Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 5.5 · Cambridge IELTS 21 · 2026-09-27

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)

Some people believe that Primary schools pay too much attention on formal learning as compared to playing. In my opinion, learning with playing is significantly important at primary level because children are fully energetic at this stage and they need physical activities also.

On one hand, formal education of children at primary level is essential for their basic knowledge and skills. For example teaching mathematics at early level can make their concepts more clear and help them to compare problems with everyday life in future. Formal teaching not only develop their skill of understanding but also make them disciplined. children who have lack of concepts at primary level face difficulty at coming academic levels.

On the other hand, excessive learning can develop certain pressure on their mind. due to which they will not perform well in studies. At early level, children need playing opportunities that help them to build creativity, communication andproblem solving skills. for example group games require children to share ideas and cooperate. Playing outdoor games are necessary for their growing bones and height. In imaginative games, children can think independently and respond confidently.

In conclusion, i agree that only formal learning is not enough for children at prmary level. Playing is substantially important for their growth. Children can have balanced school learning in which learning with playing ideas should also be initiated.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 5.5

The response addresses both parts of the prompt, discussing whether primary schools focus too much on formal learning and explaining the importance of play alongside learning. You establish a clear position from the outset, stating that learning combined with play is significantly important. The ideas are relevant and supported by logical arguments, such as the benefits of formal teaching for discipline and foundational concepts, contrasted with play fostering creativity, communication, and physical health. However, the task achievement is constrained because the response is under-length, containing 225 words compared to the required 250-word minimum. This results in some ideas, particularly the conclusion and the elaboration on both prompts, being slightly compressed and under-developed. Consequently, the descriptor for Band 6 is most appropriate here, as all parts are addressed though some aspects feel underdeveloped due to the length limitation.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 5.5

The essay displays a coherent overall arrangement with a clear paragraph-by-paragraph structure. You make effective use of standard signposting phrases such as 'On one hand', 'On the other hand', and 'In conclusion' to signal the logical progression of your arguments. Paragraphing is used appropriately to separate distinct themes, moving from an introduction to formal learning, then to play, and finally to a concluding summary. Within paragraphs, referencing and cohesive devices are generally manageable, although some transitions feel slightly mechanical. For instance, linking ideas could be smoother without relying heavily on formulaic connectors. While referencing is mostly clear, a few pronouns lack precise antecedents. Overall, the organization is logical and easy to follow, aligning well with the Band 6 descriptor where the arrangement is coherent despite some occasional awkwardness in cohesion.

Lexical Resource: Band 5.5

Your vocabulary is adequate for the task, allowing you to convey your message clearly. You successfully attempt some less common lexical items, such as 'significantly important', 'foundational', and 'imaginative games'. However, there are notable limitations and inaccuracies in word choice and collocation. For example, writing 'pay too much attention on' instead of 'pay too much attention to', or 'develop certain pressure on their mind' rather than 'place pressure on children'. Additionally, there are multiple lower-case capitalization errors at the beginning of sentences (e.g., 'children who have lack...') and a spelling error ('prmary'). These lexical shortcomings and inaccuracies point directly to the Band 6 descriptor, where an adequate range is shown alongside noticeable errors that do not severely impede communication.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 5.5

You demonstrate a mix of simple and complex sentence structures throughout the essay, utilizing clauses such as 'because children are fully energetic at this stage' and 'which help them to build creativity'. There are, however, frequent grammatical errors, particularly regarding articles, subject-verb agreement, and punctuation. For instance, you wrote 'teaching mathematics at early level' missing the article 'an' before 'early level', and 'Playing outdoor games are necessary' where the plural subject requires a singular verb structure or better phrasing (e.g., 'Playing outdoor games is necessary'). Capitalization rules are also frequently overlooked at the start of sentences. These errors indicate a lack of careful proofreading. Because your sentences successfully communicate meaning despite frequent errors in complex structures, this performance fits the Band 6 descriptor.

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

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