Band 6.5 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 6.5 · Cambridge IELTS 20 · 2026-09-28

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 several countries, primary and secondary schools choose to provide an extended summer holidays for two or more months. While longer holidays may provide numerous benefits in terms of proper rest and personal development, shorter vacations can help students practice routine and main their academic progress.

To begin with, longer school breaks provide students with opportunities to discover new hobbies and learn new skills. After a year of academic pressure and rigorous study schedules an extended break can prove to be beneficial for their physical and mental health. Along with that, they will get time to explore various interests in fields like sports, art and music. Moreover, they can also utilise their vacations by spending quality time with their loved ones.

On the other hand, shorter school holidays also offer multiple benefits to students. Extended breaks lead to students forgetting previously taught concepts when they are away from the academic environment for a long period of time. Consequently, they might get disrupted from their routines and they would find it difficult to switch to their previous lifestyles. Furthermore, shorter breaks assist students stay consistent with their routines and live an active life.

In conclusion, while longer breaks allow students to rest, develop personal interests and spend time with their families, shorter breaks can help maintain academic progress and consistent learning habits. Therefore, I strongly believe that a balanced approach proves to be more beneficial to students providing them sufficient time for rest and extracurriculars without compromising their academic schedules and everyday habits.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 6.5

The response 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 establishes a clear position throughout the essay and concludes with a balanced summary of their stance. Ideas are generally relevant and extended, such as discussing how longer breaks allow students to pursue hobbies and rest, while shorter breaks prevent learning loss and maintain routines. However, some arguments, particularly around shorter breaks, could be further supported with more concrete examples or deeper explanation. Overall, the task is well handled and meets the criteria for Band 7.0.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 6.5

The essay displays a clear logical organisation and progression throughout. The response is divided into logical paragraphs, with a clear introduction, two body paragraphs exploring opposing views, and a well-structured conclusion. Cohesive devices are used adequately to guide the reader through the arguments, such as 'To begin with', 'Moreover', and 'On the other hand'. Referencing is generally clear, though occasional mechanical transitions could be made slightly more natural to achieve a higher band. Paragraphing is used effectively, ensuring each paragraph has a central topic.

Lexical Resource: Band 6.0

The student demonstrates an adequate to sufficient range of vocabulary for the task, successfully attempting less common items such as 'rigorous study schedules', 'extracurriculars', and 'academic progress'. There are a few instances of awkward phrasing or minor collocation errors, such as 'main their academic progress' (maintain) and 'disrupted from their routines'. However, these lexical slips do not impede communication. Spelling and word choice are generally accurate, placing the response solidly in the Band 6.5 to 7.0 range.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 6.0

The writer employs a mix of simple and complex sentence forms, demonstrating control over structures such as conditional and concessive clauses (e.g., 'While longer holidays may provide numerous benefits...'). There are some minor grammatical errors and awkward structures, such as 'extended summer holidays for two or more months' (holiday) and 'assist students stay consistent' (assist students to stay). Punctuation is generally sound. The majority of simple sentences are error-free, and complex structures are attempted with reasonable accuracy, fitting the Band 6.5 profile well.

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.