Band 7.0 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 7.0 · Cambridge IELTS 21 · 2026-09-03

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 7.0)

Some people argue that primary schools place too much emphasis on formal academic learning. I largely agree with this view because excessive focus on classroom instruction may limit children's overall development. I also believe that play is an essential part of primary education, as it supports both cognitive and social growth.

Formal learning undoubtedly provides children with fundamental skills such as reading, writing and mathematics. These subjects form the basis of future education and should therefore remain a central part of the primary school curriculum. However, if schools concentrate almost exclusively on academic achievement, children may experience unnecessary pressure at an early age. In addition, opportunities to develop creativity, communication and problem-solving skills can be reduced when lessons are dominated by textbooks and examinations.

Play is equally important because it contributes to children's emotional, physical and intellectual development. Through games and group activities, young learners develop teamwork, confidence and the ability to resolve conflicts. Furthermore, educational play can make learning more enjoyable and memorable. For example, children often understand mathematical concepts more effectively through hands-on activities and educational games than through traditional lectures alone. As a result, they are more likely to remain motivated and engaged in the classroom.

In conclusion, although formal learning is essential in primary education, I believe that many schools place too much emphasis on academic study. A balanced approach that combines structured learning with meaningful play is the most effective way to support children's overall development and prepare them for future success.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 6.0

The response addresses all parts of the prompt, providing a clear position on the balance between formal learning and play. The ideas are relevant and well-supported with logical arguments. However, the response is slightly under the 250-word minimum requirement (247 words). While the content is well-developed, this minor failure to meet the length constraint necessitates a slight penalty in this criterion, as the task instructions were not fully satisfied.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 7.5

The essay is logically organized with a clear introduction, body paragraphs, and conclusion. Each paragraph has a central theme, and the progression of ideas is easy to follow. Cohesive devices such as 'However', 'In addition', 'Furthermore', and 'As a result' are used effectively to link sentences and ideas. The paragraphing is appropriate, and the overall structure is coherent throughout the text.

Lexical Resource — Band 7.0

The vocabulary is accurate and appropriate for the academic context. The student uses a range of topic-specific terms such as 'cognitive and social growth', 'fundamental skills', and 'structured learning'. The language is natural and precise, allowing the writer to convey their ideas clearly without any noticeable errors in word choice or collocation. While not highly sophisticated, the range is sufficient to express ideas with precision.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 7.5

The essay demonstrates a good command of grammatical structures. There is a mix of simple and complex sentences, such as the use of conditional structures ('if schools concentrate...') and subordinate clauses ('although formal learning is essential...'). The grammar is highly accurate, with no significant errors that impede communication. Punctuation is used correctly throughout, and the sentence construction is consistently clear and error-free.

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