Band 9.0 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 9.0 · Cambridge IELTS 20 · 2026-07-24

IELTS Writing Task 2 question

In many countries, primary and secondary schools close for two months or more in the summer holidays.

What is the value of long school holidays?

What are the arguments in favour of shorter school holidays?

Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience.

Student answer (Band 9.0)

The tradition of extended summer breaks, lasting two to three months in many educational systems, has long been a subject of debate. Proponents argue that these holidays provide essential benefits, while critics contend that shorter breaks could enhance academic outcomes. This essay will explore the value of long summer holidays and examine arguments favoring shorter alternatives.

Long summer holidays offer significant advantages, primarily in terms of student well-being and developmental opportunities. After a rigorous academic year, a prolonged break allows students to decompress, reducing stress and burnout. For instance, research from the American Psychological Association indicates that extended breaks can lower anxiety levels and improve mental health. Moreover, summer holidays enable experiential learning through family travel, summer camps, or part-time jobs. A student working at a local museum, for example, gains hands-on knowledge of history and communication skills—competencies rarely taught in classrooms. Additionally, children from low-income families often rely on school meal programs; however, many communities counteract this through summer meal initiatives, illustrating that the break need not exacerbate inequality. Thus, long holidays support holistic development and mental rejuvenation.

Conversely, advocates for shorter holidays highlight academic and equity concerns. Extended breaks can lead to learning loss, particularly in mathematics and reading, with marginalized students disproportionately affected. Studies, such as the ‘summer slide’ phenomenon documented by the National Summer Learning Association, show that students can forget up to two months of instruction. Shortened breaks would allow for continuous learning, reducing the need for lengthy review periods in the new school year. Furthermore, working parents face childcare challenges during long holidays, incurring costs for summer programs or losing productivity. Shorter breaks, interspersed throughout the year, could alleviate this burden and align better with modern work schedules. However, it is crucial to balance these academic gains with the risk of student fatigue; non-stop schooling without adequate rest might undermine long-term retention and creativity. Therefore, a nuanced approach—such as modification rather than elimination of long holidays—may be optimal.

In conclusion, extended summer holidays hold significant value for student well-being and diverse learning experiences, yet they present challenges related to academic regression and childcare. While shorter breaks could mitigate learning loss and support working families, they must be implemented thoughtfully to preserve restorative periods. Ultimately, educational policymakers should strive for a balanced calendar that maximizes both academic and developmental outcomes.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 9.0

The response fully addresses both parts of the prompt. You have clearly articulated the value of long summer holidays, focusing on mental well-being and experiential learning, and provided a balanced view on the arguments for shorter holidays, such as mitigating the 'summer slide' and supporting working parents. The position is consistent throughout, and the ideas are well-developed with relevant examples, such as the reference to the American Psychological Association and the 'summer slide' phenomenon. The conclusion effectively synthesizes the arguments, demonstrating a high level of task fulfillment.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 8.5

The essay is logically organized with a clear progression of ideas. Each paragraph has a central theme, and the transition between the benefits of long holidays and the arguments for shorter ones is smooth. You use a variety of cohesive devices effectively, such as 'Moreover,' 'Conversely,' 'Furthermore,' and 'Thus,' which guide the reader through your argument without being mechanical. Paragraphing is used appropriately to separate distinct points, and referencing is clear throughout the text.

Lexical Resource — Band 9.0

You demonstrate a wide and sophisticated range of vocabulary, which is used with precision and natural control. Phrases like 'rigorous academic year,' 'experiential learning,' 'disproportionately affected,' and 'nuanced approach' show a high level of lexical flexibility. There are no noticeable errors in word choice or collocation, and the vocabulary is well-suited to the academic tone of the task. The use of topic-specific terminology, such as 'summer slide' and 'holistic development,' further enhances the quality of the writing.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 9.0

The essay displays a wide range of complex grammatical structures, including conditional clauses, participial phrases, and varied sentence lengths. The majority of sentences are error-free, and the control over punctuation and syntax is excellent. There are no significant grammatical slips that impede communication. The use of complex structures is natural and contributes to the overall fluency of the essay, meeting the criteria for a high band score.

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