Band 6.5 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 6.5 · Cambridge IELTS 20 · 2026-08-15

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 6.5)

In some countries, both the primary and secondary schools close for two months or more in the summer holidays. During this period, children often have a significant amount of free time. Some people argue that long school holidays are beneficial, while others argue that shorter holidays are important. This essay will discuss valuable points of long holidays and the arguments in favour of shorter school holidays.

On the one hand, long school holidays encourage children to participate in extracurricular activities. This is because children may not have enough time during school term to participate in these activities. For example, if a child is willing to learn to play the piano, they may not be able to learn this during school term due to busy schedules. Therefore, a child can learn to play the piano during long summer holidays because to learn this skill several months of practice is required. Additionally, longer holidays give families an opportunity to plan longer trips. Families can plan long trips abroad without worrying about their children's school schedules.

On the other hand, there are some important aspects of shorter holidays. Firstly, shorter holidays help children to maintain study routines. Children may lose their study habits and techniques during their long summer breaks. As a result, shorter holidays prevent them from losing these habits. Secondly, shorter holidays help children to reduce the amount of unproductive time spent at home. For instance, shorter breaks prevent a child from spending a huge amount of time in an unproductive manner.

In conclusion, both longer and shorter holidays remain important. A balanced approach works best. Longer holidays help children gain additional skills, whereas shorter holidays maintain children's study routines.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 6.0

The essay addresses both parts of the prompt: the value of long holidays and the arguments for shorter ones. The position is clear throughout, and the ideas are relevant. However, the development is somewhat limited. For instance, the argument regarding 'unproductive time' is mentioned but not fully explained or exemplified with specific detail. To reach a higher band, you should expand on your points with more depth or specific examples. The structure is logical, and the conclusion effectively summarizes the main points, though it could be more nuanced to reflect the complexity of the debate.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.5

The essay is well-organized with a clear introduction, body paragraphs, and a conclusion. Each paragraph has a central topic, and the progression of ideas is logical. You use cohesive devices such as 'On the one hand,' 'Additionally,' and 'Firstly' to link your points effectively. However, some transitions feel slightly mechanical or repetitive. To improve, try to vary your linking phrases and ensure that the relationship between sentences is more fluid. Overall, the paragraphing is appropriate, and the information is easy to follow throughout the response.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.0

You demonstrate an adequate range of vocabulary for the task, using terms like 'extracurricular activities,' 'unproductive,' and 'balanced approach.' While the vocabulary is sufficient to convey your meaning clearly, it lacks the sophistication and precision required for higher bands. There is some repetition of basic words like 'children' and 'holidays.' To improve, try to incorporate more precise synonyms or collocations related to education and time management. The spelling is accurate throughout, and your word choice does not impede communication, which is a positive aspect of your writing.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 6.5

The essay displays a mix of simple and complex sentence structures. You use subordinating conjunctions like 'because' and 'if' effectively. While there are very few grammatical errors, the range of complex structures is somewhat limited. Most sentences are straightforward, and you could benefit from incorporating more varied grammatical forms, such as passive voice or conditional structures, to demonstrate greater control. Punctuation is generally accurate, and your sentences are clear and easy to read. The grammar is consistent, and errors are rare, which supports a solid score in this criterion.

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

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