Band 7.5 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 7.5 · Cambridge IELTS 21 · 2026-09-05

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 argue that primary schools place too much emphasis on formal academic learning. I largely agree with this view because young children need opportunities to develop socially, emotionally and physically, not simply acquire academic knowledge. In my opinion, play should be an important part of primary education, although it should be balanced with structured learning.

On the one hand, formal education is essential for children because primary school is where they develop fundamental skills such as reading, writing and mathematics. These abilities provide the foundation for their future education and everyday lives. For example, children who learn basic mathematical concepts at an early age are more likely to manage practical tasks such as handling money and solving simple problems confidently. Therefore, schools cannot neglect academic subjects simply because children are young.

However, I believe that some primary schools place excessive pressure on children to achieve academic results. Young learners may spend several hours sitting in classrooms, completing worksheets and memorising information, which can make education stressful and reduce their natural curiosity. At this age, children also need to develop communication skills, creativity and emotional intelligence. These qualities are often difficult to develop through traditional classroom instruction alone.

For this reason, play should have a significant role in primary classrooms. Educational games can make learning more enjoyable while helping children understand difficult concepts. For instance, teachers can use board games to teach mathematics or role-playing activities to improve children's speaking and communication skills. Outdoor play is equally important because it encourages physical activity, cooperation and problem-solving. When children play together, they learn how to share, negotiate and deal with disagreements, which are valuable skills in later life.

In conclusion, although formal learning is necessary in primary schools, I agree that too much emphasis can be harmful to children's overall development. Schools should therefore create a balance between academic study and play. A combination of structured lessons and enjoyable activities would allow children to gain essential knowledge while also developing the social, physical and creative skills they need for the future.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 7.5

The response fully addresses all parts of the prompt. You clearly state your position in the introduction and maintain it throughout the essay. Both parts of the question—the extent of your agreement and the importance of play—are well-developed with relevant examples, such as the use of board games for mathematics and the social benefits of outdoor play. The ideas are extended logically, and the conclusion effectively synthesises your arguments. The response is balanced and demonstrates a clear understanding of the task 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 necessity of formal learning and the benefits of play is smooth. You use a variety of cohesive devices effectively, such as 'On the one hand', 'However', 'For this reason', and 'In conclusion'. Paragraphing is used appropriately to separate distinct points. The flow of information is natural, and referencing is clear throughout the text, making the argument easy to follow.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.5

You demonstrate a sufficient range of vocabulary to discuss the topic with precision. Phrases like 'excessive pressure', 'natural curiosity', 'emotional intelligence', and 'structured lessons' show a good command of academic language. While the vocabulary is accurate and fits the context well, it remains largely functional. To reach a higher band, you could incorporate more sophisticated or idiomatic collocations to add nuance to your arguments. However, the current range is more than adequate for the task, and there are no errors in word choice or spelling.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 7.5

The essay displays a good variety of complex sentence structures, such as the use of conditional clauses ('When children play together, they learn...') and relative clauses ('...which can make education stressful...'). The grammar is highly accurate, with the majority of sentences being error-free. Punctuation is used correctly to support the clarity of your arguments. There is a consistent level of control over tense and subject-verb agreement. The writing is fluent and demonstrates a high level of grammatical competence.

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