Band 6.5 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 6.5 · IELTS Momentum Workout · 2026-08-05

IELTS Writing Task 2 question

In many parts of the world girls and boys are educated together in co-educational or mixed schools. Some people think that girls and boys benefit from being educated separately in single-sex schools. To what extent do you agree with this view?

Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge and experience. Write at least 250 words.

Student answer (Band 6.5)

The debate over the most effective educational environment for boys and girls has persisted for decades, with proponents of single-sex schooling arguing that separating students by gender enhances academic performance and personal development, while advocates of co-education emphasize the benefits of social integration and equality. While I acknowledge that single-sex schools may offer certain advantages, I largely disagree with the view that boys and girls should be educated separately, as I believe that mixed-sex education better prepares students for the realities of a diverse society and fosters crucial interpersonal skills.

One of the primary arguments in favor of single-sex education is that it allows for teaching methods tailored to the cognitive and developmental differences between genders. For instance, some research suggests that boys and girls may have different learning styles, with boys often benefiting from more kinesthetic activities, while girls may respond better to collaborative and discussion-based approaches. Consequently, single-sex schools can potentially create an environment free from social distractions, allowing students to focus solely on academics. However, these differences are not universal and are often overstated. Moreover, modern co-educational classrooms employ diverse teaching strategies that cater to a variety of learning preferences, making such segregation unnecessary. In fact, mixed schools promote a more holistic learning experience where students learn to adapt to different perspectives, a skill that is invaluable in higher education and the workplace.

Another key benefit of co-education is the development of social skills and gender equality. In mixed schools, boys and girls interact daily, which helps break down stereotypes and fosters mutual respect. For example, collaborative projects in mixed classrooms require students to work with peers of the opposite gender, teaching them to communicate effectively and to appreciate diverse viewpoints. This prepares them for real-world scenarios, where men and women work together in teams. In contrast, single-sex schools may inadvertently reinforce gender stereotypes and limit students' exposure to the opposite sex, leading to potential difficulties in forming healthy relationships later in life. Critics might argue that co-educational environments can be distracting, especially during adolescence, due to romantic relationships. However, schools can implement policies to manage distractions, and learning to navigate such situations is part of growing up. Thus, the benefits of social integration far outweigh the purported academic advantages of single-sex schooling.

In conclusion, while single-sex schooling may offer certain advantages, such as reduced distractions and tailored teaching, I believe that the benefits of co-education are more significant and align better with the needs of modern society. Mixed schools foster crucial social skills, promote gender equality, and prepare students for the collaborative nature of the globalized world. Therefore, I disagree with the view that boys and girls should be educated separately, as this approach does not adequately prepare them for the diverse and integrated world they will inhabit.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 6.5

The response fully addresses all parts of the task. You have established a clear position from the introduction and maintained it consistently throughout the essay. Each paragraph is well-developed with relevant arguments, such as the discussion on teaching methods and the importance of social integration. You have effectively balanced the opposing view by acknowledging the potential benefits of single-sex schooling before refuting them with stronger counter-arguments. The ideas are extended and supported with logical reasoning, demonstrating a high level of task response that aligns with the requirements for a Band 8.0.

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 paragraphs is smooth, using cohesive devices such as 'Consequently,' 'Moreover,' and 'In contrast' effectively. The use of referencing is precise, and the paragraphing is used sufficiently and appropriately to structure the argument. The flow of information is natural, and the relationship between ideas is always clear, which is characteristic of a high-level response in this criterion.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.5

You demonstrate a wide and flexible range of vocabulary. You use sophisticated and precise terms such as 'proponents,' 'holistic,' 'inadvertently,' and 'purported' with natural control. The collocations are generally accurate, and the vocabulary is well-suited to the academic tone of the essay. There are no significant errors in word choice, and the language used is precise enough to convey complex ideas clearly. This level of lexical control is consistent with the Band 8 descriptor.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 6.5

The essay displays a wide range of complex structures, including conditional sentences and varied subordinate clauses. The majority of your sentences are error-free, and the punctuation is used correctly to enhance clarity. You demonstrate excellent control over grammatical forms, and there are no persistent errors that impede communication. The complexity of the sentence structures is maintained throughout the text, reflecting a high level of grammatical accuracy and flexibility.

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.