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)

The topic that primary schools focus too much on formal learning is under debate from past many years, it is important as children learn new subjects in schools but along with it physical activities like playing is also of great importance for their physical growth. I'll discuss my opinion, reasons, and examples from my own experience below.

Primary school education is very essential for children learning and to build proper concepts of basic subjects like science and mathematics. Also primary schools involves writing practices which is also very crucial for their future life. Children learn how to read and write, also they get chance to interact with other fellows, it helps them to improve social behaviour, they learn how to react in different situation and learn basic manners.

On the other hand, while getting basic level of educational understanding it is also necessary for children to play during learning sessions because it nourishes their physical health and encourages sportsmanship. Additionally, while sitting for a long time it would become difficult for students to focus on studies as they get fed up. Small playing intervals help them to get mentally and physically refreshed and more focused than earlier. For instance, it is scientifically proven that when we remain in particular environment for a long time we wish to get rid of it because human nature wants change.

In conclusion, I agree with this opinion because playing is as much as important as learning to improve mental and physical health. According to my perspective, playing should be part of formal learning for better outcomes.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 5.5

The response addresses both parts of the prompt, discussing the extent of agreement regarding formal learning in primary schools and the importance of play alongside learning. The writer takes a clear position, stating that formal learning is essential for building basic concepts while play is equally crucial for physical growth and mental refreshment. However, some ideas remain slightly under-developed. For instance, the discussion on social behaviour and future life is somewhat generalised, and the supporting examples lean heavily on broad assertions rather than specific, well-crafted illustrations. To achieve a higher band, the student should expand further on how an over-emphasis on formal learning specifically impacts children, providing more concrete real-world examples to substantiate the arguments.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 5.5

The essay presents a coherent overall arrangement with a clear introduction and conclusion. Paragraphs are used to separate distinct ideas, such as the benefits of formal education versus the advantages of play. However, cohesion within and between sentences is sometimes mechanical or faulty. Phrases like 'On the other hand, while getting basic level...' show awkward transitions, and referencing is occasionally unclear, as seen with 'it' in 'it is important as children learn'. Furthermore, cohesive devices are somewhat repetitive, and paragraphing could be executed more effectively to group related sub-points more fluidly. Overall progression is present, but logical links require greater refinement to reach a higher descriptor level.

Lexical Resource: Band 5.5

The student demonstrates an adequate range of vocabulary for the task, successfully using terms such as 'physical activities', 'sportsmanship', 'social behaviour', and 'scientifically proven'. However, there are noticeable inaccuracies in word choice and collocation, such as 'from past many years' instead of 'for many years' and 'getting basic level of educational understanding'. Less common lexical items are attempted, but they often lack the precision and natural flow characteristic of higher bands. Spelling is generally accurate, but vocabulary limitations and occasional awkward phrasing place this response firmly in the Band 6 category.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 5.5

The essay displays a mix of simple and complex sentence forms. The writer attempts various structures, such as conditional and participial clauses like 'when we remain in particular environment for a long time'. However, there are frequent grammatical errors and punctuation lapses, including subject-verb agreement issues ('primary schools involves') and missing articles ('in particular environment'). While these errors do not seriously impede communication and the reader can easily follow the intended meaning, they recur throughout the text, preventing the response from achieving a Band 7 score, which requires frequent error-free sentences and tight grammatical control.

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