Band 6.5 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 6.5 · Cambridge IELTS 21 · 2026-09-24

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)

Although formal learning in primary schools is essential for children, there are other aspects that need to be focused on as well.

Admittedly, formal academic learning is necessary for a child to successfully advance to the next grade. The academic foundation needs to be strong enough for the child to have clear concepts relevant to their grade in order to be eligible to pass tests and exams.

However, formal learning should not be the sole purpose of primary schools. Play-time is equally important for the growth of a child for several reasons. First and foremost, playing with other children their age, they practically learn different concepts and skills in life which are appropriate to their age. For example, a student when plays with their classmates, they learn how to share the crayons their mother bought for them, which in future will turn into healthy personality traits like generosity. Playing with their mates also enhances their social skills. Students not only interact freely with their fellows during play-time, but also learn social concepts like trust, friendship, and helpfulness. Moreover, play-time in school boosts relaxation in young students. Relaxation is mainly essential for them to build a positive association. Having fun in school will directly result in them liking the space and wanting to come back the next day. In addition to that, play-time including physical activity is psychologically proven to refresh the brain resulting in better grades and task fulfilment throughout the year.

In conclusion, academic learning is indeed a very important part of a child's growth but so is playing. Both together can give better outcomes than just one alone.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 7.0

The response addresses both parts of the prompt: it considers the extent to which primary schools focus too much on formal learning and discusses the importance of play alongside learning. A clear position is maintained throughout the essay. Ideas are extended and supported, particularly in the body paragraph discussing play-time, where the student explains how sharing crayons builds generosity and how physical activity refreshes the brain. However, some arguments tend to over-generalize slightly or rely on somewhat basic examples. Overall, the task is well handled and meets the requirements for a Band 7 performance, as all parts of the prompt are addressed with clear supporting details.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 7.0

The essay displays a clear logical organization and progression throughout. Information and ideas are structured into appropriate paragraphs, moving from an introduction to academic necessity, followed by the benefits of play, and a concise conclusion. Cohesive devices such as 'Admittedly', 'However', 'First and foremost', 'Moreover', and 'In addition to that' are used to connect ideas, although some transitions feel slightly mechanical or repetitive in structure. Paragraphing is used sufficiently and appropriately to group related ideas together. Referencing is generally clear, allowing the reader to follow the argument effortlessly, supporting a solid Band 7 score.

Lexical Resource: Band 6.0

The student demonstrates an adequate range of vocabulary for the task, successfully attempting less common items such as 'personality traits', 'task fulfilment', and 'psychologically proven'. Word choice is generally appropriate, though there are minor inaccuracies and slight awkwardness in phrasing, such as 'a student when plays with their classmates' and 'boosts relaxation'. Spelling and word formation are accurate throughout, and communication is never impeded. While the vocabulary is sufficient to allow some flexibility and precision, it lacks the broader flexibility and more sophisticated control of uncommon lexical items required to reach Band 7, placing it firmly at Band 6.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 6.0

The writer uses a mix of simple and complex sentence forms, demonstrating a decent grasp of grammatical structures. Complex structures are attempted with varying success, such as conditional and participial clauses ('resulting in better grades and task fulfilment throughout the year'). There are some minor grammatical errors and awkward structures, notably 'a student when plays with their classmates, they learn', which exhibits a pronoun-antecedent clash. However, punctuation is generally sound and the errors do not impede communication. The control of grammar is consistent with a Band 6, featuring frequent error-free sentences alongside some recurring minor slips.

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

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