Band 6.5 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 6.5 · IELTS Summit Mastery · 2026-09-18

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 the contemporary era, English has become an essential skill for students. A huge number of learners prefer to study English independently rather than attend a formal course, although managing studies without a teacher can be challenging. I largely agree that students need the assistance of a teacher to make consistent progress.

There are several reasons why teacher guidance is beneficial for English learners. Firstly, teachers can identify mistakes and provide immediate feedback. When students study alone, they may fail to recognise grammatical, pronunciation or vocabulary errors and consequently repeat them. For example, a student preparing for IELTS may practise speaking independently but remain unaware of mistakes in fluency and sentence structure. Secondly, teachers can provide a structured learning plan. This enables students to concentrate on their weaknesses and gradually improve different language skills instead of studying randomly.

Another important point is that formal courses can not only improve students' discipline but also increase their motivation. Firstly, regular classes encourage learners to follow a fixed timetable. As students have assignments and deadlines, they are less likely to procrastinate or become distracted. For instance, attending weekly English classes can encourage a learner to practise reading and writing regularly. Secondly, interaction with teachers and classmates can foster confidence. Students can participate in discussions, ask questions and receive guidance, which makes learning more engaging and helps them overcome difficulties.

In conclusion, although self-study is flexible and convenient, I believe that teacher assistance is imperative because it provides proper feedback, structure and motivation for effective English learning.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 6.5

The response successfully addresses all parts of the task. The introduction clearly establishes the writer's position, stating, 'I largely agree that students need the assistance of a teacher to make consistent progress.' This stance is maintained throughout the essay. The body paragraphs are well-developed and present relevant reasons supported by examples, such as 'a student preparing for IELTS may practise speaking independently but remain unaware of mistakes'. Ideas are extended with appropriate explanations regarding teacher feedback, structured learning plans, discipline, motivation, and confidence. The arguments are directly relevant to the prompt and fully cover both the independent study aspect and the difficulties of managing studies without a teacher, leading to a well-supported conclusion.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.5

The essay demonstrates a clear logical organisation and progression throughout. Each paragraph has a distinct central topic, moving smoothly from the introduction to specific arguments about feedback and structure, followed by discipline and motivation, and ending with a concise conclusion. Cohesive devices are used effectively and flexibly, including transition signals such as 'Firstly', 'Secondly', 'Another important point is', and 'In conclusion'. Paragraphing is used sufficiently and appropriately, ensuring the text is easy to follow. Referencing is clear, and the overall arrangement maintains logical continuity from start to finish.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.5

The student uses a sufficient range of vocabulary with good flexibility and precision, demonstrating an ability to use less common items with some awareness of style and collocation. Examples of appropriate academic phrasing include 'contemporary era', 'independent study basis', 'consistent progress', 'procrastinate', and 'imperative'. Word choice is generally accurate, with natural collocations like 'structured learning plan' and 'fixed timetable'. While there are no sophisticated, rare idioms or native-like nuances that would push the score into the higher bands, the lexical resource is fully adequate for achieving a clear and precise expression of ideas without any errors in spelling or word choice.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 6.5

The response displays a good variety of complex sentence structures, including conditional or concessive clauses such as 'When students study alone, they may fail to recognise... and consequently repeat them' and 'although self-study is flexible and convenient, I believe that...'. The majority of sentences are error-free, showing good control of grammar and punctuation. Verb tenses, modal verbs, and subordinating conjunctions are handled accurately. While occasional minor slips might occur or a wider range of even more sophisticated syntactic structures could elevate the score further, the current level demonstrates strong control and does not impede communication.

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