Band 7.5 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 7.5 · Cambridge IELTS 21 · 2026-08-17

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)

Some people believe that primary schools place too much emphasis on formal education. I largely agree with this view because young children need time to develop social and practical skills, which can be achieved through play. Therefore, I believe that play should be an important part of the primary school classroom, although it should not replace academic learning.

Firstly, primary schools can sometimes place excessive pressure on children to achieve good academic results. At a young age, students are still developing their ability to concentrate for long periods, so spending most of the school day on activities such as reading, writing and mathematics may make learning less enjoyable. In addition, children need opportunities to develop skills that are not always taught through traditional lessons. For example, working with classmates can help them develop communication, cooperation and problem-solving skills.

For this reason, play is an important part of early education. Educational games and group activities can allow children to learn while remaining interested and engaged. For instance, a mathematics game involving objects or puzzles could help children understand basic mathematical concepts without making the lesson feel overly formal. Play can also encourage creativity and teach children how to cooperate with others. However, this does not mean that academic subjects should be neglected. Reading, writing and basic mathematics provide essential foundations for children's future education and should remain a significant part of the curriculum.

In conclusion, I agree that some primary schools may focus too heavily on formal learning. Although academic education is essential, children should also have regular opportunities to play because it helps them develop social, creative and practical skills. A combination of structured learning and play is therefore likely to provide the most balanced approach to primary education.

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 throughout the essay. The ideas regarding the benefits of play—such as developing social skills and maintaining engagement—are well-developed and supported with relevant examples, such as the use of mathematics games. The balance between academic rigor and play is also addressed logically. The response is well-structured, and all parts of the task are covered in sufficient detail, demonstrating a clear understanding of the requirements.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 7.5

The essay is logically organized with a clear progression of ideas. Each paragraph has a central topic, and the transition between the need for play and the necessity of academic foundations is smooth. You use a range of cohesive devices effectively, such as 'Firstly,' 'In addition,' 'For this reason,' and 'However,' which help guide the reader through your argument. Paragraphing is used appropriately to separate the introduction, body paragraphs, and conclusion. The flow of information is natural and consistent throughout the text.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.5

You demonstrate a sufficient range of vocabulary to discuss the topic with precision. Phrases like 'excessive pressure,' 'essential foundations,' and 'balanced approach' are used accurately and appropriately. While the vocabulary is functional and clear, it leans towards standard academic English rather than highly sophisticated or idiomatic language. There are no significant errors in word choice or collocation, and the vocabulary used is more than adequate to convey your ideas clearly and effectively throughout the response.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 7.5

The response displays a good variety of complex sentence structures, such as the use of conditional and concessive clauses (e.g., 'Although academic education is essential, children should also...'). The grammar is highly accurate, with the majority of sentences being error-free. Punctuation is used correctly to support the clarity of your arguments. There are no noticeable grammatical slips that impede communication, and the control over tense and subject-verb agreement is consistent throughout the essay, reflecting a high level of grammatical competence.

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