Band 6.5 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 6.5 · IELTS Summit Mastery · 2026-08-05

IELTS Writing Task 2 question

A huge number of students choose to study English independently on a self- study basis rather than attend a formal course. However, without the assistance of a teacher, students often find it difficult to manage their studies.

To what extent do you agree or disagree ?

Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your knowledge experience.

Student answer (Band 6.5)

In recent years, an increasing number of students have chosen to learn English independently rather than enrolling in formal language courses. Although self-study offers greater flexibility and lower costs, I strongly agree that learning without the guidance of a teacher can make it difficult for many students to achieve their goals effectively.

One of the main reasons is that teachers provide structure and direction. Learning a language involves developing several skills, including reading, writing, listening and speaking. Without a clear study plan, learners may focus too much on certain areas while neglecting others. In contrast, experienced teachers follow a well-designed curriculum that ensures students improve in a balanced and systematic way.

Another important advantage of having a teacher is receiving regular feedback. Self-learners often struggle to identify their own grammatical mistakes or pronunciation errors, which may become long-term habits if left uncorrected. Teachers can immediately point out these mistakes and explain how to avoid them in the future. Furthermore, they encourage students to practise speaking through discussions and classroom activities, which are difficult to replicate when studying alone.

Nevertheless, self-study also has its benefits. Online resources, language-learning apps and educational videos allow students to learn at their own pace and according to their own schedules. Highly motivated learners with strong self-discipline may achieve excellent results without attending classes. However, such students are relatively rare, and many others lose motivation or become confused without professional guidance.

In conclusion, while self-study is a convenient and affordable way to improve English, I believe that the support of a qualified teacher is essential for most learners. Teachers provide expert feedback, maintain students’ motivation and ensure steady progress, making formal instruction a more effective approach overall.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 6.5

The response fully addresses all parts of the prompt. You clearly state your position in the introduction and maintain it throughout the essay. Each paragraph is well-developed with relevant arguments, such as the need for structured curricula and the importance of professional feedback. The counter-argument regarding self-study is acknowledged and balanced appropriately, showing a sophisticated understanding of the topic. The ideas are extended well, providing a logical flow that supports your overall stance. To reach a higher band, you could include a more specific personal example or a broader real-world scenario to further illustrate the limitations of self-study.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.5

The essay is logically organized with a clear progression of ideas. Each paragraph has a central theme, and the transition between the benefits of teachers and the counter-argument is smooth. You use a variety of cohesive devices effectively, such as 'In contrast,' 'Furthermore,' and 'Nevertheless,' which help guide the reader through your argument. Paragraphing is used appropriately to separate distinct points. The referencing is clear, and the overall structure is coherent, making the essay easy to follow from start to finish.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.0

You demonstrate a good range of vocabulary that is appropriate for an academic context. Phrases like 'well-designed curriculum,' 'systematic way,' and 'professional guidance' show precision. There is a good attempt to use less common items, and your word choice is generally accurate. While the vocabulary is sufficient and precise, it could be slightly more ambitious to reach the highest band. For instance, incorporating more idiomatic collocations or nuanced academic terminology would elevate the lexical quality further.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 6.5

The essay displays a high level of grammatical control. You use a mix of simple and complex sentence structures effectively, such as the conditional 'if left uncorrected' and the participial phrase 'making formal instruction a more effective approach.' The majority of your sentences are error-free, and your punctuation is accurate. There are no significant grammatical slips that impede communication. To move toward a band 8 or 9, ensure that you continue to vary your sentence structures even more consistently throughout the text.

See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.

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