Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 5.5 · Cambridge IELTS 21 · 2026-09-22

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)

In my opinion formal learning plays essential role in children life however playing is also important for children in primary school so that students dont feel exhuasted. Formal education builds a strong foundation in reading, writing, and arithmetic, which prepares young students for future academic success. Playing creative games that also help children to learn are very important so that students can learn while playing in high school in this way their mind is relaxed and can learn and memorise things easily. When educational activities are combined with fun group tasks, children retain complex information much more effectively. Moreover it helps children to be creative in growing age playing is as vital as studying, because imaginative play allows them to think outside the box and solve problems independently.

If students study too much they will be lazy and get tired quickly however if childrens are involved in some physical activity like playing cricket,football they feel fresh and can focus on studies well. Physical exercise promotes healthy body development, reduces mental strain, and keeps young minds sharp throughout the day. For example if student only studies in school he will get tired and feel lazy and cant develop interest in school and studies. Sitting at a desk for long hours without breaks naturally leads to boredom and a lack of attention. But if student in school are involved in playing as well as studying in this way they will be more energetic and fresh then they can focus on studies and develop interest in them.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 5.5

The response addresses both parts of the prompt, discussing the balance between formal learning and play in primary schools. The candidate presents a clear position that both are essential, noting that formal learning builds foundational skills while play prevents exhaustion and fosters creativity. However, the development of ideas is somewhat repetitive, particularly regarding how play keeps children fresh and prevents them from getting tired. While the main arguments are relevant, they lack deep extension and rely on somewhat generalised points rather than specific examples. Therefore, this performance aligns closely with Band 6.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.5

The essay has a coherent overall arrangement and follows a standard two-body-paragraph structure after the introduction. Progression is generally understandable, but cohesion is frequently mechanical or faulty due to a lack of appropriate punctuation and linking words. For example, sentences often run on without commas or periods, such as 'Moreover it helps children to be creative in growing age playing is as vital as studying'. Paragraphing is used, but internal cohesive devices are basic and sometimes inadequate, leading to a choppy reading experience. This places the response at Band 5.5.

Lexical Resource — Band 5.5

The student demonstrates an adequate vocabulary range for the task, attempting some less common words and phrases such as 'foundational success', 'independent', and 'mental strain'. However, there are notable spelling errors, such as 'exhuasted' and 'childrens', alongside awkward phrasing like 'growing age'. Word choice is generally functional but occasionally imprecise. Because the vocabulary is sufficient to convey the main message despite these noticeable errors and limitations, it warrants a Band 5.5.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.0

The essay uses a mix of simple and complex sentence forms, though complex structures are often prone to punctuation errors and run-on structures. For instance, sentences like 'If students study too much they will be lazy and get tired quickly however if childrens are involved...' lack necessary commas and conjunction control. Punctuation is a weak point, with missing periods and commas throughout the text. While the grammar does not entirely impede communication, frequent errors in punctuation and basic agreement keep the score at Band 5.0.

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

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