Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 5.5 · Cambridge IELTS 20 · 2026-08-07
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 5.5)
In recents years, some individuals believed that in some countries students should be given longer holidays after completed their primary or secondary schools. While, some argue that unnecessary longer holidays should not be given to pupils as shorter school holidays are sufficient for them. we discuss about this arguement in upcoming paragraph.
On the one hand, students after compleing their primary or secondary studies they should be needed longer holidays for relaxation, as they explore new culture, gain number of knowledge and experience different things. Longer vacation is very effective for pupils as they begin their further studies' preparations in advance. While, longer school holidays offrer several benefits to students, to illustrates, they spent quality time with their kith and kins, development of their personal skills and others, which are difficult to develop solely in the classroom.
On the other hand, there are strong arguement in favour of shorter school holidays. one major concern is that students may forget a considerable amount of what they have learned during their long break, making it necessary for teacher to spend more time on students in the valuable time by reviewing previous lessons. furthermore, shorter holidays could allow schools to distribute breaks more evenly throughout the year, helping students maintain their consistent learning habits while reducing academic pressure.
In light of the above, although long summer holidays provide essential opportunities for relaxation and personal growth. While, shorter holidays can help students retain their knowledge more effectively and maintain a steady learning routine. A balance academic calendar with moderate breaks throughout the year may be the most beneficial approach for both pupils and parents
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 5.5 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 5.5 |
| Lexical Resource | 5.5 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 5.0 |
| Overall | 5.5 |
Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 5.5
The response addresses both parts of the prompt: the value of long holidays and the arguments for shorter ones. However, the development is somewhat superficial. While you mention relaxation and skill development, these points are not fully extended with concrete examples or deeper analysis. The introduction is slightly confusing, as it suggests you will discuss the argument in the 'upcoming paragraph' (singular), and the conclusion contains a sentence fragment ('While, shorter holidays can help...'). To reach a higher band, ensure each main idea is supported by a clear, logical explanation or a specific real-world example.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.5
The essay is organised into clear paragraphs, which helps the reader follow the structure. You use some cohesive devices like 'On the one hand' and 'Furthermore'. However, there are issues with the mechanical use of these devices. For example, starting sentences with 'While,' is grammatically incorrect and disrupts the flow. Additionally, the transition between the introduction and the body paragraphs is slightly awkward. Improving the variety of linking words and ensuring they are used within complete, grammatically correct sentences would significantly improve the coherence of your writing.
Lexical Resource — Band 5.5
You demonstrate an adequate range of vocabulary for the task, using terms like 'academic calendar', 'consistent learning habits', and 'personal growth'. However, there are several instances of awkward word choices and collocations, such as 'gain number of knowledge' (should be 'gain a significant amount of knowledge') and 'kith and kins' (which is an idiom that sounds unnatural in this formal context). There are also minor spelling errors like 'recents' and 'offrer'. To improve, focus on using more precise academic vocabulary and ensuring that your word choices sound natural in a formal essay.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.0
The essay contains a mix of simple and complex sentence structures, but there are frequent grammatical errors that occasionally impede the flow. Common issues include subject-verb agreement ('some individuals believed' instead of 'believe'), incorrect verb forms ('after completed' instead of 'after completing'), and sentence fragments. For instance, 'While, some argue...' and 'While, shorter holidays can help...' are not complete sentences. These errors are noticeable throughout the text. To improve, focus on mastering basic sentence construction and ensuring that every sentence has a clear subject and a correctly conjugated verb.
See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.
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