Band 5.0 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 5.0 · Cambridge IELTS 20 · 2026-10-10

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 5.0)

In most countries, both institutions are closed for the summer holidays for two months. Some people believe that giving the holidays for a long period of time provides an opportunity for many students who live in hostels to pursue their studies; this he has get a chance to spend time with their families during this duration. Some poor students have a chance to earn money for their college expenses. In this essay, we will discuss both points and explain the importance of long-term holidays.

On the one hand, Holidays are not important only for students but also for all individuals. Every human being has the right to holidays for the relaxation of their bodies. Over a long period of time, students can adopt different types of activities and gain practical experience to solve problems in their daily lives. For example, they can improve their communication skills with people who have different ways of thinking and have diverse behaviors. I went to visit my relatives during the summer holidays enjoy a lot with my brothers to reduce stress because I live in a hostel where my daily routine is very hard, and I spend all my time studying different subjects.

On the other hand, a shortage of summer vacation is important for those whose exams are near and who have no preparation for exams. In this way, students preparing for the secondary exam can feel difficulties in their studies; this decision is important for them. For example, the principal of my school has very bad behavior about the shortage of summer vacation for secondary class students because he is only interested in money did not care about the students' careers.

In my opinion, giving a longer holiday helps them feel relaxed from their boring routine and the shortage of holidays for students of higher classes.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 5.0

You address both sides of the question and give a personal view, with relevant examples such as hostel students visiting family and students needing time to prepare for exams. However, the response only partially answers the task because the value of long holidays is not consistently explained, and the case for shorter holidays is especially unclear. The point that students with exams approaching may struggle if holidays are shortened seems to argue against shorter breaks, rather than in their favour. The principal example focuses on his behaviour and money, without explaining educational benefits of a shorter holiday. Make your position explicit and develop balanced reasons for each option, such as rest and family time versus maintaining learning routines and reducing learning loss.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 5.5

The response has a recognisable structure, with an introduction, two body paragraphs signposted by “On the one hand” and “On the other hand,” and a concluding opinion. These markers help readers identify the intended contrast. However, progression within paragraphs is uneven: the opening lists several possible benefits, while the second body paragraph shifts from exam preparation to criticism of the principal without a clear link. The conclusion is also difficult to follow because it combines longer holidays with “the shortage of holidays” without clearly stating how the two arguments relate. Use topic sentences that directly answer each question, then connect each example to its main point with clear referencing and transitions.

Lexical Resource: Band 5.0

You use some relevant topic vocabulary, including “summer holidays,” “practical experience,” “communication skills,” and “secondary exam.” This gives you a basic range for discussing education and leisure. However, vocabulary is often repetitive or imprecise, and several collocations make ideas harder to understand, such as “giving the holidays for a long period of time,” “adopt different types of activities,” and “shortage of summer vacation.” Some expressions, including “bad behavior about the shortage,” do not clearly convey the intended meaning. Aim for more precise phrases and vary repeated terms such as “students” and “holidays.” Check that each word combination sounds natural and accurately expresses whether you mean shorter breaks, reduced holiday time, or a longer school year.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 5.0

You attempt both simple and complex sentences, including clauses beginning “because” and “who,” and the overall meaning is usually recoverable. However, complex structures are often faulty, and frequent errors sometimes make the reader pause. For example, “this he has get a chance” has an unclear subject and incorrect verb form; “I went to visit my relatives during the summer holidays enjoy a lot” lacks a clear grammatical connection between the actions; and “the principal … because he is only interested in money did not care” has an incomplete or confusing clause structure. There are also problems with articles, agreement, and punctuation. Practise building accurate sentences around one main clause, then add subordinate clauses, and check verb forms and sentence boundaries.

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.