Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 5.5 · Barron's Writing · 2026-10-25

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 this modern era, education is an integral part of children's life. There are many diverse believe of people about their children. Some people think that children should send to schools where they have peers with similar academic abilities, whereas others support the idea of representing a diverse range of academic abilities. In the following paragraphs, I will discuss both views and give my own opinion.

On the one hand, it is believed that if children are attending the school where all students have similar academic results so they can help one another to achieve higher grades in their exams. Apart from that, it is also common that when all students have same potential, as a result, it will be easier for teachers to teach them in classroom. Not only this but students who are really serious about their studies have an opportunity to perform better with the help of their classmates who are doing great academically.

On the other hand, there is a group of people who says that having a diverse range of academic ability students are also good idea for many reasons. First of all, it represents equality in our schools so that all students have an equal opportunity for their future. Moreover, everyone has sense of

potential in their mind. This will not only creates diversity in schools but atmosphere would be friendly for every student who is studying in the school.

To conclude, both viewpoints have their own importance. Although having children with similar academic potential is very important for higher achiever, representing a range of diverse range of academic abilities is equally important for schools to maintain diversity of our nations.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 5.0

You address both views and state a preference in the conclusion, so the response is relevant to the task. However, the discussion is only partly developed: the benefits of grouping similar achievers are described generally, while the case for mixed-ability classes relies mainly on equality and a friendly atmosphere. The opinion is also not clearly established until the final sentence, and “equally important” does not explain which arrangement you ultimately favour or why. To strengthen the response, explain the learning mechanisms behind each view—for example, how peer support or differentiated teaching affects progress—and give a specific example. Make your position explicit in the introduction and sustain it throughout.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 6.0

The response has a clear overall structure: an introduction, separate paragraphs for the two views, and a conclusion. Signposts such as “On the one hand,” “On the other hand,” and “To conclude” help readers follow the discussion. This coherent arrangement is a strength. However, some links are mechanical or unclear: “Apart from that” and “Not only this” introduce points without showing precisely how they relate, and “This” in the mixed-ability paragraph has an uncertain reference. The conclusion also repeats the two positions rather than drawing together the reasoning. Use clearer links between claims and explanations, and ensure pronouns refer unmistakably to a specific idea.

Lexical Resource: Band 5.5

You use enough topic-related vocabulary to discuss education, including “academic abilities,” “potential,” “equality,” and “diversity.” Some phrases show an attempt to express ideas beyond basic vocabulary, and the meaning is generally understandable. However, inaccurate word forms and collocations are noticeable, as in “diverse believe of people,” “similar academic results,” and “higher achiever.” Repetition of “students,” “school,” and “academic” also limits flexibility, while “everyone has sense of potential in their mind” is imprecise. Aim for natural combinations and more exact wording, such as “a range of attainment levels” or “students with similar achievement levels.” Check word forms and use synonyms only when they fit the context.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 5.5

You attempt a mix of simple and complex structures, including a contrast clause with “whereas” and a concluding sentence beginning “Although.” The main ideas remain understandable, but errors in sentence construction and agreement recur. For example, “children should send to schools” needs a passive form (“should be sent”), and “a group of people who says” has a subject–verb agreement error. In “This will not only creates diversity,” the verb form after “will” is incorrect; “will not only create” is needed. Articles and plurals are also inconsistent, as in “same potential” and “a diverse range of academic ability students.” Practise accurate clause patterns and proofread verb forms, articles, and agreement.

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