Band 6.0 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 6.0 · 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 6.0)

During summer vacations primary and secondary schools close for a period of two or more months throughout some countries. Long holidays are a source of happiness and refreshment for students but it also have negative consequences especially disturbed routine. This essay will elaborate both arguments deeply.

On the one hand, due to the significant amount of increase in school holidays, students may reset and recover themselves. Students may tired mentally and physically while studying continuously for about a whole year. Long holidays give them the opportunity to control stress and returning back with a great enthusiasm with a fresh mind. After exams students who take some rest for several weeks are found more focused in the next classes. Moreover, they can also spend time with their families and also do some activities like sports, travelling or hobbies like reading and so on. For example, during long summer holiday, students can go for travelling with their families where they can perform many activities.

On the other hand, learning loss can be minimized because of the shorter holiday. Excessive long holiday results in forgetting things what students learned in the academic classes. By short breaks they may remain in regular routines like in mathematics subject continuous practice is mandatory. It may be difficult for the working parents to look after their children for long intervals as this can affect their job or business. Parents do not have to arrange longer childcare responsibilities if children are provided with short-term holidays. For instance, a student who stays away from school for some months may forget important and beneficial mathematical formulas or vocabulary.

In conclusion, long holidays are valuable because it allows children to spend time with their parents and go for travelling where they can do some activities. However, shorter holidays may be more beneficial because it reduces learning loss and make students sticked with their routine.

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 ideas are relevant and clearly presented. However, the development of these ideas is somewhat basic. For instance, the point about 'learning loss' is mentioned, but it could be expanded with more specific examples beyond just 'mathematical formulas'. The position is clear throughout, and the essay follows a logical structure. To reach a higher band, ensure that each point is supported by more detailed explanation or evidence to fully develop the arguments.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.5

The essay is logically organized with a clear introduction, body paragraphs, and a conclusion. Paragraphing is used appropriately to separate the two main arguments. Cohesive devices such as 'On the one hand', 'On the other hand', 'Moreover', and 'In conclusion' are used effectively to guide the reader. However, there is some minor repetition in the use of linking words, and the flow between sentences could be smoother in places. Overall, the progression of ideas is easy to follow, and the essay maintains a coherent structure throughout.

Lexical Resource — Band 5.5

The vocabulary is generally adequate for the task, allowing the writer to express ideas clearly. There are some attempts at using less common vocabulary, such as 'significant amount of increase' and 'mandatory', though some word choices are slightly unnatural or imprecise, such as 'reset and recover themselves' or 'sticked with their routine'. While there are no major spelling errors that impede communication, the range of vocabulary is somewhat limited and lacks the sophistication required for higher bands. Expanding your range of collocations and idiomatic expressions would improve this score.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.5

The essay uses a mix of simple and complex sentence structures. While the meaning is generally clear, there are several grammatical errors, such as subject-verb agreement issues ('it also have negative consequences', 'long holidays are valuable because it allows') and awkward phrasing ('students may tired mentally'). Punctuation is generally correct, but some sentences are slightly clunky. To improve, focus on ensuring subject-verb agreement and refining the use of complex sentence structures to ensure they are error-free. The current level of control is sufficient for a band 6, but more consistency is needed for a higher score.

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

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