Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 5.5 · Cambridge IELTS 21 · 2026-09-17

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 5.5)

Many people think that elementary schools place emphasis on formal learning. I partly agree with this idea this is mainly because, where academic education is very important for childerns, other activities such as play are also very essential for student's overall growth and development.

On the one hand, traditional learning is extremely necessary for childrens at primary level because classroom learning improves their fundamental growth. For example, subjects such as mathematics, science, writing, and reading enhance their basic skills which is mandatory for their career growth. When a student learns math by their instructors, they are able to solve complex questions and problems at an early age. As a result, their ability to learn gradually improve through formal learning.

On the other hand, where school-based learning is beneficial for childrens however, play is also very important for youngsters. In addition, recreational activities play a vital role in children's mental and physical health and it can also improve their problem-solving skills, social skills, and enhance creativity. For example, when a student takes part in games they learn how to communicate with others and follow rules. Moreover, play also help to improve mental health, relieve stress, and they can focused better on their goals.

To conclude, some people believe that primary schools focus too much on academic education. I think a good balance between learning and play is most effective because education improves children's fundamental and career growth while play also plays a major role in their overall health and social skills.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 5.5

The response addresses all parts of the two-part prompt by discussing the extent of agreement regarding formal learning and explaining the importance of play in primary schools. The position is clear from the introduction and maintained throughout the essay. Ideas are generally relevant, as seen when the writer contrasts academic subjects like mathematics with the social and developmental benefits of recreational activities. However, some arguments lack deeper extension and development; for instance, the point regarding mental health and stress relief is stated rather than fully explored with concrete details. Nevertheless, the response covers all requirements adequately and provides a coherent argument that aligns well with the Band 6.0 descriptors.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.5

The essay displays a coherent overall arrangement with a clear paragraph structure consisting of an introduction, two body paragraphs, and a conclusion. Cohesive devices are used to signal shifts in argument, such as 'On the one hand' and 'On the other hand', which helps guide the reader through the text. However, there are some mechanical or awkward transitions, such as 'I partly agree with this idea this is mainly because', which creates a run-on structure and minor cohesion fault. Additionally, referencing is occasionally imprecise, as seen in the phrase 'and they can focused better on their goals' where the pronoun antecedent is somewhat blurred. Overall organisation is logical, placing the response solidly in the Band 6.0 range.

Lexical Resource — Band 5.5

The student uses an adequate range of vocabulary for the task, successfully incorporating appropriate terms such as 'recreational activities', 'fundamental growth', and 'problem-solving skills'. There are, however, noticeable word choice and collocation slips, such as 'childerns' (a persistent spelling/form error), 'place emphasis on' used with a missing article, and 'ability to learn gradually improve' (grammatical agreement error affecting lexical flow). Less common vocabulary is attempted with limited success, and spelling inaccuracies like 'childerns' and 'focused' prevent the lexical score from reaching higher bands. The vocabulary is minimally adequate and does not seriously impede overall communication, fitting the Band 6.0 profile.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.5

The response demonstrates a mix of simple and complex sentence forms, utilizing subordinating clauses such as 'When a student learns math by their instructors...' and 'where school-based learning is beneficial for childrens however...'. However, control over grammar and punctuation is inconsistent. There are several grammatical errors and awkward structures throughout the text, including subject-verb agreement issues ('ability to learn gradually improve'), incorrect prepositions ('learn math by their instructors' instead of 'from'), and punctuation errors like run-on sentences. These errors occasionally cause the reader some minor hesitation, though they do not completely obscure the meaning. This performance is characteristic of Band 5.5.

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

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