Band 7.5 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 7.5 · Cambridge IELTS 21 · 2026-09-18

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 7.5)

Some people contend that primary schools place excessive emphasis on formal academic instruction at the expense of other essential aspects of childhood development. I largely agree with this view, as a balanced approach that incorporates both structured learning and play is considerably more conducive to children's overall growth.

There is no doubt that formal education plays a pivotal role in a child's intellectual development. At the primary level, children need to acquire fundamental skills such as literacy, numeracy, problem-solving and effective communication. These abilities provide a solid foundation for their subsequent academic journey and enable them to comprehend increasingly complex concepts. However, an excessive preoccupation with academic attainment can be counterproductive. If young learners are subjected to prolonged periods of classroom instruction, relentless homework and frequent examinations, they may experience unnecessary pressure and gradually lose their innate curiosity towards learning. Therefore, academic instruction should be appropriately balanced rather than dominating the entire school experience.

Play, in contrast, is an indispensable component of childhood education. Recreational activities not only provide children with an opportunity to relax but also foster creativity, social competence and emotional resilience. Through team sports and interactive games, for instance, children learn to cooperate with their peers, negotiate disagreements and develop a sense of responsibility. Moreover, imaginative play encourages them to think independently and approach problems from different perspectives. These transferable skills can subsequently benefit them in both their academic and personal lives.

In conclusion, although formal learning is fundamental to establishing a strong educational foundation, I believe that primary schools should not allow academic instruction to overshadow play. A judicious combination of classroom learning and recreational activities can nurture children who are not only academically capable but also socially confident, creative and emotionally well-rounded.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 7.5

The response fully addresses all parts of both direct questions in the prompt. The student clearly takes a position on the extent of formal learning ('I largely agree with this view') and thoroughly discusses the importance of play alongside formal education in primary schools. Ideas are well developed and supported with relevant reasoning, such as the discussion on cognitive development versus the social and emotional benefits of recreational activities. The arguments flow logically from the prompt's premise, presenting a balanced view without losing focus. The response meets all task requirements with a clear, sustained position throughout, aligning closely with Band 8 descriptors.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 7.5

Cohesion and coherence are handled skillfully throughout the essay. Information and ideas are logically sequenced, guiding the reader smoothly from the introduction into the body paragraphs and conclusion. Each paragraph has a clear central topic, such as the benefits of formal learning in the second paragraph and the importance of play in the third. Cohesive devices are used naturally and effectively, as seen in transition markers like 'However', 'In contrast', and 'Moreover', without feeling mechanical. Paragraphing is used appropriately to structure the argument, resulting in a cohesive piece of writing that fits comfortably within the Band 8 criteria.

Lexical Resource — Band 7.5

The student demonstrates a wide, fluent, and flexible range of vocabulary appropriate for an academic discussion. Less common lexical items are used effectively and with precision, such as 'pivotal role', 'excessive preoccupation', 'counterproductive', 'indispensable component', and 'judicious combination'. Collocations are generally natural, and word choice is sophisticated (e.g., 'conducive to children's overall growth'). There are only occasional minor inaccuracies, but these do not impede communication in any way. The vocabulary range easily satisfies the Band 8 standard by showing both breadth and precise control.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 7.5

The essay displays a wide range of complex structures used with a high degree of control and flexibility. The majority of sentences are error-free, and complex constructions—such as conditional meaning and participial clauses—are integrated smoothly. For instance, sentences like 'If young learners are subjected to prolonged periods of classroom instruction... they may experience unnecessary pressure' and 'A judicious combination of classroom learning and recreational activities can nurture children who are not only academically capable but also socially confident...' demonstrate excellent grammatical control. Only very occasional, non-systematic slips are present, fully supporting a Band 8 score.

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