Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

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

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)

It is often argued that primary schools focus too much on formal learning. While I agree academic studies are important for children, I believe that play is equally important for their overall development. This essay will discuss both views and explain why a balance between learning and play is necessary.

On the one hand, there are several reasons why academic studies are importan it can improve the skills which they can use in their professional lives. Reading and writing help them in later studies. If they get basic education they can learn different and useable skills which can help them to achieve their desired goals. In addition mathematics develops problem solving skills they broaden theirknowledge and students think critically also they help them to organized and discipline. For example, a child who develops strong reading skills in primary school can understand textbooks more easily in secondary school.

On the other hand, co curricular activities also play a major part in students life. Apart from studies activities also important for their growth and development. Some time students get fed up they need some break from their studies then these activities play major role it is also the part of their studies. Students learn team work, communication skills, art and craft and other stuffs. Physical activities not only provide strength their bodies but also keep them fresh and strong.For example, schools held compitation like spelling bee where students show their skills and it can also boots their confidence level if students are good in their academic studies they can easily participate those types of completions.

In conclusion, although primary education is important for future, I believe that play should also be given sufficient attention because it helps to development confidence. Therefore, a balance between the two approaches is the most suitable option.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 5.5

The response addresses all parts of the two-part prompt. The writer takes a clear position agreeing that while formal learning matters, play is equally important. The ideas in the body paragraphs are relevant, such as mentioning that academic studies improve professional skills and problem-solving, while play develops communication, teamwork, and confidence. However, some arguments remain somewhat under-developed and lack extended explanation, pushing the text into the Band 6 descriptor range. For instance, the point about mathematics developing problem-solving skills is stated rather than fully explored. Overall, the task is answered adequately, earning a Band 6.0.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.5

The essay displays a coherent overall arrangement with a clear introduction, two distinct body paragraphs, and a conclusion. Paragraphing is used appropriately to separate the two opposing viewpoints. Cohesive devices are utilized, such as 'On the one hand', 'In addition', and 'On the other hand', although some referencing and transitions feel slightly mechanical or abrupt, as seen with 'Some time students get fed up they need some break'. Logical progression is generally maintained, though some sentences run together or lack appropriate punctuation, which affects the flow. These features align well with the Band 6 descriptors for cohesion and logical sequencing.

Lexical Resource — Band 5.5

The student demonstrates an adequate vocabulary range for the task, attempting some less common phrases like 'co curricular activities', 'professional lives', and 'critical thinking'. However, there are noticeable spelling and word choice inaccuracies throughout the text, such as 'importan' instead of important, 'useable' instead of usable, 'organized' instead of organise, 'compitation' instead of competition, and 'boots' instead of boost. These lexical errors do not seriously impede communication, but they restrict the score to a Band 5.5, as the vocabulary control falls short of the consistent precision required for a Band 6.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.0

The writer attempts a mix of simple and complex sentence structures, including conditional structures ('If they get basic education...') and relative clauses. However, there are frequent grammatical errors and punctuation issues, particularly run-on sentences and missing commas or periods, as demonstrated in 'Some time students get fed up they need some break from their studies then these activities play major role it is also the part of their studies.' Subject-verb agreement and article usage also show inconsistencies. Because errors occur frequently and sometimes cause difficulty for the reader, the grammar performance is best described by Band 5.0 descriptors.

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