Band 7.0 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 7.0 · Cambridge IELTS 21 · 2026-08-18

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)

Some people believe that primary schools place too much emphasis on formal learning, while others argue that children should have more opportunities to play. I partly agree with this view because academic education is necessary at an early age, but play is equally important for children's overall development.

On the one hand, formal learning provides children with the basic knowledge and skills they need for their future education. Subjects such as mathematics, reading and writing form the foundation for almost every other area of study. For example, a child who develops strong reading skills in primary school is likely to find it easier to understand subjects such as science and history later in their education. Therefore, schools should devote a significant amount of time to structured lessons so that children can develop these essential abilities.

On the other hand, I believe that play should be an important part of the primary school curriculum. Children can develop many valuable skills through games and recreational activities. Team games, for instance, can teach them how to communicate, cooperate and solve problems with others. Physical activities also help children stay healthy and improve their concentration in the classroom. Furthermore, play can encourage creativity and imagination, which are difficult to develop through traditional lessons alone. For example, children who participate in role-playing activities can improve their communication skills while also becoming more confident.

However, this does not mean that schools should replace academic lessons with play. Instead, a balanced approach would be more effective. Teachers can combine learning with enjoyable activities, such as using mathematical games to teach numbers or conducting outdoor activities to explain basic science. This can make lessons more engaging without reducing the amount of useful knowledge children acquire.

In conclusion, formal learning is essential in primary education because it provides children with fundamental academic skills. Nevertheless, play is also extremely important because it supports their social, physical and creative development. In my view, primary schools should therefore maintain a healthy balance between academic study and play.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 7.5

The response addresses all parts of the prompt effectively. You clearly state your position in the introduction, arguing for a balanced approach, and maintain this stance throughout the essay. Both aspects of the prompt—the extent of agreement regarding formal learning and the importance of play—are well-developed. You provide relevant examples, such as the role of team games in developing communication and the use of mathematical games to integrate learning. The ideas are extended logically, and the conclusion provides a clear summary of your position. The response is well-structured and directly answers the question asked.

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 arguments for formal learning and the arguments for play is smooth. You use a range of cohesive devices effectively, such as 'On the one hand', 'On the other hand', 'Furthermore', and 'In conclusion', which help guide the reader through your argument. Paragraphing is used appropriately to separate distinct points. The flow of information is natural, and there is no evidence of mechanical or repetitive usage of linking words.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.5

You demonstrate a good range of vocabulary that is appropriate for an academic context. Phrases such as 'overall development', 'structured lessons', 'essential abilities', and 'recreational activities' show a level of precision. While the vocabulary is accurate and fits the context well, there is room to incorporate more sophisticated or less common collocations to reach the highest band. The word choice is consistently natural, and there are no spelling errors that impede communication. The language used is sufficient to convey your ideas clearly and effectively.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 7.0

The essay displays a good variety of complex sentence structures, such as conditional clauses ('a child who develops... is likely to find') and participial phrases. The grammar is generally accurate, with the majority of sentences being error-free. Punctuation is used correctly throughout. While the structures are sound, the range could be slightly more ambitious to demonstrate full flexibility. However, the current control is strong, and there are no grammatical errors that cause any confusion or difficulty for the reader.

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