Band 6.5 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 6.5 · 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 6.5)

Many people argue that early childhood educational institutions place excessive emphasis on structured academic learning. I firmly agree with this view and believe that early schooling relies too heavily on desk-bound instruction. Furthermore, it is of paramount importance for children to engage in constructive play, as this enables them to acquire essential practical life skills. To begin with, elementary schooling over-prioritises structured learning. In formal learning settings, young students are predominantly required to remain stationary and passive. For instance, children remain seated at individual desks rather than moving around, conducting hands-on experiments, or engaging in physical activities. Expecting young learners to sit quietly for long periods to absorb abstract instructions limits their physical and cognitive engagement. Consequently, early childhood education relies far too heavily on conventional, desk-bound teaching methods. On the other hand, incorporating play alongside academic learning is essential for developing real-world capabilities. Interactive and team-based games, for example, teach children critical traits such as leadership, decision-making, and time management. When involved in structured group activities, children are required to complete tasks within specified timeframes, which instils effective workload prioritisation and time-management habits from a young age. This is precisely why integrating co-curricular activities alongside traditional coursework is indispensable for equipping children with practical skills. In conclusion, I firmly agree that primary education relies too heavily on rigid, formal instruction. Integrating play-based activities alongside academic study is crucial, as it equips young children with the practical and social skills necessary for well-rounded development.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 5.5

The response addresses all parts of the task by clearly stating a position on formal primary education and exploring the importance of play. The writer agrees that primary schools focus too much on formal learning and argues effectively for the inclusion of play. Ideas are extended with relevant examples, such as mentioning leadership, decision-making, and time management. However, there is a minor penalty applied because the response falls slightly short of the 250-word minimum, containing 244 words. Despite this brief under-length issue, the task is otherwise well covered with a clear, developed position throughout, aligning well with the Band 6.5 or 7 descriptor, though constrained to a 6.0 due to the length penalty.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 6.5

The response demonstrates a clear logical organisation and progression throughout. Information and ideas are coherently linked using appropriate cohesive devices such as 'To begin with', 'For instance', 'On the other hand', and 'In conclusion'. Paragraphing is used sufficiently and appropriately, with each paragraph focusing on a distinct central topic, moving smoothly from the introduction to the arguments and final conclusion. Referencing is clear and referencing words are managed well. The overall structural arrangement ensures smooth readability from start to finish.

Lexical Resource: Band 6.5

The writer displays a sufficient range of vocabulary with some flexibility and precision, successfully using less common items and academic collocations such as 'paramount importance', 'desk-bound instruction', 'over-prioritises', and 'indispensable'. Word choices are generally natural and appropriate for an academic context, as seen in phrases like 'cognitive engagement' and 'well-rounded development'. There are no significant spelling or word-choice errors that impede communication. The lexical range easily satisfies the requirements for a Band 7 performance.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 6.5

The text features a good variety of complex structures and dependent clauses, such as 'When involved in structured group activities, children are required to complete tasks within specified timeframes...'. There is good control of grammar and punctuation throughout, with a high proportion of error-free sentences. The student handles conditional, participial, and relative clauses accurately. While a few minor stylistic imperfections might exist, the grammatical control is strong and consistent, fitting comfortably within the Band 7 descriptor criteria.

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