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)

In many countries, boys and girls study together in mixed schools. Some people believe that single-sex schools are better for them. I completely disagree with this view, because I think co-educational schools prepare students better for real life and provide equal opportunities.

The main reason to support mixed schools is that they prepare children for the real world. In society, men and women work together, so it is important to learn how to respect and communicate with each other from a young age. For example, in my own school in Pakistan which was co-educational, we learned to work in mixed groups for projects. This helped us to become more confident and to understand different points of view. In contrast, students from single-sex schools sometimes feel shy or uncomfortable when they start university or a job where both genders are present.

Another reason is that co-educational schools promote equality and better academic competition. When boys and girls study together, they compete fairly and motivate each other. Teachers also treat all students equally. In single-sex schools, there can be stereotypes - for example, that girls are not good at science or boys are not good at languages. Mixed schools break these stereotypes. Moreover, it is more efficient for the government to build one good school for everyone rather than two separate schools.

Some people argue that separate schools improve concentration because students are not distracted. However, distraction is a small issue that can be managed by good discipline. The long-term benefits of learning social skills are much more important.

In conclusion, although single-sex schools may have some advantages for concentration, I believe the benefits of mixed schools are far greater because they provide real-life experience and encourage equality.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 6.5

The student presents a clear and well-developed position throughout the response regarding co-educational versus single-sex schools. All parts of the task are addressed, providing relevant arguments supporting mixed schools such as real-life preparation, social skills, and equality. The ideas are extended well with relevant supporting examples, such as the writer's personal experience in a co-educational school in Pakistan. The counterargument regarding concentration is also briefly addressed and refuted. This performance fits the Band 7 criteria nicely, as the position is clear, and main ideas are extended and supported effectively.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.5

The text demonstrates a clear logical organisation and progression from the introduction through the body paragraphs to the conclusion. Paragraphing is used appropriately, with each body paragraph focusing on a distinct main idea. Cohesive devices are handled well to guide the reader through the arguments, using transition words and phrases like 'The main reason', 'In contrast', 'Another reason', and 'Moreover'. Referencing is clear throughout. Minor improvements could enhance the overall flow to reach an even higher band, but the current structure easily achieves a Band 7 score.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.0

The student uses an adequate and natural range of vocabulary suitable for an academic task. Words and phrases like 'co-educational', 'gender-present', 'promote equality', and 'stereotypes' show sufficient range for flexibility and precision. There are occasional attempts at less common vocabulary, and word choices are generally accurate and appropriate. While it does not consistently reach the level of sophisticated or uncommon lexical items found in Band 8, the vocabulary used effectively conveys meaning without impeding communication, representing a solid Band 6.5 or 7.0.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 6.5

The student demonstrates a good mix of simple and complex sentence forms. Examples of complex structures include conditional and subordinate clauses, such as 'In society, men and women work together, so it is important to learn how to respect and communicate...' and 'although single-sex schools may have some advantages...'. Grammar and punctuation are handled with good control. There are only very minor errors or occasional awkward phrasings, but the majority of sentences are error-free and communication is never impeded. This fits comfortably into the Band 7 descriptor.

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