Band 6.5 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 6.5 · Cambridge IELTS 20 · 2026-09-29

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)

There has long been debate over whether extended school holidays are beneficial for students. Some people argue that long breaks provide children with a much-needed rest from their studies, allow them to spend more time with their families, and help them create childhood memories. Others, however, believe that lengthy holidays can reduce students’ concentration and negatively affect their academic performance. This essay will discuss both views before presenting my own opinion.

On the one hand, long summer holidays can be highly beneficial because they give students a break from year-long academic pressure. During this period, children can visit their hometowns or relatives and strengthen their relationships with cousins and other family members. In addition, extended holidays provide students with opportunities to participate in activities outside the school curriculum. They may learn new skills or practise hobbies that require considerable time. For example, activities such as horse riding may require several weeks or months of regular practice, which can be difficult to manage during the school term.

On the other hand, some people argue that long holidays can cause students to lose their study routine and become less focused on academic work. After spending several weeks away from school, students may find it difficult to return to a disciplined schedule. For instance, children often develop the habit of waking up late during long breaks, and when school reopens, they may struggle to wake up early and concentrate in class. As a result, their academic performance may temporarily decline while they readjust to their normal routine.

In conclusion, although extended holidays may make it more difficult for students to return to their academic routine, I believe that long summer breaks are beneficial overall. Students need time not only for education but also for relaxation, family relationships, hobbies, and learning new skills.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 6.5

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, as stated in the prompt. The introduction sets up a clear position, stating that while there are drawbacks, long holidays are beneficial overall, and this stance is maintained consistently throughout the essay. Ideas are well developed and supported with relevant examples, such as mentioning activities like horse riding that require extended time and the disruption of daily routines like waking up early. The arguments are extended logically without digression, reflecting a strong Band 7 performance under the Task Achievement descriptor.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 6.5

The essay demonstrates clear logical organisation and progression throughout. Each paragraph has a distinct focus, beginning with an introduction, followed by body paragraphs addressing each side of the debate in turn ('On the one hand', 'On the other hand'), and concluding with a balanced summary. Cohesive devices such as 'In addition', 'For instance', and 'As a result' are used flexibly and appropriately to guide the reader through the arguments. Paragraphing is well managed and contributes to the overall clarity and coherence of the text.

Lexical Resource: Band 6.0

The student uses a sufficient range of vocabulary with some flexibility and precision to discuss education and lifestyle topics. Phrases like 'year-long academic pressure', 'curriculum', 'readjust to their normal routine', and 'temporarily decline' show an adequate resource for the task. Less common lexical items are attempted with decent awareness of style and collocation, although some expressions border on standard combinations rather than advanced vocabulary. Spelling and word choice are accurate, causing no impediment to communication.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 7.0

The writing exhibits a good variety of complex structures alongside simple sentences. The student demonstrates control over dependent clauses and conditional elements, such as 'After spending several weeks away from school, students may find it difficult to return...' and '...although extended holidays may make it more difficult... I believe that...'. The majority of sentences are error-free, with accurate punctuation and consistent control over verb tenses. Errors are very rare, which aligns closely with the higher-end grammatical criteria.

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