Band 6.0 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 6.0 · Cambridge IELTS 21 · 2026-08-05

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)

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?

Nowadays, some people believe that primary schools place too much emphasis on formal learning. I largely agree with this opinion because young children need a balance between academic study and enjoyable activities. I also believe that playing is as important as learning during the early years of education.

To begin with, focusing only on formal learning may limit children's overall development. Primary school students have short attention spans, and studying textbooks for long hours can make them feel bored and stressed. Instead, schools should include creative activities such as drawing, storytelling, music, and group discussions to make lessons more interesting. These activities help children improve their communication, creativity, and problem-solving skills while also increasing their interest in learning.

Furthermore, playing is an essential part of children's education because it supports both physical and mental development. Outdoor games and classroom activities teach children how to work in teams, follow rules, and build friendships. They also become more confident and active. For example, sports competitions, quizzes, and educational games encourage students to learn in an enjoyable way while improving their concentration in class. As a result, children become healthier, happier, and more motivated to study.

To conclude, I believe that primary schools should not focus only on formal learning. Instead, they should maintain a balance between academic education and play-based activities. This approach helps children develop not only their knowledge but also their social, physical, and creative skills, preparing them for future success.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 6.0

The response fully addresses both parts of the prompt. You clearly state your position in the introduction and maintain it throughout the essay. Each paragraph provides relevant supporting ideas, such as the link between play and social skills or the negative impact of excessive formal learning on attention spans. The arguments are well-developed and logically extended, meeting the requirements for a Band 7 or 8. To reach the highest band, you could incorporate more nuanced examples or a deeper exploration of the potential counter-arguments regarding the necessity of formal academic foundations.

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 need for balance and the benefits of play is smooth. You use a range of cohesive devices effectively, such as 'To begin with', 'Furthermore', and 'As a result'. The paragraphing is appropriate, and the flow of information is easy to follow. The structure is consistent and supports the overall argument well, demonstrating a high level of control over the logical flow of the text.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.0

You demonstrate a sufficient range of vocabulary to discuss the topic with precision. Phrases like 'overall development', 'short attention spans', and 'play-based activities' are used accurately. While the vocabulary is appropriate and conveys your meaning clearly, it is mostly functional. To achieve a higher band, you could incorporate more sophisticated or less common lexical items, such as 'pedagogical approaches', 'holistic development', or 'cognitive stimulation', to demonstrate a wider and more flexible range of vocabulary.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 6.0

The essay displays a good variety of complex sentence structures, such as the use of conditional-like structures and participial phrases (e.g., 'preparing them for future success'). The majority of your sentences are error-free, and your control over punctuation and tense is consistent. There are no significant grammatical errors that impede communication. The writing is clear and flows naturally, showing a solid command of English grammar suitable for an academic context.

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

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