Band 7.5 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 7.5 · 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 7.5)

In many countries, primary and secondary schools close for two months or more during the summer. While some argue that these long breaks are essential for recharging, others believe that shorter holidays would be more beneficial.

On one hand, extended breaks can be advantageous for both students and teachers. Constant academic pressure can lead to significant stress, and taking time away from the classroom allows children to refresh their minds. During these holidays, students have the freedom to pursue independent interests, such as playing sports, engaging in hobbies, or spending quality time with their families. This period of self-directed learning can enhance their problem-solving skills and creativity, as they are not restricted by a rigid curriculum.

On the other hand, there are strong arguments for shorter school holidays. Consistent attendance fosters discipline and helps children develop essential life skills, such as punctuality and effective time management. When students attend school regularly, they are more likely to internalize positive behaviors and social manners through daily interaction with their peers and teachers. Furthermore, lengthy breaks can lead to a loss of academic momentum, making it difficult for students to transition back into their studies. Excessive time away from an educational environment may even cause a decline in cognitive retention and overall academic progress.

In conclusion, while a moderate break from schooling is necessary to prevent burnout, long-term absences can hinder a child's development. I believe that a balanced approach, with shorter but more frequent breaks, would be the most effective way to ensure that students remain motivated and disciplined without becoming overwhelmed by their daily routines.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 7.0

The response addresses both parts of the prompt clearly. You have identified the value of long holidays (recharging, self-directed learning) and the arguments for shorter ones (discipline, academic momentum). Your position is consistent throughout the essay, and the conclusion provides a clear synthesis of your views. The ideas are well-developed and supported with logical reasoning. To reach a higher band, you could include more specific examples or real-world evidence to illustrate your points, such as mentioning specific educational systems or studies on 'summer slide' to add depth to your arguments.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 7.5

The essay is logically organized with a clear progression of ideas. Each paragraph has a central theme, and the transition between the benefits of long holidays and the arguments for shorter ones is smooth, using appropriate cohesive devices like 'On one hand' and 'On the other hand'. The use of linking words such as 'furthermore' and 'consequently' (implied) helps maintain the flow. The paragraphing is logical and contributes to the overall clarity of the argument. The structure is professional and easy to follow throughout.

Lexical Resource — Band 7.0

You demonstrate a good range of vocabulary that is appropriate for an academic essay. Phrases like 'internalize positive behaviors', 'academic momentum', and 'cognitive retention' show a high level of lexical control. The vocabulary is precise and used accurately in context. While the range is sufficient and effective, incorporating a few more sophisticated collocations or idiomatic academic expressions could elevate the response further. Overall, the language is natural and contributes to a clear, formal tone throughout the piece.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 7.5

The essay displays a high level of grammatical accuracy. You have used a variety of complex sentence structures effectively, such as conditional clauses and participial phrases (e.g., 'making it difficult for students to transition...'). Punctuation is used correctly, and there are no significant errors that impede communication. The majority of your sentences are error-free, which is a hallmark of a high-band response. To push toward a 9.0, ensure that you continue to vary your sentence length and complexity even further to maintain a sophisticated rhythm.

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

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