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)

Education frameworks play a significant role in shaping children's future. Some people claim that primary schools emphasize more on formal teaching. However, I partially agree with this view as formal learning is necessary as it lays down the foundation of any base, but it does not allow handling real-life scenarios by practical applications. Moreover, it is much more important that children should stay focused on the learning process while engaging in playing activities for ensuring balance in their life.

On one hand, theoretical knowledge is essential for acquiring valuable insights of information. Firstly, a child needs to know the concepts and established theories in order to get a good understanding of a domain. By gaining the prevailing facts one can perceive the in-depth flow of data. Higher authorities of school arrange seminars and workshops in order to have a wide perspective of diverse topics.

On the other hand, the other aspect which is practical learning cannot be overlooked. Once a young child gets aware of a wide range of useful knowledge then only he is in a better position to implement that method into day-to-day lives. Nowadays, schools are organising unique ways of learning through conducting experiments, research projects and internships for some specific time period. This gives children a chance to use the conceptual evidences to be implemented to real world. As a result, it can enable to know actual essence and importance of formal learning.

It is always suggested to a blended learning approach where a child can learn meanwhile can enjoy sports activities. This creates learning environment both productive and joyous at the same time. Playing games inside and outside classroom improves mental and physical well-being. Following such a way, makes youngsters more dedicated to studies and remain competitive, despite having the monotonous role of only studying and avoiding feeling of boredom.

To conclude, schools must initiate steps, especially in primary education where learning can be seen as enjoying, interactive and helpful to have academic excellence and ultimately lead to a successful personality. The phenomenon will achieve results with best potential outcomes in child's development by adopting flexible techniques.

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 need for theoretical foundations and the benefits of practical application. However, the development is somewhat generic; for instance, mentioning 'internships' for primary school children is slightly unrealistic and lacks specific, grounded examples. To reach a higher band, the arguments could be more nuanced, focusing on how play specifically aids cognitive or social development in a primary school context rather than general statements about 'successful personalities'.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.5

The essay is logically organized with a clear introduction, body paragraphs, and a conclusion. Each paragraph has a central topic, and the progression of ideas is generally easy to follow. Cohesive devices such as 'On one hand', 'On the other hand', and 'To conclude' are used effectively to signal transitions. However, some linking phrases are slightly mechanical or awkward, such as 'Following such a way' and 'The phenomenon will achieve results'. Referencing is generally clear, though the connection between sentences could be smoother in the third paragraph to improve the overall flow.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.0

The vocabulary is generally adequate and allows for clear communication. There is an attempt to use less common items like 'prevailing facts', 'conceptual evidences', and 'monotonous role'. However, there are some inaccuracies in collocation and word choice, such as 'acquiring valuable insights of information' (insights into) and 'conceptual evidences' (evidence is uncountable). The phrase 'Higher authorities of school' is also slightly unnatural. While the range is sufficient to convey the intended meaning, more precise and natural collocations would be required for a higher band score.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 6.0

The essay demonstrates a mix of simple and complex sentence structures. There is an attempt at complex grammar, but it is occasionally marred by errors. For example, 'it is much more important that children should stay focused' is slightly redundant, and 'it can enable to know actual essence' is grammatically incomplete. There are also minor issues with articles and prepositions, such as 'in day-to-day lives' instead of 'in their day-to-day lives'. Despite these errors, the meaning is never obscured, and the punctuation is generally accurate, supporting a band 6.5 level.

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

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