Band 6.0 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 6.0 · Cambridge IELTS 20 · 2026-08-21

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 6.0)

Summer holidays play a crucial role in students' lives, while primary and secondary schools close for two months or more in the summer vacations in many countries. Although pupils get more time to engage in other activities if a longer vacation is provided, a shorter break help them to maintain their academic progress. This essay will examine both viewpoints.

One major benefit is that students may engaged in some physical activities to stay active which helps them to enhance their flexibility and fitness. Pupils might gain confidence and relax by participating in sports which helps students to boost their academic performance by staying focused and confident. In addition, children may get time to spend with their cousins and close ones and might plan any trip with their families and friends. For instance, pupils can experience an international trip if longer school holidays are provided which help them to explore a new country and adopt different cultures as well as try several new cuisines. As a result, pupils might try new sports and experience different traditions. Therefore, long vacation means a lot for children by taking break from dairy routine.

However, vacations distract youth from studies, while shorter school holidays help students engage in studies which improve their interest towards formal learning. Shorter holidays allow children to develop some new skills which lead to better employment opportunities and help people in the competitive job market. To exemplify, students may learn deep concepts about problem solving, critical thinking and communication which help them to solve difficult tasks confidently. Consequently, pupils can enhance their confidence by engaging long time in studying. In conclusion, long breaks help children to explore new activities and places. However, shorter vacations help children maintain their academic progress. Therefore, I believe schools should follow a balanced approach.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 6.0

The response 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 generally relevant. However, some arguments are slightly repetitive or lack depth; for instance, the discussion on 'new skills' in the second body paragraph is somewhat vague. To reach a higher band, you should provide more specific, concrete examples of how shorter holidays specifically impact academic outcomes or job market competitiveness, rather than relying on general statements about 'problem solving' or 'critical thinking'. Overall, the task is adequately addressed.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.5

The essay is logically organized into clear paragraphs, each with a central theme. You use cohesive devices such as 'In addition', 'For instance', 'However', and 'Consequently' to link ideas. While the flow is generally good, some transitions feel a bit mechanical. The referencing is mostly clear, though the connection between the ideas in the first paragraph could be smoother. The paragraphing is appropriate, and the progression of arguments from the benefits of long holidays to the benefits of shorter ones is logical and easy to follow.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.0

You demonstrate an adequate range of vocabulary for the task, including terms like 'academic progress', 'competitive job market', and 'formal learning'. However, there are some inaccuracies in word choice and collocation, such as 'dairy routine' (likely meant 'daily routine') and 'engaging long time in studying'. These errors do not impede communication, but they prevent the essay from reaching a higher band. To improve, focus on using more precise collocations and ensuring that your vocabulary choices are contextually accurate.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 6.0

The essay uses a mix of simple and complex sentence structures. There are several grammatical errors, such as 'students may engaged' (should be 'may engage') and 'a shorter break help' (should be 'helps'). Additionally, there are minor issues with article usage and verb forms. While these errors are noticeable, they do not prevent the reader from understanding your meaning. To improve, focus on subject-verb agreement and ensuring that modal verbs are followed by the correct base form of the verb.

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

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