Band 6.0 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 6.0 · Cambridge IELTS 20 · 2026-09-19
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)
Elementary schools have summer vacations of two or more months in several countries. This essay will discuss the importance of these vacations and why short term holidays would be more beneficial. In my opinion, short term vacations are beneficial if schools engage students in other activities.
Long holidays are valuable for students' mental health. In schools, instructors mostly teach traditional subjects like mathematics, science and languages. These are essential for academic development and knowledge. Children can learn analytical and problem solving skills through these courses but long holidays are also important. A student may be overwhelmed by tough studies in strict academic environment with no relaxing acivities. Everyone needs a personal time and relaxatio as it is necessary for mental well-being. And that is why children need these long vacations to relax, explore their passion and spend time away from academic activities.
However, short term holidays may prove more beneficial for their professional growth and career. Instead of months long vacations, schools can plan this time much better. If educational organisations are open for most of the time, they will have time for introducing extra-curricular activities other than academic environment. For example, summer camps, sports activities, foreign trips or other competitions and training programs may be introduced. These programs will equip them with new skills which will help them in their careers ahead. For instance, Someone who is passionate about music or art can polish these skills which may lead to a successful career in this field.
In summary, long holidays are essential for the overall mental well-being of children to relax and take a break from academics while shorter ones are beneficial for their professional development. In my view, institutes should adapt to shorter holidays if they can provide a relaxing learning environment for extra-curricular activities so that students can relax and learn at the same time.
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 6.0 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 6.0 |
| Lexical Resource | 5.5 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 5.5 |
| Overall | 6.0 |
Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 6.0
The response successfully addresses all parts of the prompt by discussing both the value of long school holidays and the arguments in favour of shorter ones. The writer presents a clear position throughout the essay. The value of long holidays is supported by ideas relating to mental health and well-being, while the arguments for shorter holidays focus on career development and extra-curricular activities. Ideas are sufficiently extended and supported with relevant examples, such as summer camps and sports activities. Although some arguments could be explored in greater depth to reach a higher band, the overall task requirements are well met. Therefore, a solid band score is warranted.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.0
The essay displays a logical organisation with a clear introduction, body paragraphs discussing distinct points, and a concluding summary. Cohesive devices are used adequately to connect ideas, such as 'In schools', 'However', and 'In summary'. Paragraphing is used sufficiently and appropriately, with each main body paragraph dedicated to one side of the prompt. However, referencing and transitions are at times slightly mechanical, placing this response firmly in the band 6.5 range. Overall, the progression of ideas is coherent and easy to follow.
Lexical Resource — Band 5.5
The student demonstrates an adequate range of vocabulary for the task, successfully incorporating terms such as 'traditional subjects', 'academic development', 'well-being', and 'extra-curricular activities'. There are occasional vocabulary and spelling inaccuracies, such as 'relaxatio' and 'short term' used where 'shorter' is more appropriate. Less common lexical items are attempted, but minor awkwardness in word choice keeps the score at a competent level. Communication is never impeded by these lexical slips.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.5
The writer employs a mix of simple and complex sentence forms, demonstrating control over basic sentence structures along with successful attempts at subordination and relative clauses, such as 'If educational organisations are open for most of the time, they will have time for introducing...'. There are several grammatical errors and omissions, such as missing articles ('in strict academic environment', 'for introducing extra-curricular activities other than academic environment') and minor punctuation issues. Despite these errors, they rarely impede communication and the sentence structures remain reasonably varied.
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.