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)

A school is a place where children develop all the qualities for leading to liveing their future. A school is not just a place beit the temple where books are the idols and teachers are one to guide throughout the phase. Primary and Secondary education is held throughout the school days. Throughout the year school is rum for 10 month along with different festive holiday which amount to 250/ 220/365 which seem to be less. But what about the two month holiday? Are they waste of time for students.

Not at all holiday are really essential in shaping the children. children learn different hobbies throughout the holidays not only that they can spare some time with their family go on some holidays and enjoy some family. Also they can work on themselves learn hobbies. Throughout the year whatever they have learnt in school they can imply on their life, The value of long school holidays are not waste of time. But utilizing time to learn some life skil and spending some moment with friend.

let's take my example I use to get very excited for holidays and eager to get those during my school days as I could spend some quality of time with friends, family and could visit different places not only that I learn use to go for swimming classes do paragliding go for trekking which I could won't be able to do during normal school days. So, that holiday's do play crucial role in education system.

I total disagree with shorter holiday. But the argument for shorter school holidays are as such: Improved mental health, higher focus retention, more time for rest and growth, Better teacher Retention.

Hence, we conclude that shorter longer holidays for around 2 month play essential role shaping children future rather than a waste of time.

AI examiner evaluation

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 inconsistent. While the value of holidays is supported with personal examples, the arguments for shorter holidays are presented as a list rather than being fully explained or integrated into the essay's flow. The introduction is somewhat tangential, focusing on the definition of a school rather than introducing the topic directly. To improve, ensure that each argument is supported by clear reasoning and examples rather than just listing points, and maintain a more formal academic tone throughout.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.5

The essay is organized into paragraphs, but the logical progression is often interrupted by awkward phrasing and abrupt transitions. For instance, the transition between the introduction and the body paragraphs is disjointed. Cohesive devices are used, such as 'Also' and 'Hence', but they are sometimes used mechanically or incorrectly, such as the sudden shift in the final paragraph. The referencing is occasionally unclear, making it difficult for the reader to follow the flow of ideas. Improving the use of linking words and ensuring each paragraph has a clear topic sentence would significantly enhance the coherence of the response.

Lexical Resource — Band 5.5

The vocabulary is generally adequate for the task but lacks the precision and variety required for a higher band. There are several instances of word-choice errors and awkward collocations, such as 'leading to liveing their future' and 'imply on their life'. The range of vocabulary is limited, and the essay relies on basic phrasing. To reach a higher band, you should aim to use more sophisticated vocabulary and ensure that words are used in their correct context. Focusing on collocations and avoiding repetitive phrasing will help improve your lexical range.

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 clarity. Issues include subject-verb agreement ('holiday are really essential'), tense inconsistencies ('I use to get'), and punctuation errors, particularly with the use of commas and sentence fragments. The sentence structure is often repetitive, and the lack of control over complex grammar limits the score. To improve, focus on mastering basic sentence construction, ensuring correct verb tenses, and proofreading for common errors like subject-verb agreement and punctuation.

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

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