Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 5.5 · Cambridge IELTS 20 · 2026-09-07

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)

Globally it is observed that a majority of the countries tend to shut the primary and secondary schools an extended period of 2 months or more during summer. Although they may be some advantages towards this notion, there are also some disadvantages as well. This essay will explicate both the views with relevant examples.

discussing the first question, providing long holidays in schools during summer does not put burden on children. As due to extreme heat conditions, one cannot function properly and can get exhausted really quick owing to constant dehydration. For instance. it is difficult for a student to concentrate in class as the heat pricks the skin whilst sweating a lot because not many schools properly ventilated or air conditioned. The journey from home to school can also be taken into consideration, as during heatwave one would already be tired by the time they reach school.

On the contrary, long holidays could lead to learning loss. Students tend to forget what they have learnt in school prior to receiving the holidays. To cite an example, children along with their families go on long vacations and do not bother on studying, as a result they would forget what was taught or how to solve particular problems. It is often seen that their brain mechanisms have been altered after holidays and they may not process the given instructions spontaneously. Consequently, leading to poor performance in academics.

In conclusion, it is evident that although extensive summer breaks may be beneficent, it also has some drawbacks.

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 is somewhat limited. While you mention heat exhaustion as a value, the argument could be strengthened with more depth regarding the psychological benefits of rest. Similarly, the argument for shorter holidays focuses solely on 'learning loss,' which is a valid point, but the essay lacks a clear, consistent position throughout. The conclusion is also quite abrupt and fails to summarize the main points effectively, which prevents the response from reaching a higher band.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.5

The essay is organized into logical paragraphs, and there is a clear progression of ideas. You use some cohesive devices, such as 'For instance,' 'On the contrary,' and 'Consequently,' to link your thoughts. However, the transition between the introduction and the body paragraphs is slightly mechanical. Additionally, the referencing is sometimes unclear, such as in the phrase 'although they may be some advantages towards this notion,' where the pronoun 'they' is used incorrectly. Improving the variety of linking words and ensuring smoother transitions between sentences would enhance the flow.

Lexical Resource — Band 5.5

You demonstrate an adequate range of vocabulary for the task, using terms like 'explicate,' 'exhausted,' and 'academics.' However, there are some inaccuracies in word choice and collocation. For example, 'put burden on children' should be 'place a burden on children,' and 'beneficent' is used incorrectly in the conclusion; 'beneficial' would be the appropriate term. There is also a reliance on some repetitive phrasing. To improve, focus on using more precise collocations and ensuring that less common vocabulary is used in the correct context.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.5

You use a mix of simple and complex sentence structures, but there are frequent grammatical errors that occasionally affect the clarity of your writing. For instance, 'there are also some disadvantages as well' is redundant, and 'not many schools properly ventilated' is missing a verb. There are also punctuation errors, such as the period after 'For instance' instead of a comma. While these errors do not completely impede communication, they occur frequently enough to prevent a higher score. Focus on subject-verb agreement and ensuring all sentences have a main verb.

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

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