Band 7.5 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 7.5 · IELTS Momentum Workout · 2026-08-27
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 7.5)
In many countries, boys and girls are educated together in co-educational schools, while some people argue that students benefit more from attending single-sex institutions. Although separating students can provide certain academic advantages, I largely disagree with this view because mixed schools better prepare young people for adult life and can promote healthy social development.
One argument in favour of single-sex education is that it may create a more focused learning environment. In a classroom consisting of only one gender, students may feel less self-conscious and be less concerned about impressing their peers, allowing them to concentrate more fully on their studies. This can be particularly beneficial during adolescence, when social pressures can significantly affect students' behaviour. For example, some teenagers may be more willing to participate in class discussions or pursue traditionally gender-stereotyped subjects when they do not feel that they are being judged by the opposite sex.
However, I believe that the advantages of co-education are considerably greater. First, studying alongside members of the opposite sex enables children to develop communication and interpersonal skills in a natural environment. Since most workplaces and social settings are mixed, students who regularly interact with both genders are likely to become more comfortable collaborating with different people. For instance, group projects in a co-educational school can teach students to communicate respectfully, resolve disagreements and appreciate different perspectives, skills that are valuable well beyond the classroom.
Furthermore, mixed schools can help challenge outdated gender stereotypes. When boys and girls work together and compete on an equal footing, they are more likely to judge one another according to individual abilities rather than assumptions about gender. A girl who excels in mathematics, for example, can demonstrate that technical subjects are not inherently male-oriented, while boys can similarly become more comfortable with subjects traditionally associated with girls.
In conclusion, although single-sex schools may offer a more focused academic environment for some students, I believe co-educational institutions provide greater overall benefits. They not only support academic development but also equip young people with the social skills and attitudes needed to function effectively in a diverse society.
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 7.5 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 7.5 |
| Lexical Resource | 7.5 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 7.5 |
| Overall | 7.5 |
Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 7.5
The response fully addresses all parts of the prompt. You have clearly stated your position in the introduction and maintained it consistently throughout the essay. Each paragraph is well-developed with relevant arguments and supporting examples, such as the mention of 'group projects' and 'challenging gender stereotypes'. The ideas are extended logically, providing a balanced view by acknowledging the potential benefits of single-sex education before refuting them with stronger arguments for co-education. The response is well-structured and directly answers the 'to what extent' component of the task.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 7.5
The essay demonstrates a clear logical progression of ideas. Each paragraph has a central topic sentence, and the transition between the counter-argument and your own position is smooth, using appropriate linking phrases like 'However, I believe' and 'Furthermore'. Cohesive devices are used effectively and naturally, such as 'In conclusion', 'For instance', and 'Since most workplaces'. Paragraphing is logical and contributes to the overall flow of the argument. The structure is coherent, and the reader can easily follow your line of reasoning from start to finish.
Lexical Resource — Band 7.5
You have used a wide range of vocabulary with precision and natural control. Phrases such as 'outdated gender stereotypes', 'inherently male-oriented', and 'interpersonal skills' demonstrate a sophisticated command of language. There is a good awareness of collocation and style, which makes the writing sound professional and academic. You avoid repetition and use varied terminology to express your ideas clearly. There are no noticeable errors in word choice or spelling that would impede communication or detract from the overall quality of the essay.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 7.5
The essay displays a wide range of grammatical structures, including complex sentences with subordinate clauses (e.g., 'Although separating students can provide...', 'When boys and girls work together...'). The majority of sentences are error-free, and your control over punctuation and verb tenses is excellent. You use a variety of sentence forms effectively to maintain interest and clarity. There are no significant grammatical errors, and the few minor slips that might occur are not present here, indicating a high level of accuracy and flexibility in your writing.
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