Band 6.5 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 6.5 · IELTS Momentum Workout · 2026-09-16

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)

There is an ongoing debate about whether boys and girls should be educated separately or together. Although single-sex schools may provide some advantages, I largely believe that co-educational schools are more beneficial because they prepare students for real-life social and professional environments.

One argument in favour of single-sex education is that students may experience fewer distractions in the classroom. During adolescence, some students can become more concerned about impressing members of the opposite sex, which may affect their concentration. In addition, teachers in single-sex schools may be able to use teaching methods that are particularly suitable for the needs of boys or girls. For example, some people argue that girls may feel more confident participating in traditionally male-dominated subjects such as mathematics, science and technology when boys are not present.

However, I believe that the advantages of co-education are more significant. Firstly, studying with members of the opposite sex helps young people develop communication and interpersonal skills. In adult life, people are expected to work and communicate with both men and women, so schools can provide a useful environment in which students learn to cooperate with different types of people. Secondly, co-educational schools can promote mutual understanding and reduce stereotypes. When boys and girls regularly work together, they are more likely to appreciate each other's abilities and viewpoints rather than forming assumptions based on gender.

From my own experience, group projects involving both boys and girls can be particularly useful. Students often have different strengths, personalities and approaches to solving problems, and working together can encourage them to learn from one another. This experience can also improve teamwork, which is an important skill in higher education and employment.

In conclusion, while single-sex schools can offer a focused learning environment and may benefit some students in particular circumstances, I believe that co-educational schools provide broader social and educational benefits. The opportunity to learn, communicate and cooperate with both genders better reflects the demands of life beyond school.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 6.5

The student has successfully addressed all parts of the task by discussing both the potential advantages of single-sex education and the counter-arguments for co-educational schooling, before clearly stating and maintaining their own position throughout the essay. The response presents well-developed ideas, such as how co-educational schools prepare students for real-life social and professional environments and reduce gender stereotypes. Supporting points are elaborated with relevant examples and logical reasoning, meeting all the requirements for a Band 7.0 performance under Task Achievement. The position is clear from the introduction to the conclusion, and the arguments flow naturally from the prompt's requirements without straying off-topic.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.5

The essay demonstrates clear logical organisation and progression throughout. Each paragraph has a distinct central topic, moving smoothly from the introduction to the opposing view, the supporting view, a personal example, and a well-synthesised conclusion. Cohesive devices such as 'Although', 'One argument in favour', 'However', 'Firstly', 'Secondly', and 'In conclusion' are used effectively to guide the reader through the argument without feeling mechanical. Paragraphing is handled logically and appropriately, ensuring the response is exceptionally easy to follow. This level of organisation and clear logical progression satisfies the requirements for a solid Band 7.0 in Coherence and Cohesion.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.5

The student displays a sufficient range of vocabulary to allow for flexibility and precision, successfully using less common lexical items such as 'adolescence', 'traditionally male-dominated', 'interpersonal skills', and 'mutual understanding'. Word choice is generally appropriate and collocation is natural, as seen in phrases like 'ongoing debate', 'focused learning environment', and 'demands of life beyond school'. While the vocabulary does not quite reach the sophisticated flexibility required for a Band 8.0, it goes well beyond the Band 6.0 descriptor by showing good awareness of style and collocation with only occasional minor stylistic awkwardness. Therefore, a Band 7.0 is entirely appropriate for Lexical Resource.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 6.5

The writing features a wide variety of complex structures used accurately and flexibly. The student successfully incorporates subordinate clauses, conditional elements, and participial phrases, such as in the sentences beginning with 'During adolescence...' and 'When boys and girls regularly work together...'. There is a high proportion of error-free sentences, and the grammar and punctuation are controlled very well throughout the text. While minor slips can occur, they do not impede communication in any way. The grammatical control and structural variety comfortably place this essay at a Band 7.0 level.

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