Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 5.5 · Cambridge IELTS 20 · 2026-08-10
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)
People have different views about school holidays. While some people believe that school must close for two months, others argue that school must have shorter holidays in summer. This essay will discuss both perspectives before explaining why I believe that longer holidays are more beneficial.
On the one hand, there are several reasons why people believe that school must have shorter holidays. The primary reason is that why people think shorter holidays are preferred because longer holidays put a gap between the students and studies, also the long gap decreases the interest of the students, moreover it also affects the routine of the students. For example, when schools are open students have good routine like they have to wake up early but in longer holidays they wake up late so this affects their routine.
On the other hand, others argue that school must close for two or more months. One major reason is that they can learn different kinds of skills or they can participate in any sports activities during this period. For example, during summer holidays students can learn how to play musical instruments, moreover they can learn painting, dance and other skills which help them in future. They can also participate in sports activities like they can join a football club in their summer holidays which is very good for their physical and mental health. Therefore, I believe that longer holidays have more benefits for the students.
In conclusion, although longer holidays affect the routine of the students. I believe that students have more options in longer holidays like they can participate in physical activities and also learn some new skills in their holidays.
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 5.5 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 5.5 |
| Lexical Resource | 5.5 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 5.5 |
| 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 of ideas is somewhat superficial. While you mention that long holidays allow for skill-building, the explanation remains repetitive, relying on lists of activities (music, dance, sports) rather than exploring the deeper educational or psychological impacts. To reach a higher band, you should provide more nuanced arguments, such as the role of rest in preventing academic burnout or the economic implications for working parents. Your position is clear, but the supporting points lack depth and academic rigor.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.5
The essay is organized into logical paragraphs, and you use basic cohesive devices like 'On the one hand,' 'On the other hand,' and 'In conclusion' to signal shifts in the argument. However, the internal cohesion within paragraphs is often mechanical. For example, the sentence 'The primary reason is that why people think shorter holidays are preferred because...' is grammatically cluttered and lacks smooth flow. Additionally, the use of 'moreover' is repetitive. To improve, try to vary your linking words and ensure that each sentence logically follows the previous one without relying on repetitive structures.
Lexical Resource — Band 5.5
Your vocabulary is generally adequate for the task, but it is quite limited and repetitive. You frequently use basic terms like 'good,' 'things,' and 'skills.' There is a lack of less common lexical items that would demonstrate a higher level of proficiency. For instance, instead of saying 'good routine,' you could use 'structured daily regimen.' Phrases like 'put a gap between the students and studies' are slightly unnatural. To improve, focus on learning collocations and more precise academic vocabulary related to education and time management.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.5
The essay contains a mix of simple and complex sentence structures, but there are frequent grammatical errors that occasionally hinder clarity. For example, 'The primary reason is that why people think...' is a redundant construction. You also have issues with article usage and sentence fragments, such as 'although longer holidays affect the routine of the students.' This is a dependent clause and should be connected to a main clause. While your meaning is generally clear, the frequency of these errors prevents the essay from reaching a higher band. Focus on subject-verb agreement and avoiding redundant phrasing.
See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.
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