Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 5.5 · Cambridge IELTS 20 · 2026-09-05

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 recent times, the importance of technology is increasing day-by-day. Therefore education is very important for students. They can become students independent and confident. While holidays are also very important for students to feel relaxed and calm. Nowadays the value of long school holidays are very important but there are many arguments also affected of shorter school holidays.

On the one hand, in many countries primary and secondary schools close for two months or more in the summer holidays because students can easily spend their quality time with friend and family, they feel relaxed and calm after more studies. Moreover, they can easily enjoy their hobbies such as playing outdoor games, listening to music and they can spend quality time for themselves. In addition, in long school holidays they can gain more knowledge about others important activities such as gain technical knowledge, improve their communication skills. These benefits can make students intelligence and knowledgeable. Therefore long holidays are very important rather than short holidays.

On the other hand, there are many arguments face of primary and secondary schools such as low study hours, and education's importance decreasing. In many countries students can focus on only study not other activities. That's why schools may close for two months vacation. For instance, if students can easily spend their quality time with others they can become more organized as well as they can easily stay connected with social bonding. While, there are many cause effected this condition.

In conclusion, Schools should increase study hours during regular study days and they can close for two months vacation because of students development and their personal hobbies.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 5.5

The response addresses both parts of the prompt, but the development of ideas is inconsistent. While you mention the value of long holidays (relaxation, hobbies, skill development), the arguments in favour of shorter holidays are unclear and somewhat contradictory. For instance, you mention 'low study hours' as an argument for shorter holidays, but the explanation is confusing and does not clearly articulate the benefits of a shorter break, such as academic continuity or reduced learning loss. The position is present but lacks the depth required for a higher band. To improve, ensure each paragraph focuses on a single, well-supported argument with clear examples.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.5

The essay is organised into paragraphs, which is a positive step. However, the use of cohesive devices is often mechanical or inaccurate. Phrases like 'While, there are many cause effected this condition' are used incorrectly, and the transition between ideas is sometimes abrupt. The logical progression of ideas is hindered by sentences that do not clearly connect to the previous ones. For example, the final paragraph introduces a conclusion that does not fully synthesise the arguments presented in the body paragraphs. Improving the variety and accuracy of linking words will help the flow of your writing.

Lexical Resource — Band 5.0

The vocabulary is generally limited and repetitive. You rely on basic terms like 'important', 'good', and 'quality time' throughout the essay. There are also issues with word choice and collocation, such as 'arguments face of primary and secondary schools' and 'make students intelligence'. These errors occasionally make it difficult for the reader to follow your intended meaning. To reach a higher band, you should aim to use a wider range of vocabulary, including less common lexical items and more precise collocations related to the topic of education and time management.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.0

The essay contains a mix of simple and some attempted complex sentence structures, but there are frequent grammatical errors. Issues include subject-verb agreement (e.g., 'the value of long school holidays are'), incorrect word forms (e.g., 'students independent'), and awkward phrasing. Punctuation is generally functional, but the frequency of errors in basic grammar structures is noticeable and occasionally impedes clarity. To improve, focus on mastering basic sentence construction and ensuring that subjects and verbs agree. Proofreading for common errors like article usage and pluralisation will also be beneficial.

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

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