Band 7.5 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 7.5 · Cambridge IELTS 20 · 2026-09-14

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 such a lengthy break can provide children with valuable opportunities for rest and personal development, shorter holidays may offer greater continuity in education and convenience for families. In my view, the benefits of a long summer holiday generally outweigh these disadvantages, provided that students remain engaged in some form of learning during the break.

The value of an extended holiday lies primarily in the opportunities it creates outside formal education. During the school year, children are expected to follow demanding timetables, complete homework and prepare for examinations, leaving limited time for activities that contribute to their broader development. A long break gives them the freedom to pursue hobbies, develop practical skills and spend meaningful time with family and friends. For example, children can learn to cook, play a musical instrument, participate in sports or read books that are unrelated to their school curriculum. Travel can be equally valuable because exposure to unfamiliar places and cultures can make children more independent and open-minded. Just as importantly, a substantial period of rest can help them recover from academic pressure and return to school with renewed concentration and motivation.

Nevertheless, there are sound arguments for shorter holidays. The most significant concern is the loss of academic momentum. After several months away from their studies, children may forget knowledge and skills they acquired during the previous academic year, particularly in subjects that require regular practice, such as mathematics and foreign languages. Teachers may consequently need to devote considerable time to revision when classes resume. Shorter breaks can also benefit working parents, who may struggle to find affordable childcare when their children are at home for an extended period. This can be particularly difficult for families in which both parents work full-time.

However, these concerns can be addressed without eliminating long holidays. Schools can provide optional reading lists, educational projects or online learning activities, while parents can encourage children to maintain a modest academic routine. This would allow students to enjoy the freedom and restorative benefits of a long vacation without becoming completely disconnected from education.

In conclusion, long school holidays give children valuable time to rest, pursue personal interests and develop through experiences beyond the classroom. Although shorter breaks can preserve academic continuity and reduce childcare difficulties, I believe that a well-designed long summer holiday offers greater overall benefits, especially when combined with light and purposeful learning activities.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 7.5

The response fully addresses all parts of the task by clearly discussing both the value of long school holidays and the arguments in favour of shorter ones, whilst presenting a well-developed personal position. The introduction outlines both perspectives and establishes a clear stance that long holidays are beneficial when combined with light learning activities. The second paragraph thoroughly explores the developmental, recreational, and psychological benefits of extended breaks, supporting points with apt examples such as learning instruments, cooking, and travelling. The third paragraph balances the discussion by addressing academic loss and the practical difficulties faced by working parents. The student successfully integrates a nuanced solution in the fourth paragraph, demonstrating sophisticated task response. Ideas are fully extended and supported throughout, easily achieving a Band 8.0.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 7.5

Coherence and cohesion are managed to a very high standard. The essay is logically sequenced, moving smoothly from introduction to the advantages of long holidays, counter-arguments for shorter breaks, a mitigating compromise, and a concise conclusion. Paragraphing is used appropriately, with each paragraph focusing on a distinct central theme. Cohesive devices are employed naturally and flexibly without being intrusive, as seen in transition words like 'The value of an extended holiday lies primarily...', 'Nevertheless, there are sound arguments...', and 'However, these concerns can be addressed...'. Referencing and substitution are handled seamlessly throughout the text. Overall, this structural clarity and smooth logical progression satisfy all Band 8 descriptors.

Lexical Resource — Band 7.5

The student demonstrates a wide, fluent, and flexible lexical resource that is well-suited to an academic essay. Less common items and collocations are used skillfully throughout the text, including phrases such as 'lengthy break', 'demanding timetables', 'broader development', 'academic momentum', and 'academic continuity'. Word choice is precise and natural (e.g., 'substantive period of rest', 'devote considerable time to revision'). There are only occasional minor limitations or slips, reflecting the strong Band 8 profile where vocabulary is managed adeptly to convey precise shades of meaning without communication ever being impeded.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 7.5

The essay displays a wide range of structures, incorporating numerous complex sentences with subordinate clauses, conditional structures ('provided that students remain engaged...'), and participial phrases effortlessly. The majority of sentences are entirely error-free. Punctuation is accurate, and syntactic control is maintained throughout complex arguments. There are only very occasional, minor awkwardnesses, but grammatical control remains exceptionally high. This performance comfortably meets the criteria for Band 8, where the writer uses a wide range of structures with the vast majority of sentences being grammatically sound.

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

Browse more IELTS Writing model answers or get your own writing scored by the same AI examiner.