Band 6.5 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 6.5 · 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 6.5)

It is often argued that primary schools focus too much on formal learning and do not give children enough time to play. I partly agree with this view because academic education is important, but play is also necessary for children’s development.

On the one hand, formal learning is essential in primary education. Children need to develop basic skills such as reading, writing and mathematics, which provide a foundation for their future studies. However, if students spend most of their school day sitting in classrooms, completing exercises and memorising information, they may become bored and lose motivation. Young children usually have shorter attention spans, so studying continuously may not always be an effective method of teaching.

On the other hand, play is extremely important for children. Through games and physical activities, children can improve their health, coordination and communication skills. Playing with classmates also teaches them how to share, cooperate and follow rules. Moreover, teachers can combine play with academic learning. For example, mathematics games and spelling competitions can help students learn while enjoying themselves. This can make lessons more interesting and encourage children to participate actively.

Nevertheless, formal education should not be replaced by play. Children still need structured lessons to develop important academic knowledge. Therefore, schools should maintain a balance between studying and playing.

In conclusion, I partly agree that primary schools can place too much emphasis on formal learning. Although academic subjects are necessary, play is equally valuable because it supports children’s physical, social and emotional development. A balanced approach can provide children with a more effective education.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 6.5

The student successfully addresses all parts of the two-part prompt. The essay clearly presents a position ('I partly agree with this view') and discusses both the importance of formal learning and the necessity of play in primary school. Ideas are well developed and supported with relevant explanations and examples, such as 'mathematics games and spelling competitions'. The response maintains a clear position throughout and fulfils all requirements of the task. The arguments presented are coherent and directly answer the two questions posed in the prompt, demonstrating a strong understanding of what is required for an academic essay.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.5

The essay displays a clear logical organisation and progression throughout. Information and ideas are coherently linked using appropriate cohesive devices such as 'On the one hand', 'On the other hand', 'Moreover', and 'Therefore'. Paragraphing is used sufficiently and appropriately, with each paragraph focusing on a distinct aspect of the argument (introduction, formal learning, play, balancing both, and conclusion). Referencing is clear throughout the text. The flow from one idea to the next is smooth and easy to follow, representing a solid standard of cohesion characteristic of Band 7 performance.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.0

The student uses an adequate and sufficiently flexible range of vocabulary for the task. Words and phrases like 'essential', 'attention spans', 'coordination', and 'maintain a balance' demonstrate good control. There are some attempts at less common lexical items, and word choices are generally accurate. Spelling and word formation are correct throughout the text. While the vocabulary is not overly sophisticated or rare, it is precise enough to convey the intended meanings clearly without impeding communication, fitting comfortably within the Band 6.0 to 6.5 criteria.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 6.5

The essay demonstrates a good mix of simple and complex sentence forms. The writer uses conditional structures and dependent clauses effectively, such as 'However, if students spend most of their school day sitting in classrooms... they may become bored'. Grammatical accuracy is quite high; sentences like 'Through games and physical activities, children can improve their health' show good control of punctuation and syntax. There are very few grammatical errors in the text, and meaning is never obscured. This strong control and variety of sentence structures fully support a Band 7.0 score.

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

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