Band 6.5 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 6.5 · 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 6.5)

Some people argue that primary schools place too much emphasis on formal teaching. I agree with this view to some extent because, although academic education is essential for developing a strong foundation of knowledge, practical activities and sports are equally important for children's overall development.

On the one hand, formal education plays a crucial role in a child's academic development. Schools need to follow a structured curriculum so that students can acquire essential theoretical knowledge in a systematic way. Attending regular lessons can also teach children discipline, time management, and responsibility. Furthermore, theoretical knowledge provides the foundation for understanding more complex subjects in the future. For example, students who intend to pursue pharmacy need to study subjects such as anatomy, physiology, pharmaceutics, and pharmacology before they can effectively apply this knowledge in professional settings. Regular examinations can also help teachers evaluate students' progress and identify areas where they need further support.

On the other hand, an excessive focus on formal teaching may limit children's opportunities to develop practical skills. Classroom-based learning alone does not always provide sufficient opportunities to develop critical thinking, problem-solving abilities, creativity, and communication skills. Therefore, schools should incorporate activities such as projects, experiments, fieldwork, and practical training into their curriculum. For instance, pharmacy students may memorise drug names, their uses, mechanisms of action, and adverse effects in the classroom; however, internships allow them to interact with real patients and apply their theoretical knowledge in practical situations. Consequently, they gain valuable experience and become more confident in dealing with real-world challenges.

In addition to academic and practical learning, participation in sports should also be encouraged. Activities such as cricket, football, volleyball, and kho-kho help children maintain physical fitness and improve their mental well-being. Sports can also teach valuable social skills because students learn to cooperate with teammates, communicate effectively, and accept both victory and defeat. Moreover, regular physical activity can develop leadership skills, self-confidence, and a sense of discipline. For these reasons, schools should provide sufficient time for physical activities rather than concentrating exclusively on academic subjects.

In conclusion, while formal education is essential for providing students with fundamental academic knowledge, I believe that it should be balanced with practical learning and sports. A well-rounded education can help children develop not only academically but also physically, socially, and emotionally, preparing them more effectively for their future lives.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 6.5

The student addresses all parts of the prompt effectively, presenting a clear position agreeing with the statement to some extent while also discussing the importance of play and sports in primary schools. Ideas are well developed and supported with relevant reasoning, although the example regarding pharmacy students is slightly misplaced for primary-level education, as it refers to higher education. Nevertheless, the response covers the prompt thoroughly, extending ideas logically throughout. This performance satisfies the criteria for Band 7.0.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.5

The essay demonstrates a clear logical organization and progression throughout. Each paragraph has a distinct central topic, moving smoothly from the introduction to formal education, practical learning, sports, and a balanced conclusion. Cohesive devices such as 'On the one hand,' 'On the other hand,' 'Furthermore,' and 'In conclusion' are used effectively to guide the reader through the argument. Paragraphing is managed appropriately. There is occasional minor mechanical use of cohesive devices, but overall, the progression is clear, supporting a Band 7.0 score.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.5

The student demonstrates a sufficient range of vocabulary for flexibility and precision. Less common lexical items are used with some awareness of style and collocation, such as 'fundamental academic knowledge,' 'mental well-being,' and 'theoretical knowledge.' While vocabulary choices are generally appropriate and communication flows smoothly, there are occasional instances of slightly repetitive phrasing or awkward topic connections, such as applying university-level pharmacy concepts to primary school children. Spelling and word choice are accurate, placing this response firmly in the Band 7.0 category.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 6.5

The response features a good variety of complex sentence structures, including conditional and participial clauses (e.g., 'students who intend to pursue pharmacy need to study...' and 'helping children maintain physical fitness...'). There is a high frequency of error-free sentences, and the student demonstrates good control of grammar and punctuation throughout. The occasional slip does not impede communication, and the range of structures deployed indicates strong overall control, fully aligning with the descriptors for Band 7.0.

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