Band 6.0 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 6.0 · Cambridge IELTS 21 · 2026-08-21

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 6.0)

In today's contemporary society, many people contend that primary schools emphasize more towards formal teachings, in comparison to playful learnings. For young kids, primary school classroom is the platform where the education initiates and children tend to discover the formal curriculum for the first time. In my perspective, I strongly favor the statement that children must me encouraged to play as well as learn in the school set-up.

On the one hand, formal learning enhances the academic knowledge of a child and creates equality among all the students acquiring the same information. For instance, students are taught from the same textbooks regarding all the conventional subjects which are same for all. Whereas there are many drawbacks as well such as it leads to monotonous schedule and there is no enhancement of needful skills in one's life. A child who only focuses on traditional curriculum while ignoring the significance of playing activities results into being an academically intellectual student but failing in co-curricular activities and other life lessons.

On the other hand, playful learning acts as a boon in every students school life. Formal learning is no doubt crucial for academic growth but other fun activities play a remarkable role in one's development. As an example, a toddler learns about colors and shapes faster by colorful blocks of different designs and patterns, rather than learning by books. In addition to it, children learns new skills and get acknowledged about their favorite hobbies. Meanwhile, it might also help in improving intelligence quotient as well.

To summarize, formal learning might motivate to excel academically, but it will hold a child step back in real life's curriculum. Conventional learning along with playful learning is the best combination leading to fruitful outcomes towards children's schooling.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 6.0

The response addresses both parts of the prompt: the extent of agreement regarding formal learning and the importance of play. The position is clear from the introduction and maintained throughout. Ideas are relevant, such as the mention of 'monotonous schedules' and the 'development of skills' through play. However, the development is somewhat limited; for instance, the argument about 'equality' in formal learning is not fully explored, and the explanation of how play improves IQ could be more detailed. To reach a higher band, you should provide more specific, extended examples or deeper analysis of the implications of your arguments.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.5

The essay is logically organized with a clear introduction, two body paragraphs, and a conclusion. Paragraphing is used appropriately to separate the two sides of the argument. Cohesive devices such as 'On the one hand', 'On the other hand', and 'In addition to it' are used to guide the reader. However, some transitions are slightly mechanical, and there are minor issues with referencing, such as the vague use of 'it' in 'In addition to it, children learns...'. Overall, the progression of ideas is clear, and the structure supports the central argument effectively.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.0

You demonstrate a sufficient range of vocabulary to convey your ideas clearly. There are some good collocations like 'contemporary society', 'academic growth', and 'fruitful outcomes'. However, there are some inaccuracies in word choice and phrasing, such as 'emphasize more towards' (should be 'emphasize'), 'playful learnings' (unnatural; 'play-based learning' is better), and 'get acknowledged about' (should be 'become aware of'). While these errors do not impede communication, they indicate a need for more precise control over academic vocabulary and collocations to reach the higher bands.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 6.0

The essay uses a mix of simple and complex sentence structures. While the meaning is generally clear, there are several grammatical errors that persist. Examples include subject-verb agreement issues ('children learns' instead of 'children learn'), incorrect preposition usage ('results into being' instead of 'results in being'), and minor awkward phrasing ('it will hold a child step back'). Punctuation is generally accurate, but the frequency of these grammatical slips prevents the essay from reaching a higher band. Focusing on subject-verb agreement and more natural sentence construction will improve your score.

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

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