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)

Primary education plays a vital role in shaping a child's future. While academic learning is essential, some people believe that primary schools place too much emphasis on formal education and neglect the importance of play. I largely agree with this opinion because young children learn most effectively when education is combined with enjoyable activities.

On the one hand, formal learning provides children with fundamental knowledge and skills. Subjects such as mathematics, science, and languages help students develop logical thinking, communication skills, and problem-solving abilities. A well-structured curriculum also prepares children for higher levels of education. Therefore, schools should ensure that pupils build a strong academic foundation during their early years.

However, focusing exclusively on academic achievement may place unnecessary pressure on young learners. Children have shorter attention spans than adults and often learn more effectively through creative and interactive activities. Educational games, group projects, and role-playing not only make lessons more enjoyable but also encourage teamwork, creativity, and self-confidence. For example, children who participate in classroom games often improve their communication and social skills while remaining actively engaged in learning.

In my opinion, play is just as important as formal education in primary schools. Through play, children develop emotional intelligence, imagination, and the ability to solve problems independently. Outdoor activities and classroom games also improve physical health and reduce stress, allowing children to return to academic tasks with greater concentration. Consequently, a balanced approach that combines structured lessons with play-based learning is likely to produce better educational outcomes.

In conclusion, although formal learning is necessary for academic development, primary schools should not overlook the value of play. A healthy balance between learning and enjoyable activities helps children develop intellectually, socially, and emotionally, preparing them for future success.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 6.5

The response fully addresses all parts of the prompt. You clearly state your position in the introduction and maintain it throughout the essay. Both aspects of the prompt—the extent of agreement regarding formal learning and the importance of play—are well-developed. You provide logical reasons and relevant examples, such as mentioning 'group projects' and 'role-playing' to illustrate how play fosters social skills. The ideas are extended sufficiently to provide a comprehensive argument, meeting the requirements for a high band score.

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 benefits of formal learning and the necessity of play is smooth. You use a variety of cohesive devices effectively, such as 'On the one hand', 'However', and 'Consequently', which help guide the reader through your argument. Paragraphing is used appropriately to separate distinct points, and referencing is clear throughout the text.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.0

You demonstrate a good range of vocabulary that is appropriate for an academic context. Phrases such as 'fundamental knowledge', 'well-structured curriculum', and 'emotional intelligence' show a level of precision. While the vocabulary is accurate and natural, it could be further elevated to reach the highest band by incorporating more sophisticated collocations or less common academic idioms. Nevertheless, the range is sufficient to convey your ideas clearly and precisely without any errors in word choice.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 6.5

The essay displays a wide range of grammatical structures, including complex sentences and conditional-like logic (e.g., 'Children... often learn more effectively through...'). The majority of your sentences are error-free, and your control over punctuation and syntax is strong. There are no significant grammatical slips that impede communication. To reach a higher band, you could experiment with a greater variety of complex sentence patterns, such as inverted structures or more advanced passive constructions, though your current control is already very high.

See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.

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