Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 5.5 · Barron's Writing · 2026-10-30

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)

Some people believe that children learn better with same ability students, While other argue that mixed ability students can learn effectively. In my opinion, although similar academic abilities help teachers for suitable learning but different abilities students can learn form each others.

On one hand, placed student in similar academic abilities can helps to make learning easier for students and teachers.This is because that would easier for teacher to teach students at their pace. Therefore, students can learn lesson more easily and make slow progress. For example, teaching similar level students at their suitable pace make their learning not too difficult and not too easy. As a result, learning would be more focused according to their abilities.

On the other hand, putting childrens with different abilities in same class can make learning beneficial.This is because they support each other in learning. However, smart students can support a weaker students. For instance, mathematic teacher teaches a diverse range of academic students in a class then teacher used mixed approach to make concepts understandable. As a result, those weak student who not able to understand a topics then stronger students help them to understand those topics and creates bond which improve social skills.

In conclusion, children learn better when they are placed in classes with similar academic abilities, although children representing a diverse range of academic abilities can support each other. In my opinion, if schools follow mixed ability than students not only support each other but develop communication skills and more focused learning.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 5.5

You discuss both views and give a personal opinion, so the response addresses the main parts of the prompt. The first body paragraph explains that grouping similar-ability pupils lets teachers match the pace to learners, while the second gives a reason for mixed classes: stronger pupils can help others and build social skills. However, these points are brief and the example about a mathematics teacher is not fully explained; the advantages of similar-ability classes also receive less development than the mixed-class argument. Your conclusion supports mixed classes, but this differs somewhat from the opening, which appears to favour similar-ability grouping. The response is 234 words, 16 words below the 250-word minimum; 18 words copied from the prompt were not counted. Develop each view with a clearer example and make your position consistent throughout.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 6.0

The response has a clear overall arrangement: an introduction, one paragraph for each view, and a conclusion. Signposts such as “On one hand,” “On the other hand,” and “In conclusion” help the reader follow the discussion. The ideas within each body paragraph generally move from a claim to a reason and then an example. However, some links are mechanical or unclear. For example, “However” does not express a contrast in the sentence about smart students supporting weaker classmates, and “Therefore” introduces a result that is not clearly explained. The conclusion also shifts toward mixed classes after the introduction gives a less definite preference. Use linking words according to the relationship between ideas, and connect the opening position more clearly to the final judgement.

Lexical Resource: Band 5.5

You use enough topic-related vocabulary to communicate the main ideas, including “academic abilities,” “suitable pace,” “diverse range,” and “social skills.” These choices show awareness of the subject, and the reader can generally understand your meaning. However, the range is limited and several phrases are inaccurate or unnatural, such as “learn form each others,” “make learning beneficial,” and “creates bond.” Repetition of “students,” “learning,” and “abilities” also limits flexibility. Aim for more precise collocations and vary how you refer to learners and classroom outcomes. For example, you could describe pupils as “working at a similar level,” say that mixed classes “promote peer learning,” and explain that this can “strengthen social interaction.” Check word forms and spelling as part of your final review.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 5.0

You attempt both simple and complex sentences, including clauses with “although,” “because,” and “when,” and the overall meaning is usually recoverable. However, the range is limited, and complex structures are often faulty. Examples include “similar academic abilities help teachers for suitable learning,” “students can learn form each others,” and “those weak student who not able to understand a topics.” These contain problems with agreement, missing verbs or articles, and sentence construction. There are also errors in “teacher used mixed approach” and “if schools follow mixed ability than students,” where verb forms and clause structure need attention. Practise building accurate sentences with a subject and finite verb in each clause, and check singular/plural forms, articles, and punctuation before submitting.

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

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