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 believe that primary schools place too much importance on formal learning. I partly agree with this opinion because academic subjects are important for children, but I also believe that playing is necessary for their overall development.

On the one hand, formal learning is an important part of primary education. Children need to learn basic subjects such as reading, writing, mathematics and science. These skills provide a strong foundation for their future education and daily life. For example, if children learn mathematics properly at an early age, they will find more difficult subjects easier when they grow older. In addition, schools have a responsibility to prepare children for secondary education, so some amount of classroom-based learning is necessary.

On the other hand, I believe that primary schools should give children enough time to play. Young children cannot concentrate on lessons for a very long time, and too much academic pressure may make them bored or stressed. Playing can also help children develop important social skills. For instance, when children play games together, they learn how to share, cooperate and solve small problems with their classmates. Physical games are also useful because they help children stay active and healthy.

In my opinion, the best approach is to have a balance between learning and playing. Schools can use games as part of lessons instead of completely separating play from education. For example, teachers can use educational games to teach numbers, new words or simple scientific ideas. This can make lessons more enjoyable while children are still learning useful information.

In conclusion, although formal education is essential in primary schools, I do not think that children should spend all their time studying. Play is equally important because it supports children's physical, social and emotional development. Therefore, primary schools should provide a suitable balance between academic learning and play.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 6.5

The response successfully addresses all parts of the two-part prompt. The writer clearly states a position in the introduction by explaining that they partly agree that formal learning is overemphasized while simultaneously arguing for the necessity of play. Throughout the body paragraphs, both aspects of the prompt are explored: the importance of formal subjects like reading and mathematics, and the critical role of play in social and emotional development. Ideas are well-supported with relevant examples, such as mentioning how early math skills help with more difficult subjects later on, and how group games teach children to share and cooperate. The arguments are logical, cohesive, and directly tied to the question. The conclusion neatly summarizes the main points without introducing new arguments, reflecting a well-developed and complete response that easily earns a Band 7.0 for fully answering all requirements with a clear position.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.5

The essay demonstrates a clear logical organization and progression throughout. Each paragraph has a distinct focus, beginning with a well-structured introduction, followed by balanced body paragraphs addressing academic learning and play respectively, a paragraph discussing a blended approach, and a concise conclusion. Cohesive devices are used appropriately to guide the reader through the arguments, such as 'On the one hand', 'On the other hand', and 'In my opinion'. Paragraphing is handled sufficiently and logically, with each paragraph developing a central theme. While some cohesive phrases are standard rather than highly sophisticated, the overall structural framework is robust, clear, and easy to follow. Referencing is consistently accurate, and pronouns or discourse markers are managed effectively to link ideas together, matching the Band 7.0 criteria.

Lexical Resource — Band 5.5

The student uses an adequate and natural range of vocabulary that is sufficient for the task. Common academic and educational terms are used correctly, such as 'overall development', 'foundation', 'secondary education', and 'emotional development'. There are also successful attempts at less common phrasing, such as 'classroom-based learning' and 'academic pressure'. Word choice is generally precise, and spelling is accurate throughout the text. Although the vocabulary is somewhat functional rather than demonstrating a wide or highly sophisticated command of idioms or uncommon lexical items, it is more than adequate to convey precise meanings without any misunderstandings. The lexical control is solid and steady, justifying a Band 6.0.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 6.5

The essay exhibits a good mix of simple and complex sentence structures, demonstrating control over grammatical forms. The writer successfully uses conditional structures ('if children learn mathematics properly at an early age, they will find more difficult subjects easier'), concessive clauses ('although formal education is essential...'), and relative clauses. Punctuation is used correctly to separate clauses and structure lists. While the range of grammar is somewhat standard and relies on clear, accessible patterns rather than highly ambitious syntactic structures, the sentences are largely accurate. Errors are very infrequent and do not impede communication in any way. This level of control, featuring frequent error-free sentences combined with a reliable mix of structures, earns a solid Band 7.0.

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