Band 6.0 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 6.0 · Cambridge IELTS 21 · 2026-08-27

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)

Nowadays, a considerable number of people often argue that the primary schools mainly focus on formal learning and I agree this to a large extent as the schools have more focus on theories rather than giving its practical knowledge. However, I think a balanced approach is required for a good academics of child along with activities and it is equally important for child to play along withb learning in the classroom.

First and foremost, the primary schools mostly provide the knowledge that are already in the books and teach the theories of topic instead of offering the proper practical information. For instance, the schools usually explains the topic of physics but fail to provide approprite knowledge by performing an experiment or an activity. Moreover, the academic curriculum is framed in such a way that only provides a bookish knowledge to the students and this ultimately results in less understanding in the students. However, the theory is equally important for understanding the topics as the theories are sole reason for achieving success in the experiments.

To sum up with, it is very important for children to participate in different activities and sports along with the learning in the primary schools as the physical development is equally important for the development of child and it also plays a pivotal role for better teaching of children. Furthermore, an interactive method is required along with formal learning by teaching the children outside the classroom via diiferent trips or visits to different locations according to the topics of the subject.

To summarise, formal learning should not be ignored in the primary schools however adding an interactive curriculum for teaching may become fruitful for the childrens' understanding. Hence, a balanced framework should be made along with the theoretical knowledge and practical activities.

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. However, the development of ideas is somewhat limited. For example, the argument about 'bookish knowledge' is repetitive, and the explanation of why play is important could be more deeply explored with specific examples of cognitive or social benefits. While the task is addressed, the supporting points lack the depth required for a higher band score, tending toward generalisation rather than detailed illustration.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.0

The essay is organised into logical paragraphs, each with a clear central topic. Cohesive devices such as 'First and foremost', 'Moreover', and 'To sum up with' are used to guide the reader. However, some transitions are slightly mechanical or awkward, such as 'To sum up with', which is not standard usage. Additionally, the referencing is occasionally repetitive, and the flow between sentences could be smoother. The paragraphing is appropriate, but the overall progression of ideas could be more sophisticated to achieve a higher band.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.0

The vocabulary is generally adequate for the task, allowing the writer to express their ideas clearly. There are attempts to use less common items like 'pivotal role' and 'fruitful', which is positive. However, there are several instances of imprecise word choice and minor errors, such as 'good academics of child' (should be 'academic performance') and 'proper practical information'. Spelling errors like 'approprite' and 'diiferent' also occur. The range is sufficient to communicate, but lacks the precision and flexibility required for 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 frequent grammatical errors, particularly with articles ('the primary schools' instead of 'primary schools') and subject-verb agreement ('the schools usually explains'). Some sentences are slightly awkward, such as 'I agree this to a large extent'. While the errors do not impede communication, they are frequent enough to prevent the essay from reaching a higher band. A greater focus on proofreading for basic grammatical accuracy would be beneficial.

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

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