Band 6.5 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 6.5 · Barron's Writing · 2026-08-15

IELTS Writing Task 2 question

Some people believe that children learn better when they are placed in classes with children of similar academic abilities. Others believe that children learn better when they are in classes with children representing a diverse range of academic abilities.

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 6.5)

Some people argue that in a class children placed with similar academic skills learn better, while others claimed that children with mixed ability classes are effective for their learning. This essay will explore both perspectives before explaining why I am in favor of latter view.

On the one hand, children with same academic abilities in a classroom offers better pace of learning. Teachers teach at a suitable level without worrying that some go far behind or someone go fast. They can provide equal level of tasks to all students as all have same level to learn lessons. For example, high-achieving students can be given advanced problem-solving tasks instead of waiting other classmates to understand the basic concepts. In addition, it increase confidence among children because week children do not feel embarrassed from their peers if they all have similar level of learning skills. This may boost their confidence and they ask questions to teachers as well. Therefore, students with equal level of abilities in classes can perform better and achieve their target easily.

On the other hand, students in a diverse range of classes develops valuable skills such as cooperation, patience, communication, and team-work. They learn from each others and performing different projects in a class and other activities. Furthermore, weaker children get motivation from their peers who perform well, they also study hard to achieve high grades. Moreover, stronger students help weak students which improves understanding for both, it also improves social skills. For instance, a weaker children can understand a difficult topic in very simple language by their peer, it enhances the bond between them and helps to receive good marks.

In conclusion, academic performance is important, but social and communication skills are equally important in children's lives not only in schools but also in workplaces in the future, which they develops in classes of diverse range of academic abilities. This also creates cooperation and inclusive learning environment.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 7.0

The response addresses all parts of the prompt, discussing both sides of the argument and providing a clear personal opinion in the introduction. The ideas are relevant and generally well-supported. For instance, the discussion on 'pace of learning' for similar-ability classes and 'social skills' for diverse classes provides a logical foundation. However, some arguments could be further extended; for example, the point about 'weaker children' could be strengthened with a more specific real-world example rather than a general statement. The position is consistent throughout the essay, meeting the requirements for a Band 7 performance.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 7.0

The essay is logically organized with a clear progression of ideas. Paragraphing is used effectively to separate the two viewpoints. Cohesive devices such as 'On the one hand', 'In addition', and 'Furthermore' are used to guide the reader through the arguments. However, there are some minor issues with referencing and flow; for example, the phrase 'they also study hard' in the second body paragraph lacks a clear antecedent, and some transitions feel slightly mechanical. Overall, the structure is clear and the progression is logical, fitting the criteria for Band 6.5, which rounds to 7.0.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.0

The vocabulary is generally adequate and appropriate for the task. The student uses topic-specific terms like 'high-achieving', 'advanced problem-solving', and 'inclusive learning environment'. However, there are some inaccuracies in word choice and collocation, such as 'week children' (should be 'weak') and 'receive good marks' (better as 'achieve good grades'). The range is sufficient to convey meaning clearly, but it lacks the sophistication and precision required for a higher band. The errors do not impede communication, placing this firmly in the Band 6 range.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 6.0

The student uses a mix of simple and complex sentence structures. While the meaning is generally clear, there are frequent grammatical errors, particularly with subject-verb agreement and pluralization, such as 'children... develops' (should be 'develop'), 'a weaker children' (should be 'a weaker child'), and 'they develops' (should be 'they develop'). These errors are noticeable but do not prevent the reader from understanding the intended message. To reach a higher band, the student needs to demonstrate more consistent control over basic grammatical rules and punctuation.

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

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