Band 7.5 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 7.5 · Cambridge IELTS 21 · 2026-09-12

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)

There is an ongoing debate about whether primary schools place excessive emphasis on formal academic learning. I largely agree with this view, because although children need to develop fundamental academic skills, an overemphasis on conventional lessons can limit their social, emotional and creative development. In my view, play should be an integral part of primary education rather than being treated as a distraction from learning.

Formal education is undoubtedly important during the primary years. Children need to acquire basic skills in reading, writing and mathematics, which provide the foundation for their future education. However, requiring young children to spend most of the school day sitting at desks, completing exercises and memorising information may be counterproductive. At this age, children generally have limited attention spans and learn more effectively when lessons are varied and engaging. Excessive academic pressure can also make school feel stressful and may reduce children's natural curiosity and enthusiasm for learning.

Play, by contrast, offers numerous educational and developmental benefits. Through games and imaginative activities, children can acquire knowledge without necessarily feeling that they are being formally taught. For example, a mathematics lesson involving board games or physical objects can help pupils understand addition, subtraction and basic problem-solving more effectively than repetitive worksheets. Similarly, role-playing activities can develop children's vocabulary, communication skills and imagination. Outdoor games also encourage physical activity, cooperation and an understanding of rules, all of which are important aspects of a child's development.

Furthermore, play provides opportunities for children to develop social and emotional skills. When pupils work together during games, they learn how to negotiate, share, resolve disagreements and cope with both success and failure. These abilities are difficult to develop through traditional academic instruction alone. For instance, a child who participates in a team-building game may gradually become more confident in communicating with classmates and taking responsibility within a group.

In conclusion, I strongly believe that primary schools should strike a careful balance between formal learning and play. Academic subjects are essential, but young children should not be subjected to an overly rigid curriculum. Incorporating purposeful play into classroom teaching can make education more enjoyable while simultaneously developing the intellectual, social, physical and emotional skills that children need to thrive.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 7.5

The response fully addresses all parts of the two-part prompt. The student clearly states their position in the introduction regarding the overemphasis on formal learning in primary schools and explains both the reasons why they agree and the importance of play alongside learning. Ideas are well developed and extended throughout the essay, supported by relevant and logical explanations regarding social, emotional, and cognitive development. For instance, the discussion on how mathematics lessons can incorporate board games and physical objects effectively illustrates the point. There are no omissions or under-developed main points, meeting the criteria for a strong band score.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 7.5

The essay is logically organized with a clear overall progression from introduction to body paragraphs and conclusion. Each paragraph has a distinct central topic, such as the limitations of formal education, the educational benefits of play, and the development of social and emotional skills. Cohesive devices are used naturally and effectively, as seen with transitions like 'However', 'By contrast', 'Furthermore', and 'In conclusion'. Paragraphing is used skillfully and appropriately throughout the response. Referencing is clear, and the flow of ideas is smooth, ensuring that the reader can easily follow the student's argument.

Lexical Resource — Band 7.5

The writer uses a wide and flexible range of vocabulary suited to an academic context. Less common lexical items and collocations are employed skillfully, such as 'excessive emphasis', 'counterproductive', 'natural curiosity', 'imaginative activities', and 'rigid curriculum'. Word choice is generally precise and appropriate, with only rare instances of minor awkwardness. Spelling and word formation are entirely accurate throughout the text, demonstrating a high degree of lexical control and allowing the writer to convey precise meanings smoothly.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 7.5

The response demonstrates a wide range of sentence structures, utilizing both simple and complex forms with a high degree of flexibility and control. The majority of sentences are error-free, and complex clauses are handled securely, such as in the sentence 'When pupils work together during games, they learn how to negotiate, share, resolve disagreements and cope with both success and failure.' Punctuation is accurate, and grammar errors are virtually absent, with only occasional minor slips that do not impede communication at all. The control over syntax is robust and mature.

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