Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 5.5 · Cambridge IELTS 21 · 2026-09-04

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)

Some individuals say that primary schools focus mostly on formal learning. I agree with that point most of the schools plan schedual and syllabus for young children in a formal way but I believe if students play and learn in primary schools it would has significant impacts regarding critical thinking, problem solving and give strength to them to face challenges.

The primary schools often offer formal education, may be due to lack of resources and limited number of classrooms. The amenties restrict schools to offer advance and more productive way of learning in which includes budget for staff and play items, play grounds and extended classrooms.

On the other hand, if young children allow to play and learn in classrooms, this would encourage better mind development. A refreshing environment allows learner to learn things in a comfortable place while only study from books can frastrate a child. For example, If a school provide geometric shapes board in a primary class and give many shapes to children and ask them to fix these shapes according to board, children will try multiple shapes and it will be fun along with learning. Whereas, young minds feel uncomfortable to learn much from books; that play technique allow them to learn slowly but they feel engaged with concepts.

To sum up, learning by using the traditional methods can make a children frastrated at the early ages while their minds are not fully developed to read from books and learn large data. However, playing encourage them to learn and enjoy in the pleasant environment and it reflects better cognitive development.

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. The position is clear from the introduction and maintained throughout. Ideas are relevant, such as the mention of resource constraints and cognitive development through play. However, the development is somewhat limited; the explanation of why formal learning is currently dominant is brief, and the example regarding geometric shapes is a bit simplistic. To reach a higher band, you should expand on the long-term educational benefits of play rather than focusing solely on the immediate engagement of the child. Overall, the task is addressed adequately, but the depth of analysis could be improved.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.5

The essay is organized into logical paragraphs, each with a clear focus. There is a progression of ideas from the current state of schools to the benefits of play. Cohesive devices are used, such as 'On the other hand' and 'To sum up', though some transitions feel a bit mechanical. Referencing is generally clear, although some sentences are slightly disjointed due to grammatical errors. Paragraphing is used appropriately to separate the introduction, body, and conclusion. To improve, ensure that the relationship between sentences is smoother by using a wider variety of linking words and ensuring that pronouns clearly refer back to their antecedents.

Lexical Resource — Band 5.5

The vocabulary is adequate for the task, allowing the writer to express ideas clearly. There are attempts to use topic-specific vocabulary like 'cognitive development', 'formal education', and 'productive way of learning'. However, there are several spelling errors ('schedual', 'amenties', 'frastrated') and some awkward word choices ('give strength to them', 'young children allow to play'). These errors do not impede communication, but they do limit the score. To improve, focus on mastering the spelling of common academic terms and refining collocations to sound more natural and precise.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.5

The essay uses a mix of simple and complex sentence structures. While the meaning is generally clear, there are frequent grammatical errors, such as subject-verb agreement issues ('it would has', 'if young children allow to play', 'a school provide') and missing articles. Punctuation is also inconsistent, particularly with comma usage. While the writer attempts complex structures, the high frequency of errors in basic grammar prevents the essay from reaching a higher band. To improve, focus on subject-verb agreement and ensure that passive voice constructions are formed correctly.

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

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