Band 6.0 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 6.0 · Cambridge IELTS 21 · 2026-08-03

IELTS Writing Task 2 question

Some people argue that primary schools focus too much on formal learning.

To what extent do you agree with this opinion?

How important do you think it is for children to play as well as learn in the primary school classroom?

Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience.

Student answer (Band 6.0)

It is widely argued that primary schools pay attention on the basic learning of the students. While, some people say that their main purpose to go to schools is to learn, I believe that playing is equally essential for them.

On one hand, we cannot deny the perks of learning in primary schools because that is the time when students grow, understand the things, build their analytical and critical thinking and learns class participation. Moreover, finishing the classwork or homework creates a sense of responsibility in them. Moreover, a strong base of concepts in literature, general knowledge, science, and mathematics will assist them in their college and university life. For example, I have seen many students struggling in their higher education due to poor conceptual knowledge of basic subjects particularly mathematics.

On the other hand, too much pressure of studies will affect their mental health and they will start taking studies as a burden. There should b some very interesting activities related to their studies in direct or indirect ways which can boost their brain, logical thinking and analysis. They will be keen to learn new things through various games rather than just following the coursework books. Most of the kids don't want to go to school when they wake up in the morning due to their routine. Thinking about such activities will excite them and they will be more happier to go. In addition to this, along-with learning how to make new friends their communication skills will also improve and they will practice teamwork, discipline, unity and time management. Hence, in my opinion, healthy sports and activities are equally important as other subjects.

In conclusion, instead of just focusing one way, i.e. formal learning, practical implementation of the subjects in the form of a variety of activities and co-curricular games will create a balance and productivity among children.

AI examiner evaluation

CriterionBand
Task Achievement / Task Response6.0
Coherence and Cohesion6.0
Lexical Resource6.0
Grammatical Range and Accuracy5.5
Overall6.0

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 6.0

The response addresses both parts of the prompt: the extent of agreement regarding formal learning and the importance of play. The position is clear throughout, and the ideas are relevant. However, the development of ideas is somewhat uneven. While the benefits of formal learning are mentioned, the explanation of how play specifically enhances cognitive development could be more detailed. The argument is well-structured, but some points, such as 'build their analytical and critical thinking', are stated rather than fully explored with specific examples. Overall, the response covers all requirements of the task effectively.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.0

The essay is logically organized with a clear introduction, body paragraphs, and a conclusion. Paragraphing is used appropriately to separate the two sides of the argument. Cohesive devices such as 'On one hand', 'On the other hand', 'Moreover', and 'In addition to this' are used to guide the reader. However, there is some minor mechanical use of these devices, and the flow between sentences could be smoother in places. For instance, the transition between the benefits of formal learning and the drawbacks of pressure could be more sophisticated. Overall, the progression of ideas is clear and easy to follow.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.0

The vocabulary used is generally adequate for the task. You demonstrate an ability to use topic-specific language such as 'analytical and critical thinking', 'conceptual knowledge', and 'co-curricular games'. However, there are some instances of slightly unnatural phrasing, such as 'pay attention on' (should be 'pay attention to') and 'more happier' (a grammatical error that also affects lexical precision). While you attempt to use a range of vocabulary, it does not consistently reach the level of 'less common items' required for higher bands. Expanding your range of collocations would improve this score.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.5

You use a mix of simple and complex sentence structures. There are several grammatical errors throughout the text, such as 'their main purpose to go to schools is to learn' (missing 'for them'), 'there should b' (spelling error), and 'more happier' (double comparative). Additionally, 'along-with learning how to make new friends their communication skills will also improve' is a slightly awkward construction. While these errors do not impede communication, they occur with enough frequency to prevent a higher band score. Increasing the variety of complex structures while ensuring accuracy in subject-verb agreement and comparative forms is recommended.

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