Band 7.0 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 7.0 · Cambridge IELTS 20 · 2026-08-29

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 7.0)

It is often argued that primary and secondary schools should have long summer holidays lasting for two months or more. While some people believe that long school holidays are valuable for students, others think that shorter holidays are more beneficial. This essay will discuss both perspectives before presenting my own opinion.

On the one hand, there are several reasons why people support the idea of long school holidays. Firstly, students need sufficient time to relax after studying for many months. This is because continuous education can make children feel tired and stressed. For example, during long holidays, students can rest, spend time with their families, and enjoy different activities. As a result, they may return to school feeling fresh and motivated. Secondly, long holidays give children opportunities to travel and learn new skills. Therefore, supporters of this view believe that longer breaks are beneficial for students.

On the other hand, many people argue that shorter school holidays are better. One major reason is that long breaks can cause students to forget what they have learned. In other words, being away from education for a long period may negatively affect their academic progress. For instance, students may need extra time to remember previous lessons when school starts again. Moreover, shorter holidays can help children maintain a regular study routine. Consequently, this approach may provide better educational results and keep students focused on their learning.

In my opinion, although both views have their own advantages, I believe that shorter school holidays are more beneficial. This is mainly because students can continue their learning without forgetting important knowledge. However, children should still have enough time to relax and enjoy activities with their families.

In conclusion, some people support long school holidays, whereas others prefer shorter breaks. After considering both arguments, I believe that shorter holidays are the better choice because they help students maintain their academic progress and regular routines.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 7.0

The response addresses both parts of the prompt: the value of long holidays and the arguments for shorter ones. You maintain a clear position throughout, which is consistently supported. The ideas are relevant, such as the need for relaxation versus the concern regarding academic regression. However, the development of these ideas is somewhat basic. To reach a higher band, you could provide more specific examples or deeper analysis, such as mentioning the impact on working parents or the potential for summer enrichment programs. The conclusion effectively reinforces your stance, ensuring the task requirements are fully met.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 7.0

The essay is logically organized with a clear introduction, body paragraphs, and a conclusion. Each paragraph has a central theme, and the progression of ideas is easy to follow. You use a range of cohesive devices such as 'On the one hand', 'Firstly', 'Moreover', and 'Consequently' to link your points. While the paragraphing is appropriate, the transition between ideas is sometimes a bit mechanical. To improve, try to vary your linking phrases and ensure that the flow between sentences feels more natural rather than relying on standard signposting words.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.5

You demonstrate an adequate range of vocabulary for the task, using terms like 'academic progress', 'sufficient time', and 'motivated'. The language is clear and appropriate for an academic essay. However, the vocabulary is somewhat repetitive and lacks the sophistication or 'less common' items required for higher bands. For example, instead of repeating 'long holidays' or 'shorter holidays', you could use synonyms like 'extended summer breaks' or 'condensed academic calendars'. The word choice is accurate, and there are no spelling errors, but expanding your range of collocations would enhance your score.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 7.0

Your grammar is generally accurate, and you use a mix of simple and complex sentence structures effectively. Most of your sentences are error-free, which makes the text easy to read. You demonstrate good control over punctuation and sentence construction. To achieve a higher band, you should incorporate a wider variety of complex grammatical structures, such as conditional sentences (e.g., 'If schools were to shorten the break, students might...') or passive voice constructions to add variety. Currently, the sentence patterns are quite uniform, which limits the demonstration of your grammatical range.

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