Band 6.5 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 6.5 · IELTS Summit Mastery · 2026-08-13

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)

A huge number of students select to study independently on a self-study basis rather than attend a formal course. However, without teaching assistance, students often find it difficult to manage their studies. This essay will discuss why I agree about that.

Firstly, one major major reason is that self-study requires a high level of discipline and time-management skills. Students who study alone have to decide what to learn, how much time to spend on each skill, and how to evaluate their progress. Without a clear study plan, they may focus excessively on areas they enjoy while neglecting important skills. For example, a student preparing for IELTS might spend several hours learning vocabulary but avoid practicing speaking and writing because these skills are more challenging. As a result, their overall performance may remain limited.

Another important issue is the lack of immediate feedback. A teacher can identify grammatical mistakes, incorrect pronunciation and weaknesses in writing that students may not notice themselves. This is particularly important when learning a language because repeated mistakes can become habits. For instance, an English learner may regularly use incorrect verb tenses while speaking, but without a teacher, they may assume that their sentences are accurate and continue making the same errors.

However, self-study also has significant advantages. Modern learners have access to online courses, educational videos, language applications and practice tests, which can make independent learning effective. Highly motivated students can therefore achieve considerable progress without attending a traditional class.

In conclusion, I agree to a large extent that studying English without a teacher can be difficult because students may lack discipline, direction and useful feedback. Nevertheless, self-study can be successful when learners are motivated and have access to reliable learning resources.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 6.5

The response addresses all parts of the task and maintains a clear position throughout. You have provided relevant arguments regarding the challenges of self-study, such as the need for discipline and the lack of feedback, while also acknowledging the counter-argument regarding modern resources. The ideas are well-developed and supported with clear examples, such as the IELTS preparation scenario. To reach a higher band, you could further extend the discussion on how these challenges specifically impact the 'management' of studies mentioned in the prompt, perhaps by contrasting the structured environment of a formal course more explicitly with the autonomy of self-study.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 7.0

The essay is logically organized with a clear progression of ideas. Each paragraph has a central topic, and you use cohesive devices effectively, such as 'Firstly', 'Another important issue', and 'In conclusion'. The transition between the challenges of self-study and the counter-argument regarding modern resources is smooth. Paragraphing is used appropriately to separate distinct points. To improve, ensure that the referencing within sentences is always precise; for example, in the introduction, 'I agree about that' is slightly awkward and could be improved by stating 'I agree with this assertion'.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.0

You demonstrate a sufficient range of vocabulary to discuss the topic with some precision. Phrases like 'excessively on areas', 'identify grammatical mistakes', and 'significant advantages' are used correctly. There is an attempt to use less common vocabulary, though some word choices could be more sophisticated. For instance, 'select to study' is slightly unnatural; 'choose to study' or 'opt for independent study' would be better. You also have a minor repetition of 'major' in the second paragraph. Overall, the vocabulary is adequate and allows for clear communication of your ideas.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 7.0

The essay uses a mix of simple and complex sentence structures effectively. Most sentences are error-free, and your control of grammar is generally strong. There are very few grammatical errors, such as the minor phrasing issue in the introduction. You use complex structures, such as conditional-like clauses ('Without a clear study plan, they may focus...') and relative clauses ('...which can make independent learning effective'), with good accuracy. Punctuation is generally correct, contributing to the readability of the text. The occasional minor slip does not impede communication.

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

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