Band 5.0 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 5.0 · Cambridge IELTS 21 · 2026-08-06

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 5.0)

Some people believe that studying in groups is more effective for students, while others think that studying alone is a better option. This essay will discuss both views before explaining why I believe studying alone is generally more beneficial.

On the one hand, studying in a group has several advantages. Firstly, students can exchange ideas and explain difficult concepts to one another, which improves their understanding. Secondly, group discussions encourage communication and teamwork skills, which are useful in both education and future careers. In addition, learning with classmates can make studying more enjoyable and motivating, especially when preparing for presentations or completing projects. As a result, many students become more confident and perform better in collaborative tasks.

On the other hand, studying alone allows students to focus entirely on their work without unnecessary distractions. Every student has a different learning speed, and independent study enables them to spend more time on topics they find difficult. Furthermore, self-study develops discipline, responsibility, and time-management skills, which are essential for academic success. For example, many students prefer revising in a quiet place before examinations because it helps them remember information more effectively.

In my opinion, although group study is helpful for sharing ideas and improving communication skills, studying alone is a more effective way to achieve better academic results. It provides greater flexibility and allows students to concentrate on their weaknesses without depending on others.

In conclusion, both group study and self-study offer valuable benefits. However, I believe that studying alone is the better choice because it improves concentration, independence, and overall learning efficiency, while occasional group discussions can be used to solve difficult problems and exchange knowledge.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 2.0

The response is completely off-topic. The prompt asks about the balance between formal learning and play in primary schools, but the essay discusses the merits of group study versus individual study. Because the response fails to address the specific task requirements, it cannot be awarded a passing score for Task Achievement. The ideas presented are well-structured and coherent in their own right, but they do not answer the question posed in the prompt. To improve, you must carefully analyze the keywords in the prompt—in this case, 'primary schools', 'formal learning', and 'play'—and ensure your arguments directly relate to these concepts.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.5

Despite being off-topic, the essay demonstrates a high level of coherence and cohesion. The text is logically organized into clear paragraphs, each with a distinct focus. You use a variety of cohesive devices effectively, such as 'On the one hand', 'Furthermore', and 'In conclusion', which guide the reader through your argument smoothly. The progression of ideas within paragraphs is logical, and the referencing is clear. If the content had been relevant to the prompt, this would be a very strong performance in terms of structure and flow.

Lexical Resource — Band 5.5

You demonstrate a good range of vocabulary that is appropriate for an academic essay. Phrases such as 'exchange ideas', 'difficult concepts', 'collaborative tasks', and 'time-management skills' are used accurately and naturally. There is a sufficient range of vocabulary to convey your points clearly, and you avoid repetitive language. While the vocabulary is not highly sophisticated or 'uncommon', it is precise and fits the context of your argument well. To reach a higher band, try to incorporate more nuanced collocations or academic synonyms.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 6.0

Your grammar is strong, with a good mix of simple and complex sentence structures. You use subordinating conjunctions (e.g., 'although', 'which') effectively to create complex sentences, and your control over punctuation and verb tenses is consistent. The majority of your sentences are error-free, and the few minor slips do not impede communication. You demonstrate a good command of English grammar, which allows you to express your ideas clearly and fluently. The level of accuracy is high throughout the response.

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