Band 7.5 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 7.5 · Cambridge IELTS 21 · 2026-08-26

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)

Primary schools are often criticised for placing excessive emphasis on formal academic instruction. I largely agree with this view, as although structured learning is indispensable for establishing fundamental knowledge, children also require sufficient opportunities for play to develop socially, physically and emotionally.

Formal education plays a crucial role in a child’s formative years. Literacy and numeracy, for instance, provide the essential foundation on which subsequent academic learning is built. Likewise, subjects such as science and languages broaden children’s understanding of the world and encourage them to think systematically. A structured classroom environment can also cultivate discipline, concentration and perseverance. However, these benefits do not justify an education system dominated by rote learning, examinations and lengthy homework, particularly when children are still developing their ability to cope with academic pressure.

Play, therefore, should be regarded as an integral component of primary education rather than merely a break from learning. Through games and recreational activities, children can develop communication, cooperation and problem-solving skills in an enjoyable and largely spontaneous manner. Physical play also promotes fitness and emotional well-being, while imaginative activities can stimulate creativity and independent thinking. For example, participating in a team sport requires children to negotiate, communicate and respect others, thereby teaching interpersonal skills that cannot be acquired solely through textbooks. Moreover, regular recreational time can alleviate academic stress and help children retain their natural curiosity.

That said, play should complement rather than replace formal instruction. The most effective primary education is one in which academic lessons are interspersed with appropriately designed recreational and collaborative activities. Such an approach enables children to acquire essential academic knowledge without sacrificing the social, physical and emotional development that is equally important at this stage of life.

In conclusion, I largely agree that primary schools can place too much emphasis on formal learning. While academic instruction provides an essential foundation, giving children adequate opportunities to play is equally important for producing confident, capable and well-rounded individuals.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 7.5

The response fully addresses all parts of the prompt. You clearly state your position in the introduction and maintain it throughout the essay. Both aspects of the prompt—the extent of your agreement regarding formal learning and the importance of play—are well-developed with relevant examples, such as the mention of team sports to illustrate interpersonal skill development. The arguments are logical, balanced, and directly answer the question, demonstrating a clear understanding of the task requirements. The conclusion effectively synthesises your main points without introducing new information.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 7.5

The essay is logically organised with a clear progression of ideas. Each paragraph has a central theme, starting with the role of formal education, moving to the benefits of play, and concluding with a balanced synthesis. Cohesive devices such as 'Likewise', 'However', 'Therefore', and 'That said' are used effectively to guide the reader through your argument. Paragraphing is used appropriately to separate distinct ideas, and referencing is clear throughout. The flow is natural and professional, making the text very easy to follow.

Lexical Resource — Band 7.5

You demonstrate a wide and flexible range of vocabulary, which is used with precision. Phrases such as 'indispensable for establishing fundamental knowledge', 'cultivate discipline', and 'integral component' show a sophisticated command of language. Collocations are generally natural, and there is an awareness of academic style. While the vocabulary is strong, it remains accessible and fits the context perfectly. There are no noticeable errors in word choice or spelling that would impede communication or detract from the professional tone of the essay.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 8.0

The essay displays a wide range of grammatical structures, including complex sentences with subordinate clauses and varied sentence beginnings. The control over grammar is excellent, with the majority of sentences being error-free. Punctuation is used accurately to enhance clarity. You successfully use a mix of simple and complex forms to maintain interest and precision. There are no significant grammatical slips, and the overall accuracy is very high, consistent with the requirements for a high band score.

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