Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 5.5 · Barron's Writing · 2026-08-25
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 5.5)
In today’s rapidly evolving world, the issue of children academics abilities has become a matter of considerable debate. While some people believe that children should study with alike academic abilities, others argue that children learn better with diverse range of academic abilities students. In this essay I discuss both views before explaining why I believe that studying with different range of students is more effective.
On the one hand, students learn with similar academic backgrounds that help to eliminate the competition pressures. This is because some students can not perform as they are taught because they always focus on other students. For instance, in a classroom students with same academic mindset assist teachers to taught them similar. Consequently, this approach ensures that children can learn without any mental pressure.
On the other hand, if children learn with diverse range of other students it helps them to grow faster. Furthermore, students with different levels support others to develop new ideas and approaches. For example, latest studies show that students can learn faster by analyzing different aspects in the classroom. Therefore, it helps children to understand effectively and efficiently.
In conclusion, although both views have own merits, but I firmly believe that learning with different range of abilities is a better approach because it provides the long term benefit, better results and a positive impact in people’s lives.
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 5.5 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 6.0 |
| Lexical Resource | 5.5 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 5.5 |
| Overall | 5.5 |
Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 5.5
The essay addresses both sides of the argument and provides a clear personal opinion. However, the response is significantly under the 250-word minimum requirement, which limits the depth of the arguments. While the ideas are relevant, they are somewhat underdeveloped; for example, the explanation of why similar-ability grouping reduces 'competition pressures' is brief and lacks a concrete, illustrative example. To reach a higher band, you must expand your supporting points with more detailed explanations and specific examples to ensure the response is fully developed and meets the length requirement.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.0
The essay is organized into logical paragraphs, and there is a clear progression of ideas. You use basic cohesive devices such as 'On the one hand', 'On the other hand', and 'In conclusion' to signal shifts in the argument. However, the flow between sentences is sometimes mechanical, and the use of referencing is occasionally imprecise. For instance, the transition in the final paragraph ('although both views have own merits, but...') is grammatically incorrect and redundant. Improving the variety and accuracy of your linking words will help your ideas flow more naturally.
Lexical Resource — Band 5.5
Your vocabulary is generally adequate for the task, but it lacks the precision and range required for higher bands. You rely on repetitive phrasing, such as 'academic abilities' and 'students', which limits the sophistication of your writing. There are also some awkward collocations, such as 'children academics abilities' and 'taught them similar'. To improve, focus on using more precise academic vocabulary and collocations. For example, instead of 'grow faster', consider 'accelerate their academic development'. Expanding your range to include more topic-specific terminology will significantly enhance your score.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.5
You demonstrate a mix of simple and complex sentence structures, but there are frequent grammatical errors that occasionally impede clarity. Examples include 'students with same academic mindset assist teachers to taught them similar' and 'if children learn with diverse range of other students'. These errors involve incorrect verb forms and missing articles. While your meaning is generally understandable, the frequency of these slips prevents the essay from reaching a higher band. Focus on proofreading for subject-verb agreement, article usage, and correct verb tense consistency to improve your accuracy.
See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.
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