Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 5.5 · Cambridge IELTS 21 · 2026-09-25

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)

Most people of this current era accept that elementary schools pay more attention to a structured curriculum. I wholeheartedly disagree with this, as those schools that pay high attention just to studies can lead to mental stress and a loss of confidence among primary school students.

Firstly, I would say that elementary schools should have games along with studies. If they do not do that, learners feel bored with their studies, which ultimately causes mental stress. Moreover, the heavy burden of studies in primary schools can cause health issues. For example, if class periods are continuously conducted one after another, children cannot learn the knowledge that is given by the instructor. Furthermore, they think they are unable to solve the class exercises, which can cause mental health problems. Children do not perform their studies with an active mind, and they get low grades. In addition, when some fun activity is done during class time, it can reduce the stress of children, and they can easily find solutions to study problems actively.

On the other hand, if elementary schools add some games to their studies, children can get high grades in their studies. Games play an important role in school life. By playing games at school, children can reduce mental stress and enhance their physical and mental health. Through games, children can increase their mental stability to deal with life issues at a young age. When they play games with each other, they have a chance to communicate with one another, which builds confidence in their personalities, and then they can easily focus on their academics.

In conclusion, I would recommend that every school add some fun activities to their learning. This can prepare students to solve their problems on their own.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 5.5

The response addresses both parts of the prompt: whether primary schools focus too much on formal learning, and the importance of play in the classroom. However, the student's stance is slightly contradictory in the introduction. While the prompt asks 'To what extent do you agree with this opinion?', the student states 'I wholeheartedly disagree with this' before immediately arguing that a sole focus on studies leads to mental stress, which essentially aligns with the premise that there is too much formal learning. Ideas are relevant, such as mentioning mental stress and the benefits of communication, but they are somewhat repetitive and under-developed, particularly when discussing health issues and low grades without specific elaboration. The response meets the minimum length requirement, which is evaluated strictly as a non-issue. Overall, the task is addressed with a clear position regarding the necessity of play, placing it at a Band 6.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 5.5

The essay displays a coherent overall arrangement with clear paragraphing, including an introduction, two body paragraphs focusing on the need for play, and a concise conclusion. Logical progression is generally maintained, and basic cohesive devices are used to connect ideas, such as 'Firstly', 'Moreover', 'Furthermore', and 'On the other hand'. However, referencing and cohesion are sometimes mechanical or repetitive, such as the constant reliance on 'studies', 'games', and basic connectors. Paragraphing is used sufficiently and appropriately, but the links between sentences can feel slightly formulaic rather than smoothly integrated. This matches the descriptors for Band 6.

Lexical Resource: Band 5.5

The student uses an adequate range of vocabulary for the task, successfully communicating ideas about education, stress, and physical health. Words and phrases like 'elementary schools', 'mental stability', 'confidence in their personalities', and 'fun activities' demonstrate a functional grasp of English. However, there is a noticeable reliance on repetitive phrasing, particularly 'studies' and 'games', rather than demonstrating a flexible, wide range of less common lexical items. Word choice and collocation are occasionally awkward, such as 'pay high attention just to studies' instead of 'focus exclusively on academic subjects'. Spelling and word-form errors are minimal, allowing communication to proceed without hindrance, placing this at Band 6.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 5.5

The response demonstrates a mix of simple and complex sentence forms. The writer attempts various complex structures using conditional clauses (e.g., 'If they do not do that, learners feel bored...') and subordinate clauses (e.g., 'when some fun activity is done during class time...'). While there are frequent error-free sentences, some grammatical inaccuracies and awkward phrasings occur, such as 'children cannot learn the knowledge that is given by the instructor' or 'when they play games with each other, they have a chance to communicate with one another'. Punctuation is generally sound, and errors do not impede communication. This balance of mixed structures and occasional non-systematic errors fits the Band 6 descriptor well.

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

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