Band 6.5 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 6.5 · IELTS Momentum Workout · 2026-09-30

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 together or separately. Although single-sex schools can provide certain advantages, I believe that co-educational schools are generally more beneficial because they prepare students for real-life social and professional environments.

One major advantage of single-sex education is that students may experience fewer distractions in the classroom. Adolescents can sometimes become more interested in social relationships than their studies, and separating boys and girls may allow them to concentrate better on academic work. In addition, some teachers argue that students may participate more confidently when they are not concerned about impressing members of the opposite sex. For example, a shy student might be more willing to answer questions or participate in discussions in a single-sex classroom.

However, I believe that the benefits of co-education are more significant. Firstly, boys and girls need to learn how to communicate and cooperate with one another from an early age. In adult life, people regularly work with colleagues of both genders, so schools should provide opportunities to develop these social skills. Mixed classrooms can also encourage mutual understanding and reduce stereotypes about the abilities or interests of boys and girls.

Furthermore, competition and cooperation between boys and girls can create a healthy learning environment. Students can learn from different perspectives and develop greater respect for one another. For instance, group projects in a co-educational school can teach students to divide responsibilities, listen to different opinions and work towards a common goal. These skills are valuable not only in education but also in future workplaces.

In conclusion, while single-sex schools may help some students concentrate and feel more confident academically, I believe that co-educational schools offer broader social and educational benefits. They enable young people to develop communication, teamwork and mutual respect, which are essential skills for life beyond school.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 6.5

The student has written a well-developed response that addresses all parts of the prompt. A clear position is established in the introduction and maintained throughout the essay. The writer considers both sides of the argument, acknowledging the potential benefits of single-sex education in the second paragraph before presenting a stronger counter-argument in favour of co-educational schools in the third and fourth paragraphs. Ideas are extended and supported with relevant examples, such as the mention of group projects and workplace collaboration. The response easily meets the length requirement and provides a logical conclusion that summarises the writer's stance. This performance aligns well with the Band 7 descriptors.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 6.5

The essay displays clear logical organisation and a natural progression throughout. Each paragraph has a distinct central topic, moving smoothly from introduction to counter-argument, main arguments, and conclusion. Cohesive devices are used effectively and flexibly, as seen with transitional phrases like 'In addition,' 'Firstly,' and 'Furthermore.' Paragraphing is used appropriately to separate distinct points of discussion. Referencing is clear and unambiguous, ensuring the reader can easily follow the progression of ideas. While cohesion is well managed, it occasionally follows a standard academic template rather than achieving the effortless flow characteristic of a Band 8 or 9. Therefore, a solid Band 7 is awarded.

Lexical Resource: Band 6.5

The student demonstrates a sufficient range of vocabulary to allow for flexibility and precision. Words and phrases such as 'ongoing debate,' 'social relationships,' 'mutual understanding,' and 'common goal' are used appropriately. There are also successful attempts at less common lexical items like 'co-educational,' 'stereotypes,' and 'professional environments.' Word choice and collocation are generally natural, and spelling is entirely accurate throughout. Although the vocabulary is well-suited for a Band 7, it lacks the more sophisticated, idiomatic or highly nuanced uncommon lexical items that would justify a Band 8. Communication is smooth and unimpeded.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 6.5

The writer employs a good variety of complex structures alongside simple sentences, demonstrating good control of grammar and punctuation. Examples of complex structures include conditional and subordinate clauses such as 'Although single-sex schools can provide certain advantages, I believe that...' and 'In adult life, people regularly work with colleagues of both genders, so schools should provide...'. There is a high frequency of error-free sentences throughout the essay, and punctuation is handled competently. While the grammatical range is commendable and control is strong, occasional minor limitations in structural variety keep the score at a solid Band 7 rather than reaching the higher band threshold.

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