Band 6.0 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 6.0 · Cambridge IELTS 21 · 2026-09-15

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 6.0)

Individuals argue that primary schools focus too much on formal teaching. I agree to some extent because strict regulations are an important part of learning, while practical learning and sports are equally important as formal study.

On the one hand, schools, colleges, and universities should introduce a strict curriculum that students can follow, such as theoretical lectures. This may help students learn discipline and time management. Students should attend classes regularly because theory is a basic part of education that can help them understand difficult concepts. For instance, pharmacy students should learn subjects such as anatomy and physiology, pharmaceutics, and pharmacology. This may help them in their future careers. Moreover, students should take examinations regularly to assess their knowledge based on their grades.

On the other hand, formal learning provides fewer opportunities to learn practical skills such as critical thinking, problem-solving, and creativity. Activities can play major roles in students' lives. Projects, experiments, internships, and vocational training programmes help students apply their knowledge in real-life situations. For instance, pharmacy students may only memorise drug names, uses, mechanisms of action, and adverse effects. During internships and vocational training, however, they can deal with real patients. As a result, they gain valuable exposure and improve their practical skills.

Additionally, students' participation in sports is also important. Students who play cricket, football, volleyball, and kho-kho can become physically stronger and mentally more active. Playing sports also helps students make new friends and learn how to work with others. Furthermore, sports help students develop leadership skills and confidence. Therefore, everyone should include some form of physical activity in their daily routine.

In conclusion, I believe that a balance between formal study, practical learning, and sports should be maintained. This combination can benefit students in many ways and have a positive impact on their overall development.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 6.0

The response addresses all parts of the prompt, discussing both the extent of agreement regarding formal learning in primary schools and the importance of play and practical activities. The student takes a clear position in the introduction and maintains it throughout the essay. Ideas are extended with relevant examples, such as mentioning medical education, although some of the examples lean towards higher education rather than focusing strictly on primary schools as requested in the prompt. Nevertheless, the main arguments about balance, physical education, and creativity are well-supported and relevant to the overarching theme of educational approaches.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.5

The essay is logically organized with a clear overall progression from introduction to body paragraphs and conclusion. Each paragraph has a clear central topic, such as the benefits of strict curricula in the second paragraph, practical skills in the third, and physical sports in the fourth. Cohesive devices are used adequately, including phrases like 'On the one hand', 'On the other hand', and 'In conclusion'. However, paragraphing could be slightly refined, and referencing or transitional links between sentences occasionally feel a bit mechanical. Overall, the text is easy to follow and coherent.

Lexical Resource — Band 5.5

The student demonstrates an adequate and generally appropriate range of vocabulary for the task. Words and phrases such as 'strict regulations', 'time management', 'critical thinking', and 'overall development' are used effectively. There are some attempts to use less common vocabulary, though certain word choices lean towards general or slightly repetitive phrasing ('formal learning', 'practical skills'). Spelling and word formation are generally accurate and do not impede communication, placing the response comfortably within the competent range.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 6.0

The writer uses a mix of simple and complex sentence structures with generally good control. Examples of complex sentences, such as 'Students who play cricket, football, volleyball, and kho-kho can become physically stronger and mentally more active', demonstrate a solid grammatical range. The majority of simple sentences are error-free, and while minor grammatical slips or slight awkwardness occur occasionally, they never impede communication or obscure the writer's meaning. Punctuation is also handled accurately throughout the response.

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