Band 7.5 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 7.5 · 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 7.5)

Primary education plays an important role in developing children's academic skills, but some people believe that schools place too much emphasis on formal learning. I partly agree with this view because although structured education is essential, children also need sufficient opportunities to play and develop other important skills.

On the one hand, formal learning is necessary for young children to develop a strong academic foundation. At primary school, students need to acquire basic skills such as reading, writing and mathematics, which will be essential throughout their education. Structured lessons can also teach children how to concentrate, follow instructions and complete tasks independently. For example, regular mathematics lessons can help children develop logical thinking and problem-solving skills. Therefore, reducing formal learning too much could leave students without some of the fundamental knowledge they need for secondary education.

On the other hand, I believe that play should have an important place in the primary classroom. Young children are naturally active and curious, so learning entirely through textbooks, worksheets and tests can make lessons boring and reduce their motivation. Play-based activities can make learning more enjoyable while developing creativity, communication and teamwork. For instance, a teacher could use a mathematics game in which students work in groups to solve problems. In this situation, children are learning an academic skill while also practising cooperation and communication. Play can therefore complement formal education rather than replace it.

In conclusion, I do not believe that formal learning should be removed from primary education because children need strong academic foundations. However, schools should avoid relying on formal instruction excessively. A balanced approach, combining structured lessons with purposeful play, is likely to provide children with both academic knowledge and valuable social and creative skills.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 7.5

You have fully addressed all parts of the prompt. You clearly stated your position in the introduction and maintained it throughout the essay. Both aspects of the task—the extent of agreement regarding formal learning and the importance of play—are well-developed with relevant examples, such as the use of mathematics games to foster cooperation. The ideas are extended logically, and the conclusion effectively synthesises your arguments. The response is balanced and demonstrates a clear understanding of the requirements.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 7.5

The essay is logically organised with a clear progression of ideas. Each paragraph has a central theme, and the transition between the two sides of the argument is smooth. You use a variety of cohesive devices effectively, such as 'On the one hand', 'On the other hand', and 'Therefore', which help guide the reader through your reasoning. Paragraphing is used appropriately to separate the different stages of your argument, and referencing is clear throughout the text.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.5

You demonstrate a sufficient range of vocabulary to discuss the topic with precision. You use academic collocations such as 'academic foundation', 'structured education', and 'purposeful play' effectively. While the vocabulary is accurate and appropriate for the task, it stays within a relatively standard range. To reach a higher band, you could incorporate more sophisticated or less common lexical items to express your ideas with even greater nuance and stylistic flair.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 7.5

Your control of grammar is strong, and you use a variety of complex sentence structures successfully. For example, your use of conditional and concessive clauses (e.g., 'although structured education is essential, children also need...') is accurate. The majority of your sentences are error-free, and your punctuation is handled well. There are no significant grammatical errors that impede communication, and your writing demonstrates a high level of flexibility and control.

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