Band 7.0 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 7.0 · Cambridge IELTS 21 · 2026-08-04

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 7.0)

Formal education provides children with essential academic knowledge; however, I believe that many primary schools place excessive emphasis on structured learning at the expense of creativity and personal development. Furthermore, I consider play to be an indispensable element of primary education because it promotes both cognitive and social growth.

On the one hand, formal instruction is undoubtedly necessary, as it equips children with fundamental literacy, numeracy, and problem-solving skills that form the basis of future learning. A well-structured curriculum also helps students develop discipline, concentration, and effective study habits. Nevertheless, when schools devote most classroom time to examinations, homework, and memorisation, children may experience unnecessary stress and lose their natural curiosity. At such a young age, learning should inspire enthusiasm rather than pressure.

Equally important is the role of play in the classroom. Educational games, group activities, and creative tasks encourage children to think independently, communicate effectively, and cooperate with others. Such activities also improve imagination, confidence, and emotional well-being, all of which contribute to academic success. For example, pupils who participate in role-playing or team-based projects often develop stronger communication and leadership skills than those who rely solely on textbooks. Moreover, play keeps children motivated and enables them to absorb knowledge in an enjoyable and meaningful way.

In conclusion, although formal learning is essential for building strong academic foundations, I agree that excessive focus on it can be counterproductive. Primary schools should therefore strike a healthy balance between structured education and play, enabling children to achieve academic success while developing the creativity, confidence, and social skills required for later life.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 7.0

The response fully addresses all parts of the prompt. You clearly state your position in the introduction, agreeing that primary schools focus too much on formal learning, and you provide a well-reasoned argument for the importance of play. Each paragraph is well-developed with relevant examples, such as the mention of 'role-playing or team-based projects' to illustrate the benefits of play. The ideas are extended logically, and the conclusion effectively synthesises your main points. The response is balanced, addressing both the necessity of formal education and the need for a shift in focus, which demonstrates a high level of task engagement.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 7.0

The essay is logically organised with a clear progression of ideas. Each paragraph has a central theme, and the transition between the necessity of formal learning and the benefits of play is smooth. You use a variety of cohesive devices effectively, such as 'On the one hand', 'Nevertheless', 'Equally important', and 'In conclusion', which guide the reader through your argument without being mechanical. Paragraphing is used appropriately to separate the different stages of your argument, and referencing is clear throughout the text.

Lexical Resource — Band 7.0

You demonstrate a wide and flexible range of vocabulary, which is used with precision. Phrases such as 'indispensable element', 'counterproductive', 'academic foundations', and 'absorb knowledge' show a sophisticated command of language. The word choices are natural and appropriate for an academic context. There are no noticeable errors in spelling or word formation, and the vocabulary is varied enough to avoid repetition while maintaining a clear and professional tone throughout the essay.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 7.0

The essay displays a wide range of grammatical structures with high accuracy. You successfully use complex sentences, such as 'Although formal learning is essential for building strong academic foundations, I agree that excessive focus on it can be counterproductive.' The majority of your sentences are error-free, and your control over punctuation and verb tenses is excellent. There are no significant grammatical slips that impede communication, and the variety of sentence forms contributes to the overall fluency and readability of your writing.

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