Band 6.5 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 6.5 · Cambridge IELTS 20 · 2026-09-13
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)
In many countries, primary and secondary schools remain closed for two or more months during the summer holidays. The essay will examine the benefits of long holidays and the arguments for shorter breaks.
On the one hand, long school holidays have several positive effects on students. In many countries, the temperature rises above 45 degrees Celcius, which can have detrimental effects on the children's health. Overheating can cause dehydration, heatstroke and heat cramps to children which is very harmful for them. Therefore, long summer breaks allow students to rest and recover from academic pressure, which can help them return to school feeling refreshed and unwind. In addition, young ones can spend more time with their families during the summer vacations and strengthen their relationships. For example, children can spend quality time with their parents and siblings by going on family trips, having meals together, which can strengthen family bonds.
On the other hand, shorter school holidays can also have several advantages. Firstly, they can help students maintain a regular learning routine. When students have a very long break from their studies, they may forget some of the information they have learned and find it difficult to return to their normal academic routine. For example, after a two-month summer vacation, students may need extra time to revise previous lessons before starting new topics. Therefore, shorter breaks can help students remain connected to their studies and maintain their academic progress. In addition, shorter school holidays can be more convenient for working parents because they may find it difficult to look after their children for several months. Thus, shorter breaks can make it easier for parents to manage their work and family responsibilities.
In conclusion, extended summer breaks give students an opportunity to relax, spend quality time with their families and regain their energy after a demanding academic year. In contrast, shorter school holidays can help students stay engaged with their studies and maintain a consistent learning routine.
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 6.5 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 6.5 |
| Lexical Resource | 6.0 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 6.0 |
| Overall | 6.5 |
Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 6.5
The response fully addresses all parts of the task by discussing both the value of long school holidays and the arguments in favour of shorter breaks. A clear position is maintained throughout the essay. Ideas are well developed and supported with relevant explanations and examples, such as mentioning health concerns like dehydration and the practical convenience for working parents. The arguments are extended appropriately, meeting the requirements of a Band 7 performance where all parts of the prompt are addressed with clear support, though further depth could push it into higher bands.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.5
The essay presents a clear logical organisation and progression throughout. Information and ideas are grouped effectively into paragraphs, with an introduction, body paragraphs addressing each side of the prompt, and a conclusion. Cohesive devices such as 'On the one hand', 'On the other hand', 'In addition', and 'Therefore' are used appropriately to guide the reader through the arguments. Paragraphing is used sufficiently and appropriately, ensuring that each distinct point is properly separated and discussed.
Lexical Resource — Band 6.0
The student demonstrates an adequate to sufficient range of vocabulary for the task. Words and phrases such as 'detrimental effects', 'academic pressure', 'consistent learning routine', and 'responsibilities' show a good attempt at precision. However, there are occasional minor inaccuracies in collocation or word choice, such as 'refreshed and unwind' (instead of 'refreshed and unwound') and 'heat cramps to children' (rather than 'in children'). Despite these minor issues, communication is smooth and the vocabulary is sufficient to convey complex ideas clearly.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 6.0
The writing exhibits a mix of simple and complex sentence forms, with a variety of structures used throughout the response. Examples include conditional and relative clauses like 'When students have a very long break from their studies, they may forget...' and 'which can have detrimental effects'. There are some minor grammatical errors, such as ' Celcius' (spelling of Celsius), 'cramps to children which is very harmful' (subject-verb agreement error with 'is' referring to multiple items), but these errors rarely impede communication and the majority of sentences remain clear and accurate.
See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.
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