Band 7.0 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 7.0 · Cambridge IELTS 21 · 2026-08-22

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)

Nowadays, many government primary schools focus more on academic subjects than on extracurricular activities such as art and sports. I completely disagree with this statement because I believe that these sports activities play a crucial role in a child's holistic development.

In countries like India, the education system tends to place greater emphasis on theoretical knowledge rather than practical learning. There are several reasons for this. First, both parents and teachers often believe that academic subjects are more important for children's future careers. Second, many schools do not have adequate facilities for sports and art classes. For instance, schools in large cities such as Ahmedabad and Mumbai often lack sufficient space for playgrounds. Furthermore, academic education can help students build careers in fields such as science and technology, where they may have opportunities to earn high salaries by working for multinational companies such as Amazon, Google and Jio.

However, sports and art are equally important for children's development. Sports can provide opportunities for students who are less interested in academic subjects to develop their talents and pursue careers in athletics. For example, well-known Indian sports personalities such as Virat Kohli and Sachin Tendulkar demonstrate that success is not limited to academic achievement. Moreover, participating in sports can improve children's physical and mental well-being. It can also help them develop important life skills such as time management, teamwork, communication and leadership, which can be valuable in their future careers.

In conclusion, I believe that children should be encouraged to participate in sports and other extracurricular activities alongside their academic studies. While academic education is important for their future, art and sports can help children develop their physical abilities, confidence and essential life skills. Therefore, schools should provide a better balance between academic subjects and extracurricular activities.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 7.0

The response addresses both parts of the prompt: the extent of agreement regarding the focus on formal learning and the importance of play. The position is clear throughout, and the arguments are well-supported with relevant examples, such as the mention of Indian sports personalities. The ideas are extended logically, though the discussion on why schools focus on academics could be slightly more nuanced to reach the highest band. Overall, the response is fully relevant and provides a balanced perspective that directly answers the task requirements.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 7.5

The essay is logically organized with a clear introduction, body paragraphs, and a conclusion. Each paragraph has a central theme, and the progression of ideas is smooth. Cohesive devices such as 'Furthermore', 'However', and 'In conclusion' are used effectively to link sentences and paragraphs. The referencing is clear, and the paragraphing is appropriate. The flow of the argument is consistent, making the essay easy to follow from start to finish without any confusion regarding the writer's intent.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.5

The vocabulary is sufficient and appropriate for the task. The student uses a range of topic-specific terms like 'holistic development', 'theoretical knowledge', and 'extracurricular activities'. There is an attempt to use less common vocabulary, and the word choices are generally precise. While the range is good, it could be slightly more sophisticated to reach the highest band. The spelling is accurate throughout, and there are no instances where word choice impedes communication or causes ambiguity.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 7.0

The essay demonstrates a good mix of simple and complex sentence structures. The grammar is generally accurate, with very few errors. Complex structures, such as the conditional-like 'where they may have opportunities', are used correctly. Punctuation is handled well, and the majority of sentences are error-free. While the range of structures is solid, incorporating a wider variety of advanced grammatical forms (such as passive voice or inversion) would further enhance the score. The current level of control is consistent and reliable.

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

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