Band 6.5 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 6.5 · Cambridge IELTS 21 · 2026-09-13

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 6.5)

Some individuals believe that primary schools concentrate too much on formal learning, I strongly think schools should focus on the activities that can encourage children to play as well as learn in the primary school classrooms. This way of teaching can create an engaging environment for children and they will develop more skills efficiently.

There are several reasons why schools prefer formal learning patterns. One of the main reasons is that, they believe children at young age have sharp memory and they learn things quickly as compared to older ones. For instance, children have sharp memory and good grasping power. But only focusing on formal teaching has many drawbacks, children may resist going to schools.

From my perspective, if schools alter their ways of teaching it will beneficial for both schools and children. Institutions should focus on creating different study patterns for students, including play activities which will encourage most of the children to participate. Hence, resulting in more effective learning. Another merit will be the development of social skills in children from young age. For example, when children take part in different games and activities, they will interact with each other and they will learn importance of working in team. This will help in development of their communication skills and also encouraging them to share their thoughts confidently. This will create a positive impact in their social development. Therefore, schools should create learning plans that focus more on overall child development not only formal learning.

To conclude, schools should plan activities for children to encourage them to learn and develop their social skills. This way of teaching will lead to positive learning outcome.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 7.0

The response addresses all parts of the two-part prompt. The writer clearly states their position regarding formal learning and play in primary schools, explaining why a balanced approach is beneficial. Ideas are extended and supported with relevant examples, such as the development of social skills through group games and teamwork. While the arguments are generally well-developed, some points are slightly repetitive, such as the repeated emphasis on social skills and communication without introducing further distinct dimensions. Nevertheless, the position remains clear throughout, and the main tenets of the task are appropriately covered. This performance aligns well with the requirements for Band 7.0.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.5

The essay displays a clear overall progression and logical organisation. Information and ideas are structured into distinct paragraphs, starting with an introduction, exploring reasons for formal learning, discussing the benefits of play-based learning, and concluding appropriately. Cohesive devices are used to connect ideas, such as "One of the main reasons is that," "From my perspective," and "To conclude." However, there is a minor mechanical error in sentence boundary punctuation in the opening sentence, where a comma splice occurs ("...formal learning, I strongly think..."). Additionally, some referencing could be smoother. Overall, the logical flow is evident throughout, warranting a Band 6.5.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.0

The student demonstrates an adequate range of vocabulary suitable for the task, successfully attempting less common items and phrases such as "engaging environment," "grasping power," "alter their ways of teaching," and "overall child development." However, there are some inaccuracies in word choice, collocation, and phrasing, such as "children at young age" (missing article), "good grasping power," and "will beneficial" (missing verb 'be'). Despite these errors, meaning is never obscured, and communication remains clear. The lexical range is sufficient to meet the requirements for a Band 6.0.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 6.0

The writer uses a mix of simple and complex sentence structures, including conditional structures ("if schools alter their ways of teaching it will beneficial...") and relative clauses. However, control over complex structures is inconsistent, and several grammatical errors occur throughout the text. Examples include the aforementioned comma splice in the first sentence, missing articles ("at young age," "from young age"), missing auxiliary verbs ("it will beneficial"), and minor prepositional inaccuracies. While these errors do not impede communication, they occur with enough frequency to prevent the essay from reaching Band 7.0, making a Band 6.0 the most appropriate score.

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