Band 7.5 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 7.5 · Cambridge IELTS 21 · 2026-08-08

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 7.5)

Primary education plays an important role in shaping children's academic and personal development. While some people believe that primary schools place too much emphasis on formal learning, I largely agree with this view. In my opinion, academic education is necessary, but children should also have sufficient opportunities to play because play can support their social, emotional and cognitive development.

One reason why I agree that formal learning can sometimes receive too much attention is that young children are not naturally suited to spending long periods sitting still and completing academic tasks. At this age, they are still developing their ability to concentrate, communicate and interact with others. If schools focus mainly on subjects such as mathematics, reading and writing, children may become less interested in learning and have fewer opportunities to develop practical skills. For example, group activities and educational games can teach children how to cooperate, solve problems and communicate with their classmates in ways that traditional classroom lessons may not.

That said, this does not mean that formal education should be reduced significantly. Basic skills such as reading, writing and mathematics provide the foundation for children's future education. However, these subjects can often be taught through enjoyable and interactive activities rather than relying entirely on textbooks and written exercises. For instance, teachers could use games, puzzles, role-playing and outdoor activities to reinforce lessons while allowing children to learn in a more engaging environment.

In conclusion, I agree to a large extent that primary schools can place excessive emphasis on formal learning. Although academic subjects are essential, play should be considered an important part of primary education because it allows children to develop social and practical abilities while making learning more enjoyable and effective.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 7.5

The response fully addresses both parts of the prompt. You clearly state your position in the introduction and maintain it consistently throughout the essay. The arguments regarding the limitations of formal learning for young children and the benefits of play for social and cognitive development are well-developed and supported with relevant examples, such as group activities and role-playing. The ideas are extended logically, and the conclusion effectively synthesizes your main points. You have successfully balanced the need for academic foundations with the necessity of play, demonstrating a clear understanding of the task requirements.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 7.5

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 learning and the suggestion for interactive teaching methods is smooth. You use a range of cohesive devices effectively, such as 'One reason why', 'That said', and 'For instance', which help guide the reader through your argument. Paragraphing is used appropriately to separate distinct points. The flow is natural, and the relationship between sentences is clear throughout the text, meeting the criteria for a high band score.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.5

You demonstrate a good range of vocabulary that is appropriate for an academic context. Phrases like 'academic and personal development', 'excessive emphasis', and 'reinforce lessons' show a solid command of language. While the vocabulary is accurate and fits the context well, it stays within a relatively standard range. To reach the highest bands, you could incorporate more sophisticated or precise collocations or less common lexical items. However, your word choice is consistently precise, and there are no errors that impede communication or cause confusion for the reader.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 7.5

The essay displays a good variety of complex sentence structures, such as the use of conditional clauses ('If schools focus mainly on...') and concessive clauses ('While some people believe...'). The grammar is highly accurate, with the majority of sentences being error-free. Punctuation is used correctly to manage the flow of information. You demonstrate consistent control over verb tenses and subject-verb agreement. Because the writing is consistently accurate and uses a mix of simple and complex structures effectively, it reflects a high level of grammatical competence.

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