Band 6.5 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 6.5 · Cambridge IELTS 21 · 2026-09-16

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)

The issue of how primary school children should spend their time has become a subject of considerable debate. While some people argue that schools place too much emphasis on formal learning, others believe that academic education should remain the main focus. I largely agree that children need a balance between study and other activities, and I believe that play is an important part of their early education.

One important aspect of this issue is the amount of formal learning expected from young children. At primary school age, children are still developing their basic social, emotional and cognitive skills, so spending most of the school day on traditional academic tasks may put unnecessary pressure on them. This means that lessons should not only involve reading, writing and mathematics, but should also give children opportunities to learn through different activities. For example, group activities, drawing and simple practical tasks can help children understand ideas while keeping them interested in learning. As a result, a more varied classroom environment can support both academic development and children's overall growth.

At the same time, play should also be considered an important part of primary education. The main reason is that children can develop communication, creativity and problem-solving skills while playing with others. When children take part in games, they learn how to cooperate, follow rules and deal with both success and failure. This can be seen in activities such as team games or role-playing exercises, where children have to communicate and make decisions together. Consequently, play can develop useful skills that are difficult to teach through formal lessons alone.

Overall, primary education should not focus entirely on formal academic learning, particularly because young children need opportunities to develop in other ways. Although basic subjects are essential for their future education, I believe that play is equally important because it supports social, emotional and practical development. Ultimately, a balanced classroom that combines learning with play can provide children with a stronger foundation for their later education.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 6.5

The student has successfully addressed all parts of the two-part prompt. They clearly state their position regarding formal learning in primary schools and discuss both the extent of agreement and the importance of play. The ideas are well-developed and supported with relevant examples, such as group activities and role-playing exercises. The response maintains a clear position throughout and extends arguments logically. The band descriptors for Band 7 are fully met as all parts are addressed with a clear position and well-extended ideas.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.5

The essay displays a clear logical organisation and progression throughout. Each paragraph has a distinct central topic, moving smoothly from introduction to body paragraphs discussing formal learning and play respectively, and finishing with a cohesive conclusion. Cohesive devices such as 'At the same time', 'For example', and 'Consequently' are used effectively without being overused or mechanical. Paragraphing is used sufficiently and appropriately, satisfying the criteria for Band 7.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.5

The student demonstrates a sufficient range of vocabulary that allows for some flexibility and precision, such as 'considerable debate', 'unnecessary pressure', and 'problem-solving skills'. Less common lexical items are attempted with adequate awareness of style and collocation (e.g., 'cognitive skills', 'varied classroom environment'). There are very few spelling or word-choice errors, and communication is never impeded. The vocabulary used is appropriate for a Band 7 score.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 6.5

The response features a good variety of complex structures, such as conditional and concessive clauses (e.g., 'While some people argue that...', 'When children take part in games, they learn...'). There are frequent error-free sentences, and the overall control of grammar and punctuation is strong. While a wider range of truly sophisticated structures might push this higher, the current control easily satisfies the requirements for Band 7, featuring only occasional minor slips.

See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.

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