Band 7.0 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 7.0 · Cambridge IELTS 20 · 2026-09-16

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 7.0)

In many countries, schools provide students with a summer break lasting two months or even longer. Although such extended holidays offer several important benefits, there are also strong arguments for reducing their length. This essay will discuss the value of long school holidays and the reasons why shorter breaks may be preferable.

Long school holidays can be valuable for both students and teachers. Firstly, students need sufficient time to recover from the academic pressure of a long school year. A lengthy break allows them to relax, spend time with their families and return to school feeling refreshed. Secondly, children can use this period for activities that are not normally possible during the academic year, such as travelling, playing sports or learning practical skills. For example, a student might attend a sports camp or visit another part of the country during the summer, gaining experiences that contribute to their personal development. Teachers can also use the extended break to rest and prepare lessons for the following academic year.

However, shorter school holidays also have several advantages. One major benefit is that students are less likely to forget what they have learned. After a very long break, children may need considerable time to recall previously studied material, particularly in subjects such as mathematics and languages. Shorter holidays can therefore provide greater continuity in education and help students maintain a regular learning routine. In addition, long summer breaks can create difficulties for working parents, who may have to arrange childcare for several weeks. A shorter holiday could reduce this burden and make family schedules easier to manage.

In conclusion, long school holidays give students valuable opportunities to rest, spend time with their families and develop interests outside the classroom. Nevertheless, shorter breaks can help maintain academic progress and reduce practical difficulties for parents. In my view, a moderate holiday length would provide a reasonable balance between relaxation and continuous learning.

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. The position is well-maintained throughout the essay. The ideas are well-developed and supported with relevant examples, such as attending sports camps or experiencing learning loss in mathematics and languages. The structure logically flows from introducing the topic, exploring the advantages of long holidays, examining the counter-arguments for shorter breaks, and finally offering a balanced conclusion. There are no major omissions, and the task requirements are thoroughly satisfied, matching the Band 8 descriptors.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 7.0

Ideas are logically sequenced and easy to follow. Each paragraph has a clear central topic, starting with a concise introduction, moving to well-supported body paragraphs addressing each prompt part, and concluding with a balanced summary. Cohesive devices such as 'Firstly', 'Secondly', 'However', 'In addition', and 'In conclusion' are used appropriately to guide the reader through the text without being overly mechanical. Paragraphing is used sufficiently and effectively. The progression of thought is clear throughout, which fully aligns with the Band 7 to Band 8 criteria; given the smooth transitions and clear structure, a solid Band 7.5 or 8.0 is well-deserved.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.5

The student demonstrates a sufficient and appropriate range of vocabulary suitable for an academic response. Phrases such as 'academic pressure', 'personal development', 'continuity in education', and 'maintain a regular learning routine' show good control over less common lexical items with an awareness of collocation. Word choice is generally precise, and spelling is accurate throughout the text. While it stops just short of the highly sophisticated, native-like flexibility required for a Band 8 or 9, it easily meets the Band 7 descriptor by providing a sufficiently wide range with good control and precision.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 7.5

The writer uses a good variety of complex sentence structures, including conditional or concessive clauses such as 'Although such extended holidays offer several important benefits...' and '...working parents, who may have to arrange childcare...'. The majority of sentences are error-free, displaying strong control over grammar and punctuation. There are no noticeable grammatical errors or awkward phrasings that impede communication. The control of complex structures and frequent error-free sentences comfortably places this essay in the Band 8 category.

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