Band 6.5 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 6.5 · Cambridge IELTS 20 · 2026-09-11

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 6.5)

Primary and secondary school summer holidays vary in length across the world. It is often debated whether longer breaks contribute more positively than shorter ones. I believe a balanced approach may be the best way forward.

On the one hand, long school breaks facilitate a much-needed rest for students and teachers after a demanding year and provide a good reset before returning back to school. Extended holidays allow children to spend quality time with their family, travel, and experience life outside the classroom. For instance, a longer break during the summer can be utilized by enrolling kids in summer school, where they can learn new skills. These experiences can enhance children's motivation levels to return to school after a well-spent holiday.

Nevertheless, there are drawbacks to prolonged holidays. Firstly, long breaks can lead to holiday blues, which can result in a loss of interest and focus in studying among students. Moreover, if summer breaks are prolonged, working parents will have to find suitable childcare during working hours, which can be challenging. In addition, Smaller, frequent off periods can cater better to exhaustion and effectively manage burnout that most students and faculty face throughout the academic year. A case in point: countries that offer shorter summer holidays and frequent breaks throughout the year perform better in academia.

In conclusion, while long breaks seem very relaxing and provide an opportunity to engage in activities outside school, shorter breaks spread out throughout the year can work best for schools, as it provides the required rest period.

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 from the introduction and maintained throughout. Ideas are relevant, such as the mention of 'holiday blues' and the logistical challenges for working parents. However, the development is somewhat brief. While the points are logical, they could be extended with more specific examples or deeper analysis to reach a higher band. For instance, the reference to countries performing better with shorter holidays is a good start but lacks specific detail or elaboration to fully support the argument.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.5

The essay is logically organized with a clear introduction, body paragraphs, and a conclusion. Cohesive devices are used effectively, such as 'On the one hand,' 'Nevertheless,' and 'In addition,' which help guide the reader through the arguments. Paragraphing is used appropriately to separate the two main viewpoints. The progression of ideas is smooth, and the relationship between sentences is generally clear. To improve, the student could vary the cohesive devices further to avoid a slightly mechanical feel in the transition between paragraphs.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.0

The vocabulary is sufficient and generally appropriate for the task. The student uses topic-specific terms like 'academic year,' 'burnout,' and 'logistical challenges' (implied). There is an attempt to use less common vocabulary, such as 'facilitate' and 'prolonged.' However, there are some minor inaccuracies or slightly repetitive phrasing, such as 'well-spent holiday' and 'well-deserved rest.' The range is adequate to convey meaning clearly, but it lacks the sophistication and precision required for a higher band score.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 6.5

The essay demonstrates a mix of simple and complex sentence structures. Most sentences are error-free, and the grammar does not impede communication. There is good control over punctuation and sentence construction. However, the range of complex structures is somewhat limited. For example, the use of conditional structures or more varied subordinate clauses could enhance the grammatical range. The error in 'Smaller, frequent off periods' (capitalization) is a minor slip, but overall, the control is consistent and reliable.

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

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