Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 5.5 · Cambridge IELTS 21 · 2026-09-23
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)
Educational institues should keep an equal balance between studies and physical activities among the students. Some individuals argue that schools primary objective is formal learning. I am agree with this view because this may affect learners physical and mental health; therefore I believe schools should prioritise children's outdoor activities and smart learning equally.
One major reason, is that these days some schools focus entirely on formal studies because they are still following previous teaching methods, such as, black boards.As a result, child is under pressure to learn everything on the same day, consequently affecting mental health od the children. Furthermore, there are no creative and physical activities involved in the classrooms which cause difficulty in understanding. Therefore, in my opinion, if schools approach advanced techniques of learning, it might help learners to develop interpersonal skills and improve their well-being.
On the other hand, physical activities and formal studies should be equally balanced among children because it will improve overall performance of the students and build their confidence level. For Example, playing for 1 hour everyday might help children to build stronger physical health and enhance their skills. In contrast, studies should not be neglected, which help in building a bright future for children. In addition, smart ways of teaching should be followed.
In conclusion, although studies play an important role in individual's life, outdoor activities should not be neglected. Therefore, i believe, an equal balance should be created between both of these and help learners to improve their overall physical and mental health.
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 5.5 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 5.5 |
| Lexical Resource | 5.5 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 5.5 |
| Overall | 5.5 |
Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 5.5
The candidate addresses all parts of the two-part prompt by discussing the balance between formal learning and physical activities, stating a clear position of agreement, and exploring the importance of play alongside study. However, the development of ideas is somewhat limited and repetitive. For instance, the statement 'I am agree with this view' introduces the stance, but the supporting arguments regarding mental health and teaching methods are briefly stated and could be extended further. Although all parts are addressed, the support tends to over-generalise without providing fully developed specific examples, placing this response at Band 6.0.
Coherence and Cohesion: Band 5.5
The response presents a coherent overall arrangement with a clear paragraph structure separating the introduction, body paragraphs, and conclusion. Cohesive devices are employed to signal transitions, such as 'One major reason', 'On the other hand', and 'In conclusion'. However, referencing and cohesion are occasionally faulty or mechanical. For example, 'consequently affecting mental health od the children' lacks smooth integration, and the transition 'In contrast, studies should not be neglected' does not logically contrast with the preceding sentence about playing for one hour. Paragraphing is used appropriately, but overall progression is sometimes hindered by abrupt shifts, earning a Band 6.0.
Lexical Resource: Band 5.5
The writer demonstrates an adequate range of vocabulary for the task, attempting less common lexical items such as 'interpersonal skills', 'well-being', and 'prioritise'. However, there are notable word-choice and spelling errors that detract from precision, such as 'institues' instead of 'institutes', 'schools primary objective' missing an apostrophe, and 'mental health od the children'. The phrase 'I am agree' contains a grammatical error embedded in the lexical structure. Despite these inaccuracies, communication is not impeded, and the vocabulary is sufficient to convey the intended meaning, corresponding to Band 6.0.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 5.5
The candidate uses a mix of simple and complex sentence forms, attempting subordination and conditional structures like 'if schools approach advanced techniques of learning, it might help learners...'. However, there are frequent grammatical errors throughout the text, including subject-verb agreement issues and prepositional or structural slips such as 'I am agree' (instead of 'I agree'), spelling errors ('institues'), and punctuation missteps. While complex structures are attempted, they often contain minor flaws. The frequency of these non-systematic errors places the grammatical performance solidly at the Band 5.5 level, as they occasionally cause the reader hesitation.
See this exact question answered at other band scores. The same prompt compared across bands.
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