Band 6.0 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 6.0 · IELTS Complete Catalyst · 2026-08-22
IELTS Writing Task 2 question
The ease of international travel and the spread of various kinds of mass media all over the world have made it more possible than ever for people to know how other people live in other countries.
Do the advantages of this development outweigh the disadvantages?
You should use your own ideas, knowledge and experience and support your arguments with examples and relevant evidence. Write at least 250 words.
Student answer (Band 6.0)
In recent years, the appropriate age at which children should begin formal education has become a subject of considerable debate. While some people argue that starting school early provides academic and social benefits, others believe that children should have more time to develop before entering formal education. In my view, beginning school at a slightly later age is generally more beneficial.
On the one hand, early education can provide children with a strong academic foundation. Young learners can develop basic reading, writing and mathematical skills at an early stage, which may help them adapt more easily to later academic demands. In addition, school provides opportunities to interact with children of the same age, allowing them to develop communication and cooperation skills. For example, children who attend preschool programmes can learn how to share, follow instructions and work with others before entering primary school.
On the other hand, delaying formal education can support children's emotional and cognitive development. Very young children often learn more effectively through play rather than through structured academic lessons. Giving them additional time at home or in informal learning environments may therefore encourage creativity, independence and curiosity without placing unnecessary pressure on them. For instance, children who spend more time playing and interacting with family members can naturally develop language and social skills.
In conclusion, although starting school early can offer academic and social advantages, I believe that children should not be introduced to formal education too soon. A balanced approach that allows sufficient time for play and development before primary education is likely to produce better long-term outcomes.
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 1.0 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 7.5 |
| Lexical Resource | 7.0 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 7.5 |
| Overall | 6.0 |
Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 1.0
The response is completely off-topic. The prompt asks for a discussion on the advantages and disadvantages of international travel and mass media in fostering global awareness. However, the student has written an essay about the appropriate age for children to begin formal education. Because the response does not address the task prompt at all, it fails to meet the requirements of the task. While the essay itself is well-structured and coherent, it cannot be awarded marks for task achievement as it is entirely irrelevant to the set question.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 7.5
Despite being off-topic, the essay demonstrates a high level of coherence and cohesion. The response is logically organized with a clear introduction, two body paragraphs presenting opposing views, and a conclusion. Cohesive devices such as 'On the one hand', 'In addition', 'For example', and 'In conclusion' are used effectively to guide the reader through the argument. Paragraphing is used appropriately, with each paragraph focusing on a central theme. The progression of ideas is smooth and logical throughout the text.
Lexical Resource — Band 7.0
The vocabulary is varied and precise, demonstrating a good range of academic language. Phrases such as 'subject of considerable debate', 'academic foundation', 'informal learning environments', and 'long-term outcomes' are used accurately. The student shows an ability to use less common lexical items with awareness of style and collocation. There are no significant errors in word choice or spelling that impede communication, and the language used is sophisticated enough for an academic context.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 7.5
The student demonstrates a strong command of grammatical structures. There is a good mix of simple and complex sentence forms, such as the use of conditional and concessive clauses (e.g., 'While some people argue that...', 'although starting school early can offer...'). The majority of sentences are error-free, and punctuation is handled correctly. The control over grammar is consistent, and the few complex structures attempted are accurate, showing a high level of proficiency.
See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.
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