Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 5.5 · Cambridge IELTS 21 · 2026-08-20

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 5.5)

It is often argued that the main focus of primary school is on formal learning. I strongly agree with this statement as nowadays schools management prepares strict time table to cover fiction syllabus due to which students have to get continue subjective classes after one by one without proper rest. I think it is crucial for children to play as well as learn in the primary classroom as it will pay an indispensable role in holistic health.

The primary reason why I am agree with this statement is that, in well developed countries usually schools prioritize the grades more. For that school have strict time table which contain continue 6 hours subjective classes one after other with only half hour break time. For instance, everyone can learn and understand things for 1 to 2 hours after that he lost his focus due to tiredness,. Consequently he feels difficulty to clear exams with desired marks.

I strongly believe that, school should keep 1 game period daily in time table after 2 hours of non-stop classes. It will help students to rejuvenate. There are numerous benefits of having game periods in primary school. It helps students to enhance their fitness level, strengthens the friendship between students, boosts the students communication skills and confidence. For instance, in Canada primary school students get classes and also play sport games at school which help them to be physically fit. It makes students confident to talk comfortably in crowed.

In conclusion, as it is common in almost all primary schools that their main focus is on formal learning. I thinks administration should also focus on students physical fitness and allow students to play as well as learn during school hours. As results, students will encourage to come school regularly and learn more effectively. Which will definitely increase exams results.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 5.5

The response addresses both parts of the prompt: the extent of agreement regarding formal learning and the importance of play. The position is clear throughout. However, the development of ideas is somewhat limited. For example, the argument about 'fiction syllabus' (likely meaning 'fixed') and the mention of 'well developed countries' are generalisations that lack specific, nuanced evidence. While the points about physical fitness and social skills are relevant, they could be expanded with more sophisticated reasoning to reach a higher band. The response covers all requirements but lacks the depth of analysis expected at higher levels.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.5

The essay is organised into logical paragraphs, each with a clear central topic. Cohesive devices are used, such as 'For instance', 'Consequently', and 'In conclusion', though some are used mechanically. There are instances where the flow is slightly disrupted by awkward phrasing, such as 'after one by one'. Referencing is generally clear, but the progression of ideas within paragraphs could be smoother. The use of linking words is sufficient to guide the reader, but the overall structure lacks the sophisticated, unobtrusive cohesion required for a band 7 or above.

Lexical Resource — Band 5.5

The vocabulary is adequate for the task but lacks precision and variety. There are several instances of word-choice errors or non-standard collocations, such as 'fiction syllabus' (likely meant 'fixed' or 'rigid'), 'subjective classes' (likely meant 'academic subjects'), and 'crowed' (meant 'crowds'). While the student attempts to use topic-specific vocabulary like 'holistic health' and 'rejuvenate', the overall range is limited. To improve, the student should focus on more accurate collocations and avoid repetitive phrasing like 'time table' and 'students'.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.5

The essay contains a mix of simple and complex sentence structures. However, there are frequent grammatical errors that occasionally impede clarity, such as 'I am agree' (should be 'I agree'), 'schools management prepares' (should be 'school management prepares'), and 'he lost his focus' (should be 'they lose their focus' to maintain plural agreement with 'students'). Punctuation is also inconsistent, particularly with comma usage. While the meaning is generally conveyed, the high frequency of errors in basic grammar and subject-verb agreement prevents the response from reaching a higher band.

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

Browse more IELTS Writing model answers or get your own writing scored by the same AI examiner.