Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 5.5 · 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 5.5)

In the current era, the education becomes more advance as it was before so definitely the learning becomes more difficult. Some of the people point out an issue on formal learning in the primary schools. The primary schools depends only on formal learning which is not a suitable and good approach. Formal learning is important but along with some fun making and extra-curricular activities.

According to some individuals it is not good approach. Children need more practical and flexible learning environment in which they should learn and adopt things positively and should grow in a demanding advanced world. The first level of the upbringing of a child's mind is start directly at the primary schools level.

For my perspective, it is a quite good approach to cop with both formal learning and with fun activities. Children must learn in a both way like if the primary schools focus on formal learning then apparently it should be a huge responsibility of the schools to build up a suitable environment for other learning techniques for example, poem competition, sports competition, digital learning etc. In schools, there should also a play ground for children so that they can get some activity rather then just sitting in classrooms.

In conclusion, the formal learning along with the other activities and digital learning is very important for the primary schools children. This can also be helpful for the better understanding and healthy upbringing of the children. Teachers should take responsibility and should engage children in extra-curricular activities. This type of learning must be beneficial for the future and it will show various great impacts on upcoming world and will enhance the educational importance.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 5.5

The response addresses both parts of the prompt: the extent of agreement regarding formal learning and the importance of play. However, the development of ideas is somewhat limited. While you argue that a balance is necessary, the supporting arguments remain quite general. For instance, you mention 'poem competition' and 'digital learning' as examples, but these could be expanded to explain how exactly they benefit a child's development. The position is clear throughout, but the depth of analysis is more characteristic of a Band 5.5 or 6.0 level, as the ideas are presented rather than fully explored or extended with specific, compelling evidence.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.5

The essay is organised into logical paragraphs, which helps the reader follow your argument. However, the use of cohesive devices is somewhat mechanical and occasionally inaccurate. For example, phrases like 'For my perspective' (should be 'From my perspective') and 'in a both way' disrupt the flow. While there is an overall progression, the transitions between sentences are sometimes abrupt. The referencing is generally clear, but the lack of sophisticated linking words limits the cohesion to a basic level. Improving the variety of transition signals would significantly enhance the logical flow of your writing.

Lexical Resource — Band 5.5

The vocabulary used is adequate for the task but lacks the range and precision required for higher bands. You rely on repetitive phrasing, such as 'formal learning' and 'good approach', which appear multiple times. There are also instances of awkward word choice, such as 'fun making' instead of 'recreational activities' or 'playful learning'. While your meaning is generally clear, the lack of less common lexical items and the presence of collocation errors (e.g., 'cop with' instead of 'cope with') suggest a limited range that is sufficient for communication but not for sophisticated expression.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.5

The essay contains a mix of simple and complex sentence structures, but there are frequent grammatical errors that occasionally impede the reader. Common issues include subject-verb agreement ('the education becomes', 'schools depends'), article usage ('the primary schools'), and prepositional errors ('in a both way'). While you attempt complex sentences, they are often marred by these slips. To reach a higher band, you need to focus on accuracy in basic structures and ensure that your complex sentences are error-free. Punctuation is generally functional, but the overall control of grammar is inconsistent.

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

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