Band 6.0 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 6.0 · Cambridge IELTS 20 · 2026-11-04

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)

It is argued that on summer holidays in many countries, elementary and middle schools close for more than two months, while others believe that it is valuable to have long holidays. I agree that children should be given time-off on holidays to celebrate it with family and to take a break from school to recharge, while other believe that it makes children isolated and depressed and can get into troubles. Supporters in favor of a short-period holiday argue that when some children take extended time-off, they become isolated in their rooms, spending hours on their electronic devices without having contact with anyone, where online scammers find them easy targets. Other children spend time outside their homes unsupervised, making them easy targets for robbery or accidents, as many people take advantage of young children who are not with an adult. For instance, criminals in Egypt approach children who are unsupervised and young as they can be lured easily. On the other hand, holidays are a mean of spending quality time with family and friends as it nourishes bonds within households. It gives parents with busy schedules an opportunity to catch up with their children. Children who have divorced parents can also get the chance to stay with the other parent if he doesn't live nearby. For instance, enjoying activities such as cooking, playing video games, chess and going out are ways children and parents come closer to laugh and unwind, which is why a long holiday is necessary. To conclude, while a long holiday without precautions and safety measures can be unsafe; however, it is a way for families to foster relationships and stay close-knit.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 6.5

You address both parts of the question and establish a position: long holidays allow family time and rest, while shorter breaks are supported on safety and social grounds. The examples about children being unsupervised and divorced parents living far away make the discussion relevant. This meets the core requirements, but the two sides are not developed equally clearly. The risks of isolation, online scams and accidents are listed, yet the link between these risks and shorter holidays could be explained more precisely; the claim that children may become “depressed” is also not developed. Your conclusion restates the balance but does not add much synthesis. To strengthen the response, explain the benefits and drawbacks in more depth and make the relationship between each reason and holiday length explicit.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 5.5

The response has an overall structure, moving from arguments for shorter holidays to the value of longer ones and then to a conclusion. “On the other hand” helps signal the change in viewpoint, and examples generally follow the claims they support. However, the opening sentence is difficult to follow because it combines the fact of long summer closures with a contrast that is not clearly established. The first body section also contains several ideas in one extended sequence, so the progression from isolation to online danger and then outdoor risks feels list-like. Some references, such as “it” in “celebrate it,” are unclear, and the conclusion’s “while …; however” construction disrupts the final link. Use clearer paragraphing and more precise transitions and referencing.

Lexical Resource: Band 6.5

You use an adequate range to discuss the topic, including phrases such as “quality time,” “unsupervised,” “foster relationships” and “close-knit.” These choices help convey the main ideas, and the examples are understandable. There are also attempts at more specific vocabulary, such as “online scammers” and “lured,” though some combinations are inaccurate or unnatural: “a mean of spending,” “take time-off on holidays,” and “get into troubles.” “Celebrate it” is also an imprecise choice for describing time with family. These issues do not prevent understanding, but they limit precision and naturalness. Aim to learn common collocations as complete phrases and choose vocabulary that expresses the intended idea directly.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 6.0

You use a mix of simple and complex forms, including clauses with “while,” “as” and “which is why,” and the main meaning remains clear. Some grammatical errors occur, particularly with agreement and sentence construction. For example, “other believe” should be “others believe,” and “It gives parents with busy schedules” needs a different structure, such as “It gives parents … an opportunity.” The opening sentence is also awkwardly constructed, while “while …; however” in the conclusion combines two contrasting linkers incorrectly. There are some accurate sentences, but greater control of these patterns would make the argument easier to follow. Check subject–verb agreement and avoid joining contrasting clauses with both “while” and “however.”

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