Band 6.5 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 6.5 · Cambridge IELTS 20 · 2026-09-30

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 recent years, students in primary and secondary schools have been receiving longer summer holidays than those at other educational levels. This essay will examine the advantages of extended school vacations and discuss several viewpoints, supporting shorter breaks.

To begin with, one of the crucial advantages of long summer holidays is that they provide students with an opportunity to recharge and have enough time to rest. This stems from the fact that continuous studying throughout the school year could lead to stress and exhaustion. For instance, students who experience such circumstances and enjoy extended vacations often return to the next school year with higher concentration levels and a more positive attitude towards learning. Therefore, long holidays can significantly reduce a student's level of stress and tiredness, as well as enhance their overall productivity.

On the other hand, shorter school holidays can also be beneficial for a student's academic development. One significant advantage is that they help learners retain knowledge and maintain consistent study habits. This is due to long vacations often causing students to forget previously learned materials, which can negatively affect their performance once the new school year starts. For instance, teachers frequently spend several weeks reviewing old topics at the beginning of each term after a long vacation. Consequently, shorter holidays may ensure continuous learning and better academic achievement.

In conclusion, although extended school holidays give students a chance to relax and refresh their minds, shorter breaks are equally beneficial for maintaining the academic process. Thus, schools need to consider adopting a balanced calendar that ensures both effective learning and adequate rest.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 6.5

The student successfully addresses all parts of the prompt by examining both the value of long school holidays and the arguments in favour of shorter breaks. A clear position is established in the introduction and maintained throughout the essay. The ideas are relevant and supported with appropriate explanations and examples, such as mentioning how students recharge to improve concentration levels and how teachers spend time reviewing old topics. The response fully satisfies the task requirements with well-developed ideas, earning a solid Band 7.0.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 6.5

The essay displays clear logical organisation and progression throughout. Each paragraph has a distinct focus, moving smoothly from the introduction to the advantages of long holidays, the counter-arguments for shorter breaks, and a balanced conclusion. Cohesive devices are used effectively and appropriately, such as 'To begin with', 'For instance', 'On the other hand', and 'Consequently'. Paragraphing is well-managed and logically structured, ensuring the reader can easily follow the progression of ideas. This performance meets the criteria for Band 7.0.

Lexical Resource: Band 6.5

The student demonstrates an adequate to sufficient range of vocabulary for the task, successfully attempting less common items such as 'exhaustion', 'concentration levels', 'maintain consistent study habits', and 'balanced calendar'. Word choice is generally appropriate and precise, with only occasional minor inaccuracies that do not impede communication. Spelling and word formation are accurate throughout the response. The lexical control is consistent and supports the development of the arguments, fitting comfortably into the Band 7.0 descriptor.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 6.5

The response features a good variety of complex structures alongside simple sentences, demonstrating good control of grammar and punctuation. Examples of complex structures include relative clauses ('students who experience such circumstances') and conditional/causal constructions ('This stems from the fact that...'). Frequent error-free sentences are present, and grammatical errors are minimal and non-systematic, meaning they never impede communication. Punctuation is used correctly to guide the reader through complex ideas, earning a well-deserved Band 7.0.

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