Band 7.5 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 7.5 · Cambridge IELTS 21 · 2026-08-28

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)

Some people believe that primary schools place excessive emphasis on formal learning, while others argue that academic education should remain the main priority. I largely agree that young children need more opportunities to play, as play is essential for their overall development and should be given equal importance alongside classroom learning.

Firstly, play contributes significantly to children’s physical and social development. Through activities such as team sports, games and outdoor play, children learn how to cooperate, communicate and solve problems with others. These skills are difficult to develop through traditional lessons alone. In addition, regular physical activity helps children remain healthy and can improve their concentration when they return to the classroom. For example, children who participate in group games often learn how to follow rules, deal with failure and work towards common goals, all of which are valuable skills later in life.

Moreover, playing can support academic learning rather than distract from it. Young children are naturally curious, and practical activities can make lessons more enjoyable and memorable. For instance, basic mathematical concepts can be taught through puzzles or building blocks, while role-playing activities can improve language and communication skills. Therefore, a well-designed educational programme should combine formal instruction with creative and interactive learning.

However, this does not mean that schools should reduce the importance of academic subjects completely. Literacy and numeracy provide the foundation for future education, and children need structured teaching to develop these essential abilities. Nevertheless, focusing exclusively on examinations and classroom performance may cause stress and discourage children from enjoying the learning process.

In conclusion, I agree that primary schools should give greater attention to play. Although formal education is undoubtedly important, play helps children develop physically, emotionally and socially while also supporting their academic progress. A balanced approach that combines structured lessons with sufficient opportunities for play is, therefore, the most effective way to educate young learners.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 7.5

The response fully addresses both parts of the prompt. You clearly state your position in the introduction and maintain it throughout the essay. Each paragraph is well-developed with relevant examples, such as the use of 'puzzles or building blocks' to illustrate how play supports academic learning. You effectively balance the argument by acknowledging the importance of formal subjects while advocating for a more integrated approach. The ideas are extended logically, demonstrating a strong understanding of the topic and meeting all requirements of the task.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 7.5

The essay is logically organized with a clear progression of ideas. Each paragraph has a central theme, introduced by effective transition signals such as 'Firstly', 'In addition', 'Moreover', and 'In conclusion'. Cohesive devices are used naturally and accurately, ensuring the text flows smoothly. The paragraphing is logical, with a clear introduction, body paragraphs that explore different facets of the argument, and a concise summary. There is no evidence of mechanical or repetitive use of linking words, and the referencing is precise throughout.

Lexical Resource — Band 7.0

You demonstrate a good range of vocabulary that is appropriate for an academic context. Phrases such as 'excessive emphasis', 'overall development', 'naturally curious', and 'structured teaching' show a level of sophistication. You use collocations accurately, such as 'academic subjects' and 'educational programme'. While the vocabulary is precise and fits the context well, it remains within a standard academic register. To reach the highest band, you could incorporate slightly more idiomatic or less common lexical items, but the current range is more than sufficient for a high score.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 7.5

The essay displays a high level of grammatical control. You use a variety of complex sentence structures, such as conditional-like structures ('If... then' implied) and subordinate clauses ('Although formal education is undoubtedly important, play helps...'). The majority of your sentences are error-free, and punctuation is used correctly to enhance clarity. There are no significant grammatical errors that impede communication. The control over verb tenses and subject-verb agreement is consistent throughout the piece, reflecting a strong command of English grammar.

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