Band 8.0 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 8.0 · 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 8.0)

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.

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 7.5

The response addresses both parts of the prompt: the value of long holidays and the arguments for shorter ones. You have a clear position and provide relevant supporting points, such as the 'summer slide' phenomenon and the impact on working parents. However, the first paragraph mentions that the essay will explore the value of long holidays, but the body paragraph focuses almost exclusively on the arguments for shorter holidays and the risks of non-stop schooling. The 'value' of long holidays is only briefly touched upon in the conclusion. To reach a higher band, ensure that the benefits of long holidays are explicitly developed in their own dedicated paragraph, rather than just mentioned as a counter-argument.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 8.0

The essay is logically organized with a clear introduction, body, and conclusion. You use cohesive devices effectively, such as 'Furthermore', 'However', and 'Therefore', to link ideas. The progression of arguments is easy to follow. Paragraphing is used appropriately to separate the different aspects of the discussion. The transition between the arguments for shorter holidays and the counter-argument regarding student fatigue is smooth. To improve, ensure that each paragraph has a clear topic sentence that directly relates to the prompt, as the current structure feels slightly weighted toward the second part of the question.

Lexical Resource — Band 8.0

You demonstrate a strong command of vocabulary, using precise and academic terms such as 'marginalized', 'disproportionately', 'interspersed', and 'nuanced approach'. The language is natural and appropriate for an academic essay. There are no significant errors in word choice or collocation. You successfully incorporate topic-specific vocabulary related to education and social policy. To push into the higher bands, you could incorporate more sophisticated idiomatic expressions or collocations, though your current range is already quite sufficient for a high score.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 8.5

The essay displays a wide range of complex structures, including conditional-like reasoning ('if... then' implied) and sophisticated subordinate clauses. The grammar is highly accurate, with almost no errors in punctuation or syntax. You maintain control over complex sentence forms throughout the text. The use of passive voice and participial phrases adds to the academic tone. Because the majority of your sentences are error-free and you show consistent control over a variety of structures, this meets the criteria for a high band score.

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