Band 6.5 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 6.5 · 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 6.5)

Some people believe that primary schools place too much emphasis on formal education rather than allowing children to learn through play. I strongly agree with this view because excessive academic pressure can limit children's overall development. In my opinion, play is not only enjoyable but also an essential part of effective learning during the early years of education.

To begin with, many primary schools concentrate heavily on academic subjects and examination performance. Although literacy and numeracy are fundamental, expecting young children to spend most of their day reading textbooks, completing worksheets and preparing for tests can reduce their curiosity and motivation. At this age, children naturally learn by exploring their surroundings and asking questions. If education becomes too structured, they may memorise information for examinations without developing creativity or independent thinking, which are equally important for their future education.

Equally important is the role of play in a child's intellectual, physical and social development. Activities such as role-playing, outdoor games and group projects teach children valuable skills that cannot easily be acquired through formal lessons alone. For instance, while playing football, children learn teamwork, communication and decision-making. Similarly, building blocks or solving puzzles encourages logical thinking and problem-solving abilities. Furthermore, regular play improves physical health, reduces stress and helps children return to the classroom with better concentration. As a result, play should be viewed as an effective learning method rather than a distraction from education.

From my own experience, the lessons I learned through sports competitions and classroom activities have been just as valuable as those learned from textbooks. They improved my confidence, discipline and ability to work with others, all of which continue to benefit me today.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 6.5

The response fully addresses both parts of the prompt. You clearly state your position in the introduction and maintain it throughout the essay. The arguments regarding the limitations of formal learning and the benefits of play are well-developed and supported with relevant examples, such as the mention of football for teamwork and building blocks for logical thinking. The inclusion of personal experience adds depth to the argument. The ideas are extended logically, and the response is balanced, covering both the 'to what extent' and the 'how important' aspects of the task effectively.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.5

The essay is logically organized with a clear progression of ideas. Each paragraph has a central theme, and the transition between the critique of formal schooling and the benefits of play is smooth. You use a variety of cohesive devices effectively, such as 'To begin with', 'Equally important', 'For instance', and 'As a result'. Paragraphing is used appropriately to separate the introduction, body paragraphs, and conclusion. The flow of information is natural, and the relationship between ideas is always clear, meeting the requirements for a high band score.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.0

You demonstrate a good range of vocabulary that is appropriate for an academic context. Phrases like 'excessive academic pressure', 'fundamental', 'structured', and 'intellectual, physical and social development' show a strong command of language. The vocabulary is precise and used accurately to convey your meaning. While the range is sufficient and effective, incorporating a few more sophisticated or idiomatic collocations could elevate the response further. Overall, the lexical control is consistent and supports the clarity of your arguments well.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 6.5

The essay displays a high level of grammatical accuracy. You use a variety of complex sentence structures, such as conditional clauses ('If education becomes too structured, they may...') and participial phrases ('...teaching children valuable skills that cannot easily be acquired...'). The majority of your sentences are error-free, and punctuation is handled correctly throughout. There is a good balance between simple and complex forms, and the control over tense and agreement is consistent. The writing is fluent and easy to follow, reflecting a strong grasp of English grammar.

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