Band 7.5 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 7.5 · Barron's Writing · 2026-08-31
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 7.5)
Some people believe that children learn better when they are placed in classes with students who have similar academic abilities. However, others think that students can learn more effectively when they study with children of different academic levels. This essay will discuss both views and explain my opinion.
On the one hand, putting students with similar abilities in the same class can have several advantages. Firstly, teachers can plan lessons according to the level of the students, which can make teaching easier and more effective. For example, if all students have a similar level of understanding, the teacher does not need to spend too much time explaining basic topics to weaker students. As a result, students can learn at a suitable speed and improve their academic performance.
On the other hand, studying with children of different abilities can also be beneficial. Stronger students can help weaker students by explaining difficult topics to them. At the same time, weaker students may become more motivated when they see other students performing well. In addition, mixed-ability classes can teach children important social skills such as cooperation, patience and communication. For example, students can work together on group projects and learn from each other's strengths.
In my opinion, I believe that classes with a diverse range of academic abilities are more beneficial overall. Although similar-ability classes can make teaching easier, mixed classes provide students with opportunities to help each other and develop social as well as academic skills.
In conclusion, both types of classes have advantages. However, I believe that students of different abilities should study together because this can create a more supportive and cooperative learning environment.
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 7.0 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 8.0 |
| Lexical Resource | 7.0 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 7.5 |
| Overall | 7.5 |
Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 7.0
The response addresses all parts of the prompt, discussing both viewpoints and providing a clear personal opinion. The ideas are relevant and logically developed. For instance, the explanation of how similar-ability classes allow for tailored lesson planning is well-supported. Similarly, the benefits of mixed-ability classes, such as the development of social skills and peer motivation, are clearly articulated. The position is consistent throughout the essay. To reach a higher band, the student could provide more specific, real-world examples rather than general statements, which would further extend the development of the arguments and demonstrate a deeper engagement with the topic.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 8.0
The essay is well-organized with a clear structure, including an introduction, two body paragraphs, and a conclusion. Cohesive devices such as 'On the one hand', 'On the other hand', 'Firstly', and 'In addition' are used effectively to guide the reader through the arguments. The progression of ideas is logical, moving from the benefits of one system to the other, and finally to the author's stance. Paragraphing is used appropriately, with each paragraph focusing on a central theme. The flow is smooth, and the relationship between sentences is clear, making the text easy to follow.
Lexical Resource — Band 7.0
The vocabulary is sufficient and appropriate for the task. The student uses a range of topic-specific terms such as 'academic abilities', 'mixed-ability classes', 'academic performance', and 'cooperative learning environment'. While the range is adequate for the task, it lacks the more sophisticated or idiomatic expressions that would characterize a higher band. The word choice is generally accurate, and there are no spelling errors. To improve, the student should aim to incorporate more precise collocations and less common lexical items to demonstrate a wider range of vocabulary.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 7.5
The essay demonstrates a good control of grammar with a mix of simple and complex sentence structures. For example, the use of conditional sentences ('if all students have a similar level...') and complex sentences with subordinating conjunctions ('Although similar-ability classes can make teaching easier...') is accurate. Punctuation is used correctly throughout. The majority of sentences are error-free, and the few minor slips do not impede communication. The grammatical range is sufficient to convey complex ideas clearly, and the control over tense and subject-verb agreement is consistent.
See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.
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