and the position is consistent throughout. To reach a higher band, the development of the 'academic' argument could be slightly more nuanced, perhaps by acknowledging that academic success is not solely dependent on classroom hours. However, the current level of development is sufficient for a strong score.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 8.5

The essay is logically organized with a clear introduction, body paragraphs, and a conclusion. Cohesive devices such as 'On the one hand', 'Furthermore', and 'In conclusion' are used effectively to guide the reader through the argument. Paragraphing is used appropriately, with each paragraph focusing on a central theme. The progression of ideas is smooth, moving logically from the academic perspective to the benefits of PE, and finally to your own synthesis of the two. The flow is natural and easy to follow.

Lexical Resource — Band 7.5

You demonstrate a good range of vocabulary, including terms like 'precedence', 'high-stakes examinations', 'indispensable', and 'mutually exclusive'. These choices are precise and appropriate for an academic essay. There are a few minor errors, such as 'extra curriculum activities' (should be 'extracurricular') and 'can also make careers in future' (which is slightly awkward phrasing). Despite these minor slips, the vocabulary is varied and allows for clear expression of complex ideas.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 8.0

The essay uses a mix of simple and complex sentence structures effectively. You demonstrate good control over grammar, with most sentences being error-free. There is a minor subject-verb agreement error in 'PE also encourage students' (should be 'encourages'). However, this does not impede communication. The use of complex structures, such as 'While some argue that... others believe that...', is handled well. The punctuation is generally accurate, supporting the clarity of your arguments.

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