Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 5.5 · Cambridge IELTS 21 · 2026-09-06

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)

Schools are the system of learning and experiencing studies. It plays a vital role in any nation worldwide. Majority of people debates that elementary schools are concentrating only on non-formal learning. In my opinion, I agree to this statement, it is very significant for a children to learn and play as well in their primary classes.

Firstly, informal learning is a way which helps teacher to understand and deal with childrens behavior. As kids are more into playing games rather than studying because too much formal learning can be boring and stressful for kids specially. If teacher want’s to grab the attention of a children towards studies then informal learning is the best way to catch attention as childrens are more interested in activities instead forcing them to read books. For instance, in a classroom teacher notices in the reading book period. The students behaves lazy and it feels like their energy is drained but in the gaming session they are feeling active and more energetic. Thus, formal learning can be depressing for kids and teachers can teach anything via informal learning.

Secondly, learning through playing can improve the concentration and build the communication, problem-solving and teamwork skill which is beneficial for a kid in future. Because, the balance of learning and playing is important. Childrens are not capable of learning all the time or playing all the time instead if schools trick the kids and apply informal learning curriculum it has a lot of prons for student itself. For example, teachers usually apply a technique of teaching A to Z alphabets as they instruct student to write these alphabets on a sand through which kids enjoy learning while playing with sand. Therefore, the benefits of learning while playing is far more better than learning and reading books or syllabus only.

In conclusion, academic study and play balances the overall health of child even it build new skills and it never bounds a kids mind. Additionally, children can be more interested in going to school and never feel lazy for school. Formal learning is not a best way to teach kids anything because it correlated with the child behavior.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 6.0

The response addresses both parts of the prompt: the extent of agreement with the focus on formal learning and the importance of play. The position is clear throughout. Ideas are relevant, such as the benefits of play for concentration and social skills, and the example of using sand to teach the alphabet is effective. However, the development is somewhat repetitive, and some arguments, such as the claim that formal learning is 'depressing,' are over-generalized. To reach a higher band, ensure that each paragraph introduces a distinct, well-supported point rather than restating the same benefits in different ways.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.5

The essay is organized into logical paragraphs, each with a clear central topic. Cohesive devices are used, such as 'Firstly,' 'Secondly,' and 'In conclusion,' which help guide the reader. However, the use of cohesive devices is sometimes mechanical or slightly inaccurate, such as 'Thus, formal learning can be depressing' or 'it correlated with the child behavior.' Referencing is occasionally unclear, and the flow between sentences could be smoother. The paragraphing is appropriate, but the internal cohesion within paragraphs needs more variety to achieve a higher score.

Lexical Resource — Band 5.5

The range of vocabulary is adequate for the task, allowing the writer to express ideas clearly. There are attempts to use less common vocabulary, such as 'vital role' and 'curriculum,' but there are also persistent errors in word choice and form, such as 'prons' (pros), 'childrens' (children), and 'it never bounds a kids mind.' These errors do not impede communication, but they do limit the precision of the writing. To improve, focus on mastering plural forms and using collocations more accurately.

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, particularly with subject-verb agreement ('teacher want’s,' 'student behaves') and pluralization ('childrens'). Punctuation is also inconsistent, with missing commas and unnecessary apostrophes. While the writer attempts complex structures, the frequency of these errors prevents the essay from reaching a higher band. Focusing on basic grammatical accuracy and proofreading for subject-verb agreement would significantly improve the quality of the writing.

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