Band 7.0 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 7.0 · Barron's Writing · 2026-09-22
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 7.0)
Experimenting with different learning environments to seek the best criteria for students to maximize their knowledge grasping, has always been a top priority for educationalists. In this regard, a significant group of society
think that children excel more in school when they are placed in a group of juveniles with alike educational pursuits whereas others believe the opposite notion, which has garnered a considerable debate. This essay intends to discuss both perspectives, before stating my own viewpoint of striving a balance between the two aspects.
An environment in which there are pupils of similar habits, interests as well as abilities, becomes an impeccable space for them to further enhance their skills. This can be understood in the way that if a teenager is doing really well in mathematics with minimal hurdles in his way, the company of alike group would benefit him in numerous ways. One major benefit can be the exposure to different mindsets in same field, leading to refinement of skills and improvement of practical competencies. The wider engagement in that group will not only assist them in academics, but an overall development of minds would definitely be there which would aid them in later life.
While the above is true without a shadow of doubt, the latter notion also holds crucial value which cannot be compromised. Imagine forming a class of children with an array of academic interests, where everyone is readily available to facilitate each other. This could be the best area for them to learn a wide range of disciplines, nurturing their life with interpersonal skills that forms the core of life. To cite an example, I can think of 5-people group who are a mixture of sciences, arts, language, civics and business attractions. Now, they would form the best comprehensive knowledge center to outperform substantial number of students.
To encapsulate, although both frameworks hold their own importance and provide perks in several ways, I am of the opinion that completely taking side of one stance is not rational as this is not the ultimate panacea. However, educationalists should try to strive a balance between the two notions at times; only then, the momentousness and credibility of both curricula can be maintained.
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 7.0 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 7.0 |
| Lexical Resource | 7.0 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 7.0 |
| Overall | 7.0 |
Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 7.0
The response addresses all parts of the task well. You discuss both views—placing children in similar academic ability classes and mixing ability classes—and you present a clear personal opinion in the introduction and conclusion, concluding that a balance between the two is ideal. The ideas are generally well developed and supported with examples, such as the mention of a mathematics pupil or the 5-people group. However, there is a slight tendency to over-generalise in parts, and the development could be slightly more rigorous to achieve a higher band. Overall, you have met the requirements of this criterion solidly, earning a band 7.0.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 7.0
Your essay demonstrates a clear logical organisation and progression throughout. You make use of appropriate paragraphing, with each paragraph serving a distinct function (introduction, view one, view two, conclusion). Cohesive devices are used reasonably well, such as 'In this regard', 'While the above is true', and 'To encapsulate', though some transitions feel slightly mechanical. Referencing is generally clear, and the overall progression guides the reader smoothly from your opening thoughts to the final synthesis of ideas, placing this comfortably in the band 7 range.
Lexical Resource — Band 7.0
You demonstrate a sufficient range of vocabulary with some flexibility and precision, attempting less common items such as 'educationalists', 'pursuits', 'impeccable space', 'panacea', and 'momentousness'. However, there are occasional awkward collocations or word choices, such as 'knowledge grasping' instead of 'knowledge acquisition', or 'strive a balance' instead of 'strike a balance'. Despite these minor inaccuracies, your vocabulary is varied enough to allow precise communication of your ideas, which is characteristic of band 7.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 7.0
You display a good variety of complex structures throughout the essay, such as conditional clauses ('if a teenager is doing really well...') and relative clauses. There are frequent error-free sentences, showing good overall control of grammar and punctuation. However, a few minor errors persist, such as 'alike group' instead of 'like-minded group' or 'similar group', and the aforementioned collocation slip 'strive a balance'. These errors are non-systematic and do not impede communication, supporting a solid band 7 performance.
See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.
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