Band 7.5 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 7.5 · Cambridge IELTS 21 · 2026-09-20

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)

Primary schools play a crucial role in shaping children’s early development. While some people believe that these schools place excessive emphasis on formal academic learning, I largely agree with this view. At the same time, I strongly believe that play is equally essential in the primary classroom.

On the one hand, it is true that many primary schools today prioritise formal learning to a worrying degree. In an increasingly competitive world, parents and schools often feel pressured to focus heavily on reading, writing, mathematics, and standardised tests from a very young age. As a result, children may spend long hours sitting at desks, completing worksheets, and preparing for assessments. This approach can reduce their natural curiosity and leave little time for creativity or social interaction. For example, in some education systems, even five- and six-year-olds are expected to meet strict academic targets, which can lead to stress and a loss of enthusiasm for learning.

On the other hand, play is extremely important for young children and should not be treated as secondary to formal lessons. Through play, children develop essential skills that formal instruction alone cannot easily teach. Physical play improves motor skills and health, while imaginative and social play helps children learn how to cooperate, solve problems, and manage emotions. Research in child development consistently shows that play-based learning enhances memory, language development, and creativity. In countries such as Finland, where primary education includes a strong element of play, children often achieve high academic results later while maintaining better well-being.

In my view, the ideal primary classroom should strike a healthy balance between structured learning and play. Formal teaching is necessary to build foundational knowledge, but it becomes far more effective when combined with interactive and playful activities. Teachers can, for instance, introduce mathematical concepts through games or develop literacy skills through storytelling and role-play. This integrated approach allows children to enjoy learning while still making academic progress.

In conclusion, I agree that many primary schools currently focus too heavily on formal learning. Play is not a distraction from education but a vital part of it. A balanced classroom that values both structured lessons and meaningful play will better support children’s intellectual, social, and emotional development.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 7.5

The response fully addresses all parts of the two-part prompt. The writer clearly states a position in the introduction regarding formal learning and play, addresses the first question by discussing the excessive focus on formal learning in primary schools, and answers the second question by exploring the importance of play in child development. Ideas are well-developed and supported with relevant examples, such as the mention of strict academic targets for young children and the reference to Finland's educational model. The position is maintained consistently throughout the essay, meeting all the requirements of Band 8.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 7.5

The essay displays a clear logical progression from the introduction, through the two body paragraphs exploring each side of the prompt, to a balanced synthesis and a concise conclusion. Cohesion is managed very well using appropriate cohesive devices such as 'On the one hand', 'On the other hand', 'As a result', and 'In my view'. Paragraphing is used sufficiently and appropriately, with each paragraph focusing on a distinct central topic. Referencing throughout the essay is clear and precise, ensuring the reader easily follows the line of argument.

Lexical Resource — Band 7.5

The writer demonstrates a wide, flexible, and natural range of vocabulary appropriate for an academic task. Less common lexical items and collocations are used skillfully, including phrases like 'excessive emphasis', 'standardised tests', 'natural curiosity', 'foundational knowledge', and 'integrated approach'. Word choice is generally precise, and there are no noticeable spelling or word-choice errors. The lexical control easily satisfies the descriptors for a Band 8 level.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 7.5

The response exhibits a wide range of complex grammatical structures used with a high degree of accuracy. The majority of sentences are error-free. The writer successfully employs conditional and participial constructions, relative clauses, and varied clause structures (e.g., 'In countries such as Finland, where primary education includes a strong element of play, children often achieve...'). Punctuation is accurate, and control over complex syntactic forms is strong throughout the entire text, aligning well with the Band 8 criteria.

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

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