Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 5.5 · Cambridge IELTS 20 · 2026-08-18

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 many nations, primary and secondary schools are shut down for sixty days or more in the summer holidays. Schools holidays are important. Some people believe that there should be shorter school holidays. Both the questions are discussed further.

Discussing the importance of holidays, the foremost reason is that holidays gives relaxing time for pupils. Since academic session start, they are busy in exams and homework. Therefore, by giving longer holidays gives their time which can used for spending time with their parents and friends. For instance, in many states in India, the government decided to give more than two month vacation for both primary and secondary students. In addition, in longer period of holidays they can improve their other skills. If pupils learn some useful skills in free time, it is beneficial for their personal and professional growth. As a result, students can become more skill which is useful in later life.

However, some individuals think that shorter holidays are sufficient instead of longer holidays. The most important reason is that some learners become lazy during longer holidays. Learners who waste their time by only on computer screen for longer hours. Hence, some parents believe that it can affect their study. Furthermore, it can also effect on their health. This is because, nowadays many students spent their time on TV and electronic devices rather than do physical activity. Consequently, many pupils may face health related issues like obesity.

In conclusion, although there are some demerits such as laziness and obesity, it consists of many important values like relaxation and get a time for learning new skills.

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 of ideas is somewhat limited. While you mention relaxation and skill-building, these points could be expanded with more specific examples or deeper analysis. The introduction is quite brief and lacks a clear thesis statement outlining your position. To improve, ensure that each body paragraph provides a more thorough explanation of the points raised, moving beyond simple statements to more nuanced discussion. The conclusion is also quite abrupt and could better synthesize the main arguments presented in the body paragraphs.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.5

The essay is organized into logical paragraphs, which helps the reader follow your argument. You use some cohesive devices such as 'However', 'Furthermore', and 'Consequently' to link ideas. However, the use of these devices is sometimes mechanical or slightly repetitive. Additionally, some transitions between sentences are abrupt, such as the shift from discussing health to the conclusion. To reach a higher band, focus on using a wider variety of linking words and ensure that the progression of ideas within each paragraph is smoother. Improving the logical flow between sentences will make your writing more cohesive and professional.

Lexical Resource — Band 5.5

You demonstrate an adequate range of vocabulary for the task, using words like 'beneficial', 'professional growth', and 'obesity'. However, there are instances of word-choice errors and awkward phrasing, such as 'holidays gives relaxing time' (should be 'provide relaxation') and 'become more skill' (should be 'become more skillful'). Some vocabulary is repetitive, such as the frequent use of 'longer holidays'. To improve, try to incorporate more precise synonyms and collocations. Expanding your range of academic vocabulary will help you express your ideas with greater clarity and sophistication.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.5

The essay contains a mix of simple and complex sentence structures. While the meaning is generally clear, there are frequent grammatical errors, particularly with subject-verb agreement ('holidays gives', 'students spent their time') and preposition usage. There are also issues with article usage and word forms, such as 'effect on their health' (should be 'affect'). While these errors do not significantly impede communication, they occur frequently enough to prevent a higher score. To improve, focus on proofreading for basic grammatical accuracy, specifically checking subject-verb agreement and the correct use of verbs versus nouns.

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

Browse more IELTS Writing model answers or get your own writing scored by the same AI examiner.