Band 5.0 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 5.0 · 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 5.0)
Many individuals believe that primary schools force students to indulge more in academics for cognitive development. However, sports and other activities equally responsible for pupils, so in future they will multiple options while choosing career path. In my prospective both opinions both statements are equally stands for their value, which discussed further.
Formal studies build strong base of scholar in foundation of academics. When a children started learning writing and reading their brain adapt knowledge fast as compared to adults, that time should be spend on future development approach. More time in studies build interest in science and mathematics which leads them to create a strong foundation in researches about new technology and new finding in medical science. For example, in china it is mandatory to attend the classes whole year for school students to compete with advancement of upcoming AI tools.
On the other hand, sports and leisure time is essential for child to construct a discipline in their life. In the future they can develop the team work sprit and leadership qualities while participating in debates, athletics and volunteering. Current world have produced multiple millionaires most of them are sport, artists and political background which showed the only literature cannot contribute in success. for instance, in US most olympic gold medalist players found in all categories like: swimming, long jump and 100m race.
It cannot be denied the academic and literature are crucial for pupils critical thinking and future decisions, whereas sports and other activities contributes equally in all aspects of life.
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 5.0 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 5.0 |
| Lexical Resource | 5.0 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 4.0 |
| Overall | 5.0 |
Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 5.0
The response addresses both parts of the prompt, discussing the focus on formal learning and the importance of play and activities in primary school. The student adopts a position stating that both elements are equally valuable. However, the development of ideas is somewhat limited and relies on sweeping generalisations, such as claiming that 'current world have produced multiple millionaires most of them are sport, artists and political background'. While the two-part question is acknowledged, the supporting examples lack depth and precision, placing the response firmly at Band 5.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.0
The essay is divided into paragraphs, which helps structure the overall argument. However, the logical progression is frequently disrupted by awkward phrasing, such as 'In my prospective both opinions both statements are equally stands for their value, which discussed further.' Cohesive devices are used mechanically or inappropriately, and referencing is often unclear (e.g., 'a children started', 'the only literature'). Paragraphing is attempted, but internal cohesion is weak, leading to an overall score of 5.0.
Lexical Resource — Band 5.0
The lexical range is limited and frequently hindered by word choice errors and incorrect collocations. Examples include 'indulge more in academics', 'scholar in foundation', and 'sprit' instead of 'spirit'. The student attempts less common vocabulary like 'cognitive development' and 'mandatory', but recurring errors in word formation and phrasing (e.g., 'sport, artists and political background') restrict the vocabulary to a Band 5 level, causing occasional difficulty for the reader.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 4.0
The response features a very limited range of grammatical structures, and attempts at complex sentences often result in severe errors. Frequent mistakes include subject-verb agreement issues (e.g., 'sports and other activities equally responsible', 'a children started', 'most olympic gold medalist players found'), missing articles, and awkward phrasing that obscures the meaning. Because errors are frequent and pervasive throughout the text, the appropriate band score is 4.0.
See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.
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